A fine tradition of craftsmanship can be found in countless small villages and towns found in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. The Jura region was renowned for its artisanal watchmakers who handcrafted beautiful timepieces for most of a century. ABB and Oerlikon, which is named after a suburb of Zurich, have machined sophisticated products, ranging from electrical transformers to accurate rifles and world-renowned anti-aircraft guns. The tradition has led to the development of two famous products. There is no doubt that the world is familiar with the Swiss Army Knife, which is an instantly recognizable item. Secondly, the Swiss Army Watch is produced by the same companies that make the renowned knives.

Military watches are designed for rugged individuals who place more emphasis on function than style. Watches like these are not ugly, it’s just that they don’t look good. There is no doubt that they can be very handsome. The only difference is that they are designed with reliability in mind first and foremost. There are many other similarities between watches and knives. Each is designed to serve a practical purpose. The materials used in both are of high quality and are manufactured to exacting specifications and tolerances. Each is built to last a lifetime.

In Switzerland, you will easily be able to find them. The average Zurich store sells an army knife or a timepiece every other minute. The main railway station even has a store that sells them. It is even possible to purchase watch and pocketknife gift sets in a lovely gift box. However, if you want to avoid counterfeits, it can be a little more difficult to get them elsewhere. Be cautious about online advertisements offering very cheap replicas because they are not made to the same standard as the real thing. Authenticity can be confirmed by checking for certificates and other markings of authenticity, as well as finding an authorised dealer.