These watches cost more than a home. This is how master craftspeople make them in Switzerland.

In the picturesque Swiss Alps, master watchmakers craft timepieces that are as much a work of art as they are functional. For Philippe Dufour's 24-year-old daughter Danièla, who has grown up watching her father meticulously assemble each intricate mechanism by hand, making such high-end watches is more than just a job - it's an obsession.

"I can see the magic operating when my father is at his workbench," she says. "And then you see the heart of the watch beating for the first time and you understand that he just created life, and you want to do the same thing." The process, which can take over two years to complete and involves around 2,000 hours of craftsmanship, is a labor of love that has led to some truly remarkable creations.

Dufour's workshop, nestled in the Vallée de Joux valley about an hour north of Geneva, is a testament to the region's rich watchmaking heritage. For centuries, local farmers have been tinkering with timepieces as a side hustle during harsh winters, and today Swiss watches account for a staggering 50% of the market's overall value.

But the journey to owning one of these exquisite timepieces can be long and arduous. Customers often languish on waitlists, sometimes for years, before getting their hands on a watch from some brands. It's a testament to the desirability and exclusivity that comes with owning a piece of horological art.

One such brand is Jaeger LeCoultre, which has been around for nearly two centuries. The company's workshop in Vallée de Joux is where some of the most intricate mechanical timepieces are crafted, including the iconic Reverso model. Workers at Jaeger LeCoultre spend hundreds of hours perfecting each watch, and even the simplest components require an almost surgical precision.

The art of watchmaking has become a luxury industry, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. For some brands, such as Max Büsser's cult label MB&F, the focus is on pushing the boundaries of horological innovation rather than simply creating beautiful timepieces.

"I believe watchmaking is art," says Büsser. "It's not just about telling time - it's about craftsmanship and attention to detail." His company has become synonymous with high-end mechanical watches, with pieces that feature components as small as poppy seeds.

In a world where technology has made watches more accessible and affordable, the traditional Swiss watchmakers are clinging to their heritage and tradition. For Dufour and her family, it's not just about making a living - it's about preserving a way of life that has been passed down through generations.

Ugh, rich people and their love for fancy watches . Like, I get it, the craftsmanship is impressive and all that jazz, but let's be real, it's just a time-telling device... for like, $10 million? . Can you imagine how weird it must be to have so much money and not know what to do with it . I mean, Danièla Dufour's dad is basically making these masterpieces because he wants to leave behind a legacy, but what about the people who actually need help or could use that kind of skill? Anyway, back to the watches... has anyone else noticed how they're all just fancy paperweights on strings now? . Give me a functional smartwatch any day .

I mean, can you even believe how long it takes to make one of these watches? 2,000 hours is crazy! And the craftsmanship that goes into each piece is insane. I've seen videos of watchmakers soldering tiny parts together by hand... mind-blowing . It's no wonder they're so exclusive and expensive - every hour, every detail, counts. The attention to detail is what makes a Swiss watch truly special. But at the same time, it's hard not to feel a little frustrated when customers are waiting years for their watch... perhaps there's a way to balance tradition with accessibility?

I don’t usually comment but... I think it’s crazy how much time and effort goes into making one watch . Like, 2,000 hours is insane! And the prices to match? Yeah, they're definitely out of my league . But you know what's even crazier? How these artisans are keeping a dying craft alive in an era where mass production is king . I mean, we all know the benefits of tech and automation, but sometimes I think we forget about the value in human touch and craftsmanship . Anyway, gotta respect Dufour's dedication to preserving this ancient art form

I'm obsessed with those intricate mechanical timepieces . I mean, can you believe they spend like 2 years and 2k hours crafting each one? It's insane! The attention to detail is insane, and it's clear why these watches are so exclusive - people are willing to wait for years just to get their hands on one .

I love how the watchmaking industry has become this luxury thing, with prices going into millions . But at the same time, I think it's cool that brands like MB&F are pushing the boundaries of innovation . It's not just about making pretty watches - it's about crafting something truly unique.

And can we talk about how gorgeous these Swiss Alps watchmakers' workshops look? Like, they're basically work of art in themselves! I feel like I'd be so happy working on intricate timepieces all day . It's clear why Danièla wants to follow in her dad's footsteps - she must be super talented !

I'm loving this story . It's like, can you imagine spending 2,000 hours on something? That's dedication! And to think, the watches they make are not just functional, but work of art too . I mean, who needs a fancy smartphone when you have a beautiful mechanical watch that tells time and sparks joy? It's all about appreciating the little things in life, right? Plus, the fact that these brands are still preserving traditional craftsmanship is just amazing . It's like they're keeping a piece of history alive . And let's be real, who wouldn't want to own a piece of horological art that's worth tens of thousands of dollars ?

The idea that watchmaking has become an art form is pretty cool . I mean, you gotta respect the craftsmanship that goes into creating these timepieces, especially when they're handmade and take years to finish. It's like, yes, watches can be super functional, but they're also beautiful objects that require a lot of skill and patience to make.

I think it's interesting how some brands are pushing the boundaries of innovation in watchmaking, like Max Büsser's MB&F . But at the same time, there's something to be said for preserving traditional techniques and craftsmanship . For me, it's all about appreciating the process and the people behind these beautiful objects, rather than just being drawn to their price tags .

omg u gotta understand why swiss watches r still the best thing ever like, its not just about telling time, its an art form, right? i mean, think about it, 2k hours of craftsmanship goes into one watch lol that's like making a whole movie, and people are willing to wait yrs for one its like they're investing in a piece of history. and dont even get me started on the intricate mechanisms, its like, wow! poppy seeds small components? what kinda magic r they doing there

The watchmaking industry in Switzerland is like our country's automotive sector - all about preserving the past while innovating for the future . I mean, think about it, these luxury watches are not just time-telling devices, they're masterpieces of craftsmanship and artistry. It's no wonder people will wait years to get their hands on one.

But let's talk about the economics of this industry. 50% of the market's value being held by Swiss watches is like our country's dominance in the global economy - it's a testament to our skill and expertise . But what about the rest of us? Can't we have affordable timepieces that don't break the bank?

And then there's the innovation aspect. I mean, who needs to be confined to traditional watchmaking when you can push the boundaries like Max Büsser's MB&F? It's like our politicians trying to shake things up in Ottawa . But will they really make a difference or just keep us waiting for years?

The key issue here is that the luxury watch industry is all about exclusivity, which is like our country's system of trickle-down economics - it benefits some at the top, but leaves many of us behind . We need to find a balance between preserving our heritage and making these incredible timepieces more accessible to everyone.

I mean, come on, 2 years to make one watch? That's insane! It's like they're trying to justify the price tag or something . I get it, craftsmanship and all that jazz, but can't they just speed up the process a bit? Or use some new tech to help them out? The waiting game is so frustrating for customers. And what's with the "art" thing? It's just a watch, guys! I mean, I know it's supposed to be beautiful and all that, but at the end of the day, it's still just a time-telling device.

The world of high-end watches is truly fascinating! I mean, have you ever stopped to think about the level of craftsmanship that goes into creating one of these timepieces? It's like nothing else out there - every single component, from the intricate mechanical parts to the beautiful artwork on the dial, has to be done by hand. And we're talking hours, days, maybe even years of work just to get a single watch right! For Danièla Dufour, it's not just about making watches, it's about preserving a way of life that's been passed down through generations. She's grown up watching her dad work his magic at the workbench, and now she wants to create the same kind of art.

I think what I love most about this industry is the attention to detail - every single part has to be perfect, from the smallest screw to the largest gear. And it's not just about creating a functional timepiece, but also a work of art that's meant to last for centuries. The prices may seem crazy, but when you think about all the hours of craftsmanship that go into each watch, I get why people are willing to shell out tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The beauty of traditional Swiss watchmaking is that it's still an industry where innovation and artistry come together to create something truly unique. Brands like Jaeger LeCoultre and MB&F are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with mechanical watches, while still honoring the traditions of their ancestors. It's a testament to the power of human craftsmanship and creativity.