How did Besançon become the French capital of clockmaking?

The history of clockmaking in Besançon began in the late 18th century when Swiss artisans established their first workshops in the city, with Laurent Mégevand credited for this establishment. Local residents soon adopted the trade, transforming Besançon into the recognized French capital of clockmaking by 1860, a status bolstered by brands like Yema. Despite facing multiple economic crises and industrial shifts through the 20th century, the city retained a legacy of notable watchmaking institutions and factories.

What we know

• Swiss clockmakers set up their first workshops in Besançon at the end of the 18th century, and Laurent Mégevand is credited with establishing the industry in the city. [2]
• Besançon was definitively transformed into the French capital of clockmaking at the 1860 International Exhibition held in Place Labourey. [2]
• By 1880, the city produced up to 90% of all French watches. [2]
• The French watchmaking company Yema was founded and based in Besançon, designing watches for diving, motor racing, space exploration, and sailing. [2, 3]

Where to go next

• whoWho was Laurent Mégevand?
• a case in pointWhat was the Lip watch company labor dispute?
• how it workedHow do modern clockmakers repair antique timepieces?
• what caused itWhat caused the 1970s watch industry crisis?
• whereWhere is the Musée du Temps located?
• an unexpected connectionHow are Swiss luxury watchmakers connected to French industrial towns?While Swiss makers like Zenith developed in places like Le Locle, Swiss clockmakers also crossed the border to establish the foundational workshops in French manufacturing hubs like Besançon.

Sources

• [1]History of clockmaking in Besançon (Wikidata Q3136986) · CC0 1.0
• [2]History of clockmaking in Besançon · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Yema (watchmaker) · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Clockmaker · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Zenith (watchmaker) · CC BY-SA 4.0