ÉTABLISSAGE (division of labour)

A traditional division of labour unique to watchmaking, whereby the production and assembly of watches was split among various specialised craftsmen working from home. This mode of production was almost ubiquitous until the end of the 19th century. It enabled farmer-watchmakers to combine both occupations and gave rise to many specific trades that have since vanished (such as escapement adjusters and setters) or become part of broader training for modern watchmakers. The practice of établissage continued marginally alongside manufacturing activities until the quartz crisis of the early 1980s.