WWII Slows Watch Sales

 By Bruce Shawkey

Swiss watch companies had to make some drastic changes during WWII. Europe was embroiled in a war as was the United States. Markets in those countries were essentially closed, save for Ordnance goods such as military watches, bomb timers, etc.  Swiss watch companies had to find new markets to keep their people employed. One key market during WWII was Latin America. Countries there were not directly involved in in the war, so consumer and luxury goods could be safely shipped there. Below are some advertisements from a Latin America trade magazine showing how watch companies and their authorized dealers were attempting to drum up business, even as much of the world was at war.

Certina

Angelus                         Election         Jaeger LeCoultre                           Omega

Vulcain

Rodana                                                                                Roamer

Universal