To coincide with Baselworld, this special issue of Swiss News is a celebration of all things horological. Switzerland’s watchmakers are household names around the globe. Their timepieces are the Alpine nation’s third largest export, and arguably one of its finest overseas ambassadors: nothing better encapsulates the Swiss passion for quality, innovation and attention to detail.

Yet, in the 1970s and 1980s, the industry was in terminal decline in Switzerland. Nicolas Hayek is the man we can thank for its rescue. The Swiss-Lebanese businessman revolutionised watch manufacturing, and enabled Swiss watchmakers to hold their own against growing competition from Asia. Nowadays, the founder’s son, Nick Hayek has filled his father’s shoes as CEO of the Swatch Group. On page 8, Swiss News catches up with him to find out what makes him ‘tick’.

Meanwhile, still on a horological theme, we meet some icons of the Swiss watch industry. Although the companies, Türler, De Bethune and Jordi couldn’t be more different, they all have one thing in common: passion. Find out more on pages 10, 14 and 54.

Passion is also the driving force behind a very unusual daredevil. Yves Rossy – Switzerland’s own Jetman – takes to the skies with homemade wings on page 20. In contrast, Swiss modelling legend Nadine Strittmatter owes much of her success to keeping her feet on terra firma. On page 24, she looks back over her career – and reveals her passion for acting.

Finally, I thought it appropriate to choose an issue dedicated to watches and time, to inform you that my own time on the Swiss News editorial team is coming to an end. After two hugely enjoyable years, I have decided to be the ‘master of my own time’ and stand down as Associate Editor to fully focus on writing and journalism. You can still catch my automotive column each month – plus, I have several stories planned for future issues. So rather than goodbye, I will say…


Auf Wiedersehen and au revoir!



Matthew Beattie
Associate Editor

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