As you step onto any Swiss station platform, in the middle of all the busy activity, the countdown is evident: from afar, you can discern the 45 seconds remaining until the hand reaches twelve, marking the departure of the train. This iconic feature of Swiss railway station clocks has stood as a design staple for decades. In the context of railway operations, red signified a crucial message: stop. With its 2 second stop when it reaches 12 o'clock, the Official Swiss Railways Clock ingeniously incorporated this historical association, ensuring that railway passengers were not only informed of the time but also compelled to pause and reflect in a moment of stillness. With the red second hand fixed in place; the train remained safely stationed until the designated departure time. Thus, the red hue of the second hand transcends mere aesthetics, embodying a legacy of functionality, safety, and the timeless elegance of Swiss craftsmanship.

In 1944, Hans Hilfiker, a visionary at SBB, crafted the SBB station clock, with its iconic red second hand resembling the trowel of station dispatchers. This design prioritized readability and legibility, essential for both passengers and station staff. In 1986, this design seamlessly transitioned from the station platform to the wrist, as we introduced the first Official Swiss Railways Station wristwatch.