In the December 7, 2025 edition of 60 Minutes, correspondent Jon Wertheim takes viewers to the heart of Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux, often referred to as “Watch Valley.” This picturesque region in the Jura Mountains is home to some of the world’s most prestigious mechanical watchmakers. In an era defined by digital screens and smart devices, Wertheim’s segment offers a glimpse into a world where precision, patience, and tradition still define the craft. As the global market shifts, luxury watchmakers are holding firm—powered not by batteries, but by springs, gears, and generations of expertise.
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A Valley Rooted in Tradition
Nestled in western Switzerland, the Vallée de Joux has been a center for horological innovation since the 18th century. The segment opens with sweeping views of the snow-covered valley, where master craftsmen and women still assemble watches by hand, some of which take months to complete. Wertheim explores how this quiet region became the epicenter of high-end mechanical timepieces, producing watches that sell for tens of thousands of dollars—and sometimes much more.
What makes this place extraordinary isn’t just the scenery, but the intergenerational commitment to precision. Many of the watchmakers interviewed come from families who have worked in the trade for centuries. Their knowledge is passed down not just through instruction, but through countless hours spent perfecting the most intricate movements ever made.
Mechanical Timepieces in the Digital Age
As smartwatches and mobile devices have changed how people tell time, mechanical watches have remained resilient in surprising ways. Wertheim highlights how the luxury market has evolved to embrace mechanical watches not for their practicality, but for their artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship. In a world obsessed with speed and convenience, these timepieces offer something rare—slowness, complexity, and physical beauty.
Despite the rise of digital technology, sales of luxury mechanical watches continue to grow. Collectors view them as investments, while others see them as wearable symbols of identity. In the segment, Wertheim speaks to industry executives who explain how their brands have adapted marketing strategies without compromising the handmade ethos that defines their products.
Global Headwinds: Tariffs and Trade Challenges
The segment also examines the geopolitical forces shaping the industry. The Swiss watch market has faced challenges from global tariffs, particularly during President Trump’s administration, when U.S. imports of Swiss watches were hit with increased duties. Wertheim outlines how these trade tensions affected sales and manufacturing schedules, forcing brands to re-strategize for key markets.
Yet despite these obstacles, many companies in Watch Valley remained committed to local production. The story showcases how small-batch manufacturing and localized supply chains allowed some brands to weather uncertainty better than mass-market producers. Even with pressure to modernize, the industry’s most iconic names have remained rooted in tradition.
Inside the Watchmaker’s Studio
One of the most compelling aspects of the segment is Wertheim’s visit inside the studios where these timepieces are made. Viewers see close-ups of microscopic gears, hand-polished cases, and tools that have been used for generations. Wertheim speaks with artisans who liken their work to sculpture or classical music—disciplines that demand patience, rhythm, and passion.
These moments capture the intangible qualities that define mechanical watches. Far from being obsolete, they are presented as living artifacts, embodying the skill and devotion of their makers. Wertheim’s interviews reveal a deep sense of pride among those in the valley, where perfection isn’t an aspiration—it’s the standard.
The Enduring Allure of the Analog
“Watch Valley” offers more than a look at luxury goods. It’s a meditation on the enduring appeal of analog craftsmanship in a digital world. In an age when time is often digitized, automated, and compressed, the segment reminds viewers that there is still immense value in things made slowly, carefully, and beautifully by human hands.
As Wertheim concludes, Switzerland’s Watch Valley stands as a symbol of resilience and refinement. In a fast-changing world, these artisans continue to craft masterpieces that keep ticking—not just as instruments of time, but as expressions of timeless human ingenuity.
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