What Makes a Good Watch?

Simple. Style, quality of finish, materials used, craftsmanship and heritage.

Swiss watches have long been the gold standard in the world of horology. From the bustling workshops of Geneva to the quiet valleys of Jura, the term “Swiss Made” evokes images of precision, luxury, and timeless elegance. But what exactly makes a good Swiss watch? Why do collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals alike invest in these timepieces? Let’s break it down.

Quality and Craftsmanship

At the heart of every good Swiss watch is an uncompromising commitment to quality. Many Swiss watch brands boast legacies that span centuries. Houses like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet have been perfecting their art since the 18th and 19th centuries, and these lessons have spread across the Swiss watch manufacturing sector.

This commitment to quality is backed up by laws that control what a ‘Swiss made’ watch really means. These laws ensure that the quality and craftsmanship that has been honed over many years, remains robust. Here’s a reference to the official industry ordinance governing Swiss made watches

Precision and Accuracy

Swiss watches are renowned for their timekeeping accuracy.

Mechanical movements, especially chronometers certified by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), are tested under extreme conditions to ensure consistent performance. These are intricate and often delicate pieces of compact machinery where precision means a lot. Mechanical movements are complex and even the best do lose time (between 1-4 seconds a day for the best).

Just like the Swiss automatic movements, Swiss Quartz movements also offer exceptional value. Makers like Ronda (movement used in the Focke Wulf Quartz collection) offer superior accuracy and reliability at lower cost.

Swiss timepieces are not just beautiful—they’re reliable, dependable and robust. Many models meet strict standards for precision, and high-end pieces are built to last generations.

Materials and Durability

The materials used in a good Swiss watch reflect both quality and purpose. Sapphire crystal, K1 mineral glass, high grade stainless steel, polished chrome, high quality leather straps and sometimes ceramic, gold, and platinum are common in Swiss timepieces. This is not purely for aesthetics, but for durability and resistance to scratches, corrosion, and general wear and tear.

Moreover, Swiss watches are often water-resistant and shock-tested, making them not just elegant, but functional tools built to endure.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

All of this sits below the surface. What sits on top, what delights the eye and draws you to check the time over and over again, is how it looks. The design of a Swiss watch is where art meets engineering. Whether it’s the minimalist refinement of the Focke Wulf Condor dress watch or the bold complexity of a Würger Series Chronograph, design plays a pivotal role.

Swiss watches strike a balance between elegance and identity—subtle details like dial texture, hand shape, bezel style, or case back engravings all contribute to a watch’s character.

A good Swiss watch isn’t just well-made—it’s thoughtfully designed. It reflects the wearer’s personality and lifestyle, often becoming a statement piece.

Why Focke Wulf?

Focke Wulf was primarily an aviation company, designing and building some of the most iconic aircraft of the early and mid 20th century. Aviation is part of their DNA. This heritage and connection to aviation (both civilian and military) means that the brand The brand pays homage to this legacy by designing watches that embody the spirit of flight, the daring of combat, precision, and engineering excellence.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Timepiece

A good Swiss watch is much more than a device that tells time. It’s a story—of heritage, innovation, artistry, and enduring value. Whether you're buying your first Swiss watch or adding to a growing collection, the right timepiece is an investment not only in function but in beauty, craftsmanship, and legacy. Buying a Swiss watch is an act of treating yourself to the best.

Explore the Focke Wulf collection