In the far north of Austria, in the Thaya Valley — an ancient border region dotted with castles and ruins — the first horologist (a watch maker) appeared around 1680. This marked the beginning of the region’s long-standing tradition of horology, which continues to this day. This marked the beginning of the region’s long-standing tradition of horology, which continues to this day.

But why did this renowned clockmaking industry develop in such a remote area?

Looking at other watchmaking regions in Europe, it is clear that there are some parallels. Whether it’s the Black Forest, the Swiss Jura, Glashütte or the Waldviertel horological region around Karlstein, these are all remote areas far from major centres. In these regions, where agriculture yielded only modest returns, farmers sought additional sources of income for the long winters, and found them in the construction of simple wooden clocks. These designs were simple yet robust. Initially, they were equipped with balance beams and wooden wheels, but they were later further developed with pendulums and brass wheels. By around 1840, up to 140,000 clocks were being produced annually in the region.

To counteract the crisis in the Karlstein watch industry, the Imperial Royal Technical College for the Watch Industry (K.K. Fachschule für Uhrenindustrie) was founded in 1873, and it still exists today. Following the establishment of the college, the quality of Karlstein products improved and new companies were established. Thanks to its outstanding achievements, the college had built up an excellent reputation and become a recognised institution throughout Europe within a few years. As the only school of its kind in Austria-Hungary, it attracted Leading experts from across Europe. At that time, Karlstein companies produced not only inexpensive utility watches, but also timepieces that could rival the best in the world, such as Anton Baronek’s regulators.

The First World War, the difficult years between the wars, the 1929 stock market crash and the Second World War all left their mark on the world of horology. Many businesses had to close, and the future of the school was uncertain too.

Even today, the spirit of days gone by can still be felt in Karlstein, although sadly little of the great watchmaking tradition has survived to the present day. Two companies that were once involved in watch production remain active today, but turbulent times have prompted them to seek alternative sources of income. Next to the school, in the centre of the small market town, is a fascinating clock museum with numerous exhibits from Karlstein’s eventful clockmaking history. Another museum, the Wagner calibration collection, with an extensive collection of clocks, is located in Dietmanns im Bandlkramerland, about 12 km away.

But what happened to the many hard-working horologists, home workers, turners and frame makers? Although the turmoil of the 20th century brought an end to clock production in Karlstein and Vienna, we can still look back on a proud history and build on it. This is happening eight kilometres from the former centre of horology in Raabs an der Thaya. Here, in accordance with old traditions, the finest timepieces are crafted by hand, thus not only upholding the tradition of this craft, but also writing the next chapter in the history of Austrian haute horlogerie.