Swatch Group Founder Nicolas Hayek Dies: Ends Era Of Watch Making Rebirth

Swatch death1 Swatch Group Founder Nicolas Hayek Dies: Ends Era Of Watch Making Rebirth

A sad day yesterday (June 28, 2010) in the watch world. The most notable figure in the world of Swiss watches died. Nicolas Hayek died suddenly while he was in his office at work of heart failure. He was 82 years old, and worked diligently until his last moments - doing what he loved. We should all be so lucky. He saved the Swiss watch industry in the 1980s, and carried it through to today. His legacy is massive, and his current work was to further protect and devise ways to invigorate his beloved industry. A genius, no person can fill his shoes. No one can further his work in the same way. He was the father of the modern horology scene as we know it. Only time will tell how things will proceed without his guidance and learned (though often unorthodox) views and methods.

Read more in my notice on Nicolas Hayek's passing here on Luxist.com.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.


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I think Mr. Hayek was indeed a significant player in the re-birth of the Swiss watch industry. I however, did not agree with some of his somewhat predatory policies and sheer attempts at market control in a monopolistic style.

It will be interesting to see if his off spring will be able to carry on his legacy, work and vision.

There is a good article that came out today in a Swiss publication basically stating the following question... Will the Swiss watch industry be able to weather the next "crisis" without Nicolas Hayek present?

That is the big question to be answered.

Wow. What a blow, and such a shame. The first watch I ever owned was a swatch, and I'm sure many others will line up to say the same. Most recently, I ran to buy the entire "Sporty Friends" line - I'm a proud Canadian and felt these pieces were and excellent way to remember the most successful Winter Games in history.
Glad I got them now, I'm sure they will immediately become highly sought, which in itself is a shame that it takes the death of an icon to make something so highly desired.

SWATCH what an icon.
I had SWATCH hoodies, umbrellas, t-shirts, and of course watches.

My first was bought at Expo 86 in Vancouver at the Swiss pavillion; 75$ CDN.

Most expensive watch that I had ever owned.

A steal at twice the price, as an article in the local newspapers said at the time, SWATCH had trouble making the 'official Expo 86' watch and to fulfil their contract they had to sell them below cost. Probably one of the only SWATCH watches that could be repaired.

And I still have it; case and instruction/warranty papers; it wasn't my last.

I have four in the collection right now, and still have the umbrella.

My nan bought me a swatch from the Expo '86' it was mainly blue and yellow with different coloured shapes that moved around the outside edge. Never seen another one, though being in the UK I'm not surprised.
Mine got half inched from school when I was 15.
Do you have a pic?