Stephen Foskett | Source | Freelance Writer at Europa Star

Two revolutionary technologies emerged nearly simultaneously in 1933. Nivarox and Incabloc addressed the key shortcomings of watches in daily use: accuracy and durability. Both were created by colourful engineers, and they reflected the transformation of the Swiss watch industry and materials science. Let's take a closer look at these vintage technologies – created 90 years ago – that are still with us today!

It has often been said that the Swatch saved the Swiss watch industry, and March 1, 2023 marks 40 years since its introduction. Although this view is mostly accurate, a look at the contemporary coverage in the Europa Star archives reveals some interesting details about the initial reaction and lasting legacy of this affordable Swiss watch. It received surprisingly little coverage for the first few years of its life, but the Swatch was recognized even then as a technical and marketing milestone.

Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, died on March 24, 2023. Although many touching tributes are currently being published to this titan of the technology industry, most overlook what Moore himself called his greatest mistake: Intel's attempt to corner the digital watch business. Intel bought Microma, a hot Silicon Valley startup, in 1972 but gave up the business just six years later. Moore continued to wear his "$15 million watch" for decades as a reminder of this failure - and to stay out of consumer products!