Watchmaking of the 20th century was highly dominated by the Swiss. Successful integration of industrial production systems and also not actively participating at the two world wars enabled the Swiss to expand expertise, retain manpower and raw material.
Not to forget that being able to concentrate on the trade, while the demand for watches increased during WWI, allowed the Swiss to meliorate their production and distribution processes.
Between the two world wars the American watch manufacturers found a way to take over a substantial part of the global market, but this ascension was abruptly stopped by WWII, where again the demand for precision watches, newly also chronographs for aviators, allowed the Swiss to regain the global lead.
Pocket watches were still en vogue for men for the first third of the century, but after WWII the willingness to look forward and forget the war years, the scientific progress and new marketing methods swiped the pocket watch under the carpet of history to allow for the definitive rise of the wrist watch.
The pocket watch remained an accessory for the nostalgic man of distinction and ultimately it became a playground for watch manufacturers to present their skills to integrate as many complications as possible or to remind the customer of their historic heritage.
Antiquarian Horology 