The Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the world’s first electronic wearable watch invented in Neuchâtel, Switzerland by its forerunner, with a technology workshop and a reception hosted by the Swiss Ambassador to Japan.

The event, which was part of a commemorative tour through Asia and in the U.S., was supported by the Science and Technology Office Tokyo, Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, as well as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

A delegation led by CSEM’s Vice President Georges Kotrotsios travelled to Japan for the workshop that was well attended by about 100 guests. 

Ambassador Jean-François Paroz gave the opening words before the keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Yuko Harayama, Executive Member of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) of the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. Dr. Harayama, who has an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Neuchâtel, included in her presentation a concise history of the watch industry in Switzerland that impressed the audience.

Mr. Masahiro Chijiiwa, Director and Executive Vice President of Mie Fujitsu Semiconductor Ltd. was the invited speaker for the technical keynote. His presentation on the activities of the Japanese semiconductor manufacturer which has a partnership with CSEM invited many questions from the audience.

Dr. Kotrotsios and the CSEM team introduced the development process of the first quartz watch 50 years ago, as well as more recent innovative research conducted at the Center. Guests were fascinated by the visionary challenges tackled, notably in the healthcare sector.

An anniversary cake was prepared for the networking reception. Together with their hosts, Ambassador Paroz and his wife Dr. Yulia Gusynina Paroz, all the guests raised their glasses to celebrate the occasion, before sharing the cake with the 50th anniversary logo.