In the Service of Time: The Short History of Horology and Watchmaking in Slovakia

Watchmaking has always united precision, patience, and artistry.

In Slovakia, it carries a long and fascinating legacy — from medieval masters of Pressburg to modern brands finding their voice in the global world of horology.

Medieval Origins

The earliest records of watchmakers in Bratislava (then Pressburg) date back to the early 14th century.

At that time, craftsmen dealing with clocks and timekeeping were usually part of guilds shared with locksmiths and metalworkers.

In 1776, during the reforms of Empress Maria Theresa, the Pressburg watchmakers received independent guild statutes, formally recognizing watchmaking as a craft of its own. From then on, masters of time were officially regarded as artisans of precision whose work measured the rhythm of everyday life.

The Golden Age: 16th – 18th Centuries

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, watchmaking flourished.

Bratislava became a significant center of trade and craftsmanship, and with it grew the reputation of its local masters.

Watchmakers maintained public tower clocks, town mechanisms, and church timepieces — some of which can still be admired today.

Among the curiosities of Slovak horology is the clock mechanism in Banská Štiavnica, known for its reversed hands — a playful 18th-century quirk where the longer hand shows hours and the shorter one minutes.

The 19th Century – From Towers to Estates

As industrial progress spread, tower clocks appeared across Slovak towns, churches, and noble estates.

These mechanical marvels symbolized both precision and prestige — from the castles of central Slovakia to the town halls of the north.

Many were later modernized with electric winding systems, preserving their 19th-century craftsmanship while adapting to 20th-century technology.

The 20th Century – From Towers to Wristwatches

After the formation of Czechoslovakia, watchmaking evolved.

Artisans shifted focus from tower mechanisms to smaller timepieces — wristwatches and pocket watches — and independent workshops emerged in Bratislava, Nitra, Trenčín, and Košice.

One of the respected masters was František Prešinský of Nitra, who trained younger watchmakers and became known for his precision in repairing Swiss movements.

A Craft in Crisis

Today, Slovak watchmaking faces a severe shortage of trained professionals.

Public interest in mechanical watches is growing, yet no formal education path exists for aspiring watchmakers — no secondary school in Slovakia currently offers this specialization.

Older masters are retiring, and while many express a willingness to mentor apprentices, there is no official program or institutional framework to support such training.

As a result, the craft survives largely through passionate individuals who maintain workshops out of dedication rather than systemic support.

New Times, Old Values

Despite these challenges, new Slovak brands such as Biatec Watches are emerging — combining Swiss precision with Slovak design identity.

Collectors and enthusiasts contribute to preserving the craft through exhibitions, restorations, and community initiatives.

In Bratislava, the Museum of Clocks at the House of the Good Shepherd displays exquisite timepieces from the 17th to the 20th century, including works of masters like Jacob Guldan (1726–1790).

Meanwhile, the Slovak Technical Museum has catalogued over one hundred historic sundials and horologia across the country — a testament to Slovakia’s enduring relationship with time.

A Heritage That Still Ticks

Slovak watchmaking may be small, but it remains proud. It is a story of precision, continuity, and devotion — kept alive by hands that refuse to let time stand still.

Every restored mechanism reminds us that time is not only measured — it is crafted.