Why do watchmakers flock to colder climates?

Q: Why do watchmakers flock to colder climates?

When it comes to countries that produce mechanical watches, Switzerland is undoubtedly the most famous. Other countries include Germany and even Russia. Furthermore, within these countries, watch manufacturing bases are often located in particularly cold regions, such as the Tohoku region of Japan. Why are watch factories concentrated in cold regions?

A: Because there is less humidity.

　Watches are now produced all over the world. Not only in Switzerland, Japan, Germany, China, and Russia, but also in India and Thailand. However, watch production is still concentrated in a few regions. Why is there such a bias in watch production locations?

　The main reason watch manufacturers are concentrated in places like the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland and Tohoku, Japan, is because of the cold and dry climate. Before air conditioning became widespread, companies had to be very careful about storing watch parts. Even if they made precision parts, they would quickly rust in a humid environment due to the watchmaker's sweat. This has a significant impact on small watches, leaving aside clocks made up of large parts. Of course, the educational level of a country or region and the qualities of the people in that area are important, but preventing rust is paramount. This is a major reason why watch manufacturers flocked to cold regions.

The spread of air conditioning made watchmaking possible around the world

　However, as a result of the widespread use of air conditioning, it has become easier to set up watch-related factories in hot and humid regions. It is an undeniable fact that the spread of air conditioning is a factor in the spread of factories making precision parts and products around the world, not just in the watch industry. If we think that the environment is no longer a factor in watchmaking, we may soon see luxury watches made in South Africa or Senegal, for example.