Cracking the Watch Industry’s Code of Silence Growing pressure for accountability has convinced a few brands that it is time to reveal where they obtain some of their raw materials. Will more follow? Credit...Gordon Studer April 12, 2021, 5:10 a.m. ET The Swiss have long had a reputation for being discreet when it comes to business. (Think banks). And their watch industry is no different. But growing pressure for environmental and ethical accountability — from activists, investors and consumers — has convinced a few brands that it is time to reveal where they obtain some of their raw materials. They are fighting the industry’s deep-rooted tradition of discretion, a practice born of watchmakers’ fear that identifying suppliers will reveal details of their expertise and give rivals an advantage.