⏱ 1 min read
Background
The watch industry has shaped Biel for more than 150 years. At the start of the 20th century, more than half of Biel's population lived from it directly or indirectly, around 15,000 people.
The key points
The city of Biel is launching the project "Biel, watchmaking city", with the Society for Art History in Switzerland and the Nouveau Musée Bienne (NMB). It showcases the history and built heritage linked to watchmaking.
The project includes a printed guide, a website with an interactive map and QR codes placed on buildings. The city model at the NMB is animated to show the influence of watchmaking.
Key figures
- People living from watchmaking at the start of the 20th century: around 15,000.
- Share of women in the watchmaking workforce: one third in 1870, more than half in 1970.
- Watchmaking roots in Biel: more than 150 years.
Who says what
Historian Florian Eitel, co-author of the guide with architect Andrzej Rulkal, highlights the attention paid to women, many of whom came from Spain and Italy.
Mayor Glenda Gonzalez Bassi notes that the city previously had no overview of Biel's watchmaking. In her view, watchmaking represents Biel's past and future.
What's next
The QR codes will gradually be placed on buildings linked to watchmaking history. They will lead to historical and architectural information.
Further reading
Sources
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