Claude Bernard Women's 31211 37J AID Classic Ladies Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch

In the mid-16th century, the 27-yearold Frenchman John Calvin broke with the Roman Catholic Church and fled to Geneva, Switzerland. Numerous French Huguenots followed him.

As a result of religious policies Calvin banned all jewelry, such as beads, bracelets, gold and gemstones.

Consequently, goldsmiths and jewelers were forced to turn to a new craft - watchmaking. It was the perfect thing to do for these highly skilled artisans.

Many of them moved north from Geneva and master mechanic Claude Bernard was one of them.

He discovered the gorgeous, almost divine, high-plateau in the midst of the Jura headlands, a secluded mountain-range along the French border.

As a tribute to his hometown Geneva (French Genève) he called this charming hideout “Les Genevez”.

Most of the year Claude Bernard, like most of his companions, farmed to feed himself and his family.

But during the long and harsh winter months, when the landscapes vanished under heavy snow and the brooks were covered with ice, Claude and his fellow craftsmen created watch masterpieces.