The Persistence of Memory
Before the emergence of formalised structures of watch production in the early 19th century, serving as precursors to the modern watch manufacturing houses we know today, watchmaking existed in a cottage industry like setting where watchmakers pursued their métier “independent” of the commerciality of enterprise and rigidness of industry... More here.
Whether you have an interest in watchmaking or not this is one of the most beautifully designed websites I have seen in a long time.