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Saint-Imier (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃.t‿imje]) is a municipality in the Jura bernois administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is located in the French-speaking Bernese Jura (Jura Bernois).

Key Information

The Observatoire Astronomique de Mont-Soleil is located above the village.

History

[edit]

Saint-Imier is first mentioned in 884 as cella de sancti Himerii. The municipality was formerly known by its German name St. Immer, however, that name is no longer used.[1] Its name refers to Imerius of Immertal, a 7th-century saint.

According to the legend of St. Imerius, he settled in the valley as a hermit in the late 6th or early 7th century on a piece of land that bishop Marius of Lausanne gave him as a present. In 884 a cella (probably a church, farm and monastery) was mentioned on the site. Archeological excavations around the former Church of St. Martin indicate that a village grew up around the cella around the same time. Two of the 142 graves from the church have been dated to the Early Middle Ages and the church was rebuilt at least three times before the 14th or early 15th century.[1]

In 884 the cella with its outbuildings belonged to Moutier-Grandval Abbey. In 999, the Abbey donated Saint-Imier and a number of surrounding villages to the Prince-Bishop of Basel. In 1264, the Bishop appointed Otto of Arguel (or Erguel) as the vogt over the Saint-Imier valley fief. Otto raised the valley to become a seigniory and parish of the Diocese of Basel. By the end of the 15th century, Saint-Imier included the villages of Villeret, Sonvilier, Renan and La Ferriere.[1]

Even though the physical valley was owned by the Bishop of Basel, religiously it was part of the Diocese of Lausanne. The Saint-Imier parish was probably founded in the 9th or 10th century. A village chapel was first mentioned in 968, with the parish church of St. Martin first appearing in the records in 1228. The church of St. Martin was later rebuilt in the gothic style. Another church, the collegiate church was built in the 11th century, probably under the direction of the Bishop of Basel. In 1530, Biel encouraged Saint-Imier to embrace the Protestant Reformation and convert to the new religion. The collegiate church before the parish church for the new Reformed parish. Over the following centuries, the Church of St. Martin was used less and less until it was demolished in 1828. In 1814 the town and the surrounding valley transferred from Lausanne to the Diocese of Basel. Catholic church services resumed in Saint-Imier in 1857 and in 1866 the neo-gothic Church of St. Martin was built. In 1912 a Christian Catholic church was built in the town.[1]

The Hôtel de la maison de Ville in Saint Imier. The Anti-authoritarian International was founded there on a congress taking place on September 15/16, 1872.

In 1792 Théodore Frédéric Louis Liomin, the vogt or bailiff of Saint-Imier, threw his support behind the revolutionary movement that was sweeping the region. After the 1797 French victory and the Treaty of Campo Formio, Saint-Imier became part of the French Département of Mont-Terrible. Three years later, in 1800 it became part of the Département of Haut-Rhin. After Napoleon's defeat and the Congress of Vienna, Saint-Imier was assigned to the Canton of Bern in 1815.[1]

During the 19th century the anti-authoritarian or anarchist movement gained a foothold in the region. In 1872, the Jura Federation, which had strong support in Saint-Imier, organized a congress in Saint-Imier at which the Anti-authoritarian International was founded.[1]

During the 18th century the inhabitants of the valley gradually gave up agriculture in favor of more lucrative jobs in the watch and lace-making industries. The first watch parts workshop opened in the 1720s and the industry continued to expand throughout the 19th century. By 1817 there were about 200 workers employed in either watchmaking workshops or small shops at home. The small scale workshops were replaced by large factory work, when Longines opened a factory in the town in 1867. By the end of the year, 1,600 people were employed in 47 watchmaking companies. Because the town's economy was so dependent on watchmaking, the economic crisis of the 1930s and the 1970s hit Saint-Imier hard. By the beginning of the 21st century, there were about ten watchmaking companies and the economy had diversified to include dental and medical technology and meteorology.[1]

View of Saint Imier and of Mont Soleil
View of Saint Imier and of Mont Soleil

Portions of the town were destroyed by fire in 1839, 1843 and 1856. A hospital opened in Saint-Imier in 1856. In 1874 the town was connected to the Swiss rail network. The town's infrastructure was modernized early, before 1900 it had municipal water, gas and electricity. Saint-Imier has grown into a regional education center. The town's secondary school opened in 1860, followed by a watchmaker's school in 1866. The watch-maker's school was expanded into a machinist's school in 1896 and a technical vocational school in 1961. In 1976 it became a school of engineering and in 2005 it was integrated into the Haute école Arc/Hochschule Arc. A number of other schools opened in the town including the Bernese Jura Music School (1981), a vocational and technical school (1997), and a training center for health professionals (1993).[1]

On 31 December 2009, the district of Courtelary, the municipality's former district, was dissolved. On the following day, 1 January 2010, a new district (or arrondissement administratif) of Jura bernois was created, which includes all of the former Courtelary District, as well as the former district of La Neuveville and the area around Tavannes.[2]

On 19 July 2023, hundreds of anarchists began arriving in Saint-Imier to participate in an international anarchist gathering, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Saint-Imier Congress. The event included lectures, workshops, concerts, film screenings, theatre plays, exhibitions and a book fair.[3] By the second day of the event, thousands of people had arrived in the town, causing logistical issues for the self-managed space.[4] The event also caused some safety problems, as its campsite was located next to train tracks that campers often crossed over in order to get to the event location, despite attempts by the event organisers to stop them. In order to guarantee safety, the Swiss Federal Railways halted all rail traffic between Saint-Imier and La Chaux-de-Fonds over the weekend, organising replacement bus services in order to maintain the public transit network.[5][6] The event would end up counting 5,000 attendees, mostly people in their early twenties, who were reportedly warmly welcomed by the town's population. Saint-Imier mayor Corentin Jeanneret reported that the event went largely smoothly, with the exception of a few cases of graffiti.[7][8][9]

Geography

[edit]
View of Saint-Imier from the ruins of the Erguel Castle

Saint-Imier has an area of 20.87 km2 (8.06 sq mi). Of this area, 49% is used for agricultural purposes, while or 40% is forested. Of the rest, 9.3% of the total is buildings or roads, and 0.7%of the total is unproductive.[10]

Of the built up area, housing and buildings made up 5.8% and transportation infrastructure made up 2.2%. Out of the forested land, 34% of the total land area is heavily forested and 6% is covered with orchards or small clusters of trees. Of the agricultural land, 1.7% is used for growing crops and 20% is pastures and 27% is used for alpine pastures.[10]

The municipality is located in the Saint-Imier valley along the Suze river and on the Biel/Bienne-La Chaux-de-Fonds road.

Coat of arms

[edit]

The blazon of the municipal coat of arms is Sable two Pales Or and overall on a Bar Argent a Mullet of Five Gules.[11]

Demographics

[edit]
The historic old town of Saint-Imier

Saint-Imier has a population (as of December 2020) of 5,156.[12] As of 2010, 23.9% of the population are resident foreign nationals.[13] Over the last 10 years (2000-2010) the population has changed at a rate of 4.2%. Migration accounted for 6.3%, while births and deaths accounted for -2.9%.[14]

Most of the population (as of 2000) speaks French (4,049 or 84.2%) as their first language, German is the second most common (315 or 6.6%) and Italian is the third (183 or 3.8%). There are 2 people who speak Romansh.[15]

As of 2008, the population was 48.1% male and 51.9% female. The population was made up of 1,682 Swiss men (35.3% of the population) and 612 (12.8%) non-Swiss men. There were 1,947 Swiss women (40.8%) and 530 (11.1%) non-Swiss women.[13] Of the population in the municipality, 1,486 or about 30.9% were born in Saint-Imier and lived there in 2000. There were 1,072 or 22.3% who were born in the same canton, while 1,040 or 21.6% were born somewhere else in Switzerland, and 1,028 or 21.4% were born outside of Switzerland.[15]

As of 2010, children and teenagers (0–19 years old) make up 22.1% of the population, while adults (20–64 years old) make up 56.7% and seniors (over 64 years old) make up 21.2%.[14]

As of 2000, there were 1,842 people who were single and never married in the municipality. There were 2,242 married individuals, 447 widows or widowers and 276 individuals who are divorced.[15]

As of 2000, there were 916 households that consist of only one person and 86 households with five or more people. In 2000, a total of 2,190 apartments (78.9% of the total) were permanently occupied, while 362 apartments (13.0%) were seasonally occupied and 223 apartments (8.0%) were empty.[16] As of 2010, the construction rate of new housing units was 1.3 new units per 1000 residents.[14] The vacancy rate for the municipality, in 2011, was 4.5%.

The historical population is given in the following chart:[1][17]

Heritage sites of national significance

[edit]

The Collégiale and the Longines Watch factory are listed as Swiss heritage site of national significance. The entire urban village of Saint-Imier is part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.[18]

  • Collégiale of Saint-Imier
    Collégiale of Saint-Imier
  • Longines Watch factory
    Longines Watch factory

Politics

[edit]

In the 2011 federal election the most popular party was the Social Democratic Party (SP) which received 26.4% of the vote. The next two most popular parties were the Swiss People's Party (SVP) (25.4%), and the FDP.The Liberals (18.2%). In the federal election, a total of 929 votes were cast, and the voter turnout was 31.6%.[19]

Economy

[edit]

Saint-Imier is the hometown of the Longines watchmaking company. The Breitling watchmaking company was founded in Saint-Imier, but moved to Grenchen, Canton of Solothurn.

As of  2011, Saint-Imier had an unemployment rate of 3.59%. As of 2008, there were a total of 2,483 people employed in the municipality. Of these, there were 61 people employed in the primary economic sector and about 23 businesses involved in this sector. 1,102 people were employed in the secondary sector and there were 57 businesses in this sector. 1,320 people were employed in the tertiary sector, with 164 businesses in this sector.[14] There were 183 residents of the municipality who were employed in some capacity, of which females made up 59.0% of the workforce.

In 2008 there were a total of 2,069 full-time equivalent jobs. The number of jobs in the primary sector was 46, of which 42 were in agriculture and 4 were in forestry or lumber production. The number of jobs in the secondary sector was 1,024 of which 879 or (85.8%) were in manufacturing and 81 (7.9%) were in construction. The number of jobs in the tertiary sector was 999. In the tertiary sector; 184 or 18.4% were in wholesale or retail sales or the repair of motor vehicles, 29 or 2.9% were in the movement and storage of goods, 48 or 4.8% were in a hotel or restaurant, 40 or 4.0% were the insurance or financial industry, 44 or 4.4% were technical professionals or scientists, 101 or 10.1% were in education and 437 or 43.7% were in health care.[20]

In 2000, there were 1,624 workers who commuted into the municipality and 802 workers who commuted away. The municipality is a net importer of workers, with about 2.0 workers entering the municipality for every one leaving. About 11.3% of the workforce coming into Saint-Imier are coming from outside Switzerland.[21] Of the working population, 10.2% used public transportation to get to work, and 53.3% used a private car.[14]

Religion

[edit]

From the 2000 census, 1,989 or 41.4% belonged to the Swiss Reformed Church, while 1,642 or 34.2% were Roman Catholic. Of the rest of the population, there were 22 members of an Orthodox church (or about 0.46% of the population), there were 17 individuals (or about 0.35% of the population) who belonged to the Christian Catholic Church, and there were 386 individuals (or about 8.03% of the population) who belonged to another Christian church. There were 161 (or about 3.35% of the population) who were Islamic. There were 4 individuals who were Buddhist, 1 person who was Hindu and 4 individuals who belonged to another church. 617 (or about 12.84% of the population) belonged to no church, are agnostic or atheist, and 156 individuals (or about 3.25% of the population) did not answer the question.[15]

Education

[edit]
Haute Ecole Arc, Saint-Imier

In Saint-Imier about 1,696 or (35.3%) of the population have completed non-mandatory upper secondary education, and 438 or (9.1%) have completed additional higher education (either university or a Fachhochschule). Of the 438 who completed tertiary schooling, 60.5% were Swiss men, 20.5% were Swiss women, 11.0% were non-Swiss men and 8.0% were non-Swiss women.[15]

The Canton of Bern school system provides one year of non-obligatory Kindergarten, followed by six years of Primary school. This is followed by three years of obligatory lower Secondary school where the students are separated according to ability and aptitude. Following the lower Secondary students may attend additional schooling or they may enter an apprenticeship.[22]

During the 2010-11 school year, there were a total of 695 students attending classes in Saint-Imier. There were 5 kindergarten classes with a total of 100 students in the municipality. Of the kindergarten students, 27.0% were permanent or temporary residents of Switzerland (not citizens) and 33.0% have a different mother language than the classroom language. The municipality had 21 primary classes and 349 students. Of the primary students, 31.8% were permanent or temporary residents of Switzerland (not citizens) and 19.2% have a different mother language than the classroom language. During the same year, there were 13 lower secondary classes with a total of 246 students. There were 19.1% who were permanent or temporary residents of Switzerland (not citizens) and 15.9% have a different mother language than the classroom language.[23] As of 2000, there were 396 students in Saint-Imier who came from another municipality, while 126 residents attended schools outside the municipality.[21]

Saint-Imier is home to 2 libraries, the Haute école Arc – Ingénierie and the Bibliothèque régionale de St-Imier. There was a combined total (as of 2008) of 29,145 books or other media in the libraries, and in the same year a total of 41,777 items were loaned out.[24]

Transportation

[edit]

The municipality has a railway station, St-Imier. The station is located on the Biel/Bienne–La Chaux-de-Fonds line and has half-hourly service to Biel/Bienne and La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Mont Soleil can be reached with Funiculaire Saint-Imier-Mont-Soleil [fr].

Sports

[edit]

HC Sainti Bats plays in the Première Ligue, the fourth tier of Swiss hockey. Their home arena is the 3,000-seat Erguël Arena.

Notable residents

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Saint-Imier

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Saint-Imier is a municipality in the Jura bernois administrative district of the canton of Bern, Switzerland, situated in the French-speaking Bernese Jura region at an elevation of about 820 meters. With a population of approximately 5,176 as of 2024, it covers an area of 20.89 square kilometers and features a density of around 248 inhabitants per square kilometer. The town is renowned for its longstanding watchmaking tradition, serving as the founding location of the Longines watch company in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, which remains the sole original watchmaking firm still operating there and exemplifies the shift toward industrial-scale production in Swiss horology. Additionally, Saint-Imier holds historical significance as the site of the 1872 Saint-Imier Congress, where anti-authoritarian socialists, led by figures like Mikhail Bakunin, rejected the centralized Marxist approach of the First International's Hague Congress and established the Anti-authoritarian International, marking a foundational split in the global workers' movement toward federalist and anarchist principles. The local economy continues to draw on this industrial heritage, complemented by educational institutions and proximity to the Jura Mountains, which support tourism and regional agriculture.

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography

Saint-Imier is a in the Jura bernois administrative district of the , , positioned in the French-speaking region. It lies at geographic coordinates approximately 47.15°N 7.00°E. The town occupies a central position in the Vallée de Saint-Imier, a north-south oriented valley within the folded , flanked by ridges and plateaus characteristic of the Swiss Jura fold belt. The settlement sits at an elevation of 814 meters above sea level, with surrounding terrain rising to higher altitudes that define its topography. Immediately north of Saint-Imier, Mont Soleil ascends to 1,291 meters, offering panoramic views over the valley and exemplifying the undulating karst-influenced landscape of pastures, forests, and gentle slopes typical of the Jura. The valley floor provides relatively flat land for urban development and agriculture, while the encircling hills support hiking trails and limit expansion, contributing to a compact municipal footprint of about 20.87 square kilometers. This topography influences local accessibility, with the valley serving as a natural corridor for transportation routes connecting to nearby cities like to the east and to the west. The Jura's bedrock underlies the area's hydrology, featuring streams like the Birse River and occasional sinkholes, though the immediate vicinity around Saint-Imier remains agriculturally viable without pronounced hazards.

Climate and Natural Features

Saint-Imier lies in the Vallon de Saint-Imier, a north-south oriented valley within the Swiss , part of the at an elevation of 814 meters above . The local topography consists of folded plateaus and ridges characteristic of the Jura fold-and-thrust belt, formed during the as part of the , with prominent surrounding elevations including Mont Soleil at 1,097 meters and Mont Crosin. The underlying geology features and carbonate sequences, including and marl deposits that contribute to karstic features such as sinkholes and underground drainage in the broader Jura region. Vegetation in the area reflects the Jura's altitudinal gradient, with mixed deciduous and coniferous forests dominated by , , , , and on lower slopes, transitioning to open pastures and meadows at higher elevations used for and hay production. These high Jura pastures, often above 1,000 meters, support alpine flora adapted to cooler conditions, while the valley floor features agricultural fields interspersed with hedgerows and small woodlands. The region's natural landscape also includes rivers like the Suze, ponds, and forests that provide habitats for wildlife, though human activities such as forestry and installations— including wind turbines on Mont Crosin—have modified some areas. The of Saint-Imier is classified as humid continental (Dfb under the Köppen system), influenced by its mid-elevation position in the Jura, resulting in colder temperatures and higher than the . Average monthly temperatures range from -1°C in to 16°C in , with annual means around 7°C based on nearby station data. Winters are cold with frequent cover due to northerly winds, while summers are mild and humid; annual totals approximately 1,200-1,500 mm, distributed fairly evenly but with peaks in summer thunderstorms common to the Jura. data from simulated historical records indicate variability, with extremes including heavy snowfall in winter and occasional fog in the valley, though long-term trends show slight warming consistent with broader Swiss patterns reported by MeteoSwiss.

Historical Development

Origins and Medieval Period

The origins of Saint-Imier are rooted in the legend of Imier, a said to have arrived in the Vallon de Saint-Imier around 600 AD from the Ajoie region, where he cleared land and evangelized before dying circa 615 AD; his tomb purportedly became the nucleus of an early settlement and church. However, this account lacks contemporary documentation and represents hagiographic tradition rather than verifiable history, with the saint's emerging later. The first historical attestation of Saint-Imier appears in a 884 AD charter issued by Emperor the Fat, confirming possessions of Moutier-Grandval and referencing the "cella de sancti Himerii," interpreted as a rural , farm, and possible dedicated to Saint Imier, indicating an established site by the late . Initially under Moutier-Grandval until 999 AD, the site passed to the Bishopric of following a by King Rodolphe III of . A is noted in records from 968 AD, and archaeological excavations at the former Saint-Martin church site (conducted 1986–1990) uncovered high medieval religious structures and burials, supporting early ecclesiastical presence from the 9th–10th centuries. During the high and late medieval periods, Saint-Imier developed as a key center. The Romanesque , likely constructed in the under Basel's episcopal authority, housed Saint Imier's relics and featured a chapter of twelve canons established before 1177, evolving from an earlier monastic foundation. The is documented by 1228, possibly originating in the 9th–10th centuries. Secularly, in 1264, Otton d'Arguel transferred avouerie () rights to the of , incorporating Saint-Imier into the lordship of Erguël. By the late , it served as the "high " overseeing subordinate communities including Villeret, Sonvilier, Renan, and La Ferrière, reflecting its regional and administrative prominence.

Industrialization and Watchmaking Emergence

Watchmaking in Saint-Imier emerged in the 18th century through the decentralized établissage system, where independent home-based artisans produced components supplied and assembled by établisseurs. This cottage industry laid the groundwork for industrialization, with production in the Swiss Jura region expanding significantly from 1846 to 1873, as national output rose from 130,000 to 580,000 watches valued at 30 million francs. In 1832, Auguste Agassiz founded a workshop in Saint-Imier under the name Raiguel Jeune & Cie, specializing in pocket watches through home-based labor and central assembly. The shift to industrialized factory production began in 1866 when Ernest Francillon, Agassiz's nephew who assumed control in 1852, constructed the first centralized facility at Les —named for the adjacent "longs prés" meadows—powered by water and later steam. Inaugurated in , it employed 40 workers initially and produced the firm's first complete movements, emphasizing for precision amid growing American from mass-produced imports in the and . Following the 1876 Exhibition, technical director Jacques David's 1877 report advocated and machinery inspired by U.S. methods, accelerating adoption at , which reached 15,000 watches annually by 1874–1875. By the late , Saint-Imier's economy transformed from agriculture to industry, with watch factories proliferating; Excelsior Park, founded in 1866 by Jules-Frédéric Jeanneret, industrialized under steam power in 1889. Additional facilities like Droz & Cie (Montres Berna), Usine du Parc, Usine Centrale, and Rue des Roses emerged, forming five major operations by 1900 that employed over half the population in watchmaking. The town's population grew tenfold within 50 years, reflecting the sector's dominance and Saint-Imier's role in Swiss exports, where by 1890 half of the nation's watches and movements originated from the including Saint-Imier.

The 1872 Anti-Authoritarian Congress

The Congress of Saint-Imier, held on September 15–16, 1872, convened as a direct response to the decisions of the of the (IWA), where and his supporters had expelled , James Guillaume, and other anti-authoritarians, accusing them of promoting secret societies and splitting the organization. Delegates representing the Jura Federation (centered in the Swiss Jura mountains, including Saint-Imier), along with sections from , , , , and the , gathered to reject these expulsions and the centralizing tendencies imposed by the IWA's General Council in . The event underscored tensions between federalist, libertarian socialists—who prioritized workers' and —and those advocating hierarchical political structures to seize state power. Key figures included Guillaume (a Jura watchmaker and editor of the Bulletin de la Fédération Jurassienne), Adhémar Schwitzguébel (another Jura anarchist), and Italian delegates such as Carlo Cafiero and Errico Malatesta, who had recently joined the anti-authoritarian cause after the Hague. The congress affirmed the continuity of the IWA's original anti-authoritarian principles, as established in its 1864 founding statutes, while denouncing the Hague's "illegal" and "authoritarian" resolutions that dissolved autonomous sections and centralized control. Approximately 20–30 delegates participated, reflecting the grassroots, decentralized nature of the Jura movement, which drew heavily from skilled artisans like watchmakers radicalized by economic precarity and mutual aid traditions. The congress adopted four principal resolutions, which served as the manifesto for the emerging Anti-Authoritarian International:
  • The first rejected the Hague decisions outright, declaring them void and calling for federations to ignore the General Council's authority.
  • The second established a "Pact of Friendship, Solidarity, and Mutual Defence" among autonomous federations, emphasizing voluntary cooperation without imposed unity.
  • The third outlined the proletariat's political stance: destruction of all political power through social revolution, eschewing participation in bourgeois elections or parliaments as distractions from direct economic struggle.
  • The fourth reaffirmed the IWA's federalist structure, with sections retaining full autonomy and congresses serving as advisory bodies rather than legislative ones.
These resolutions formalized the split within the IWA, birthing the Anti-Authoritarian International, which held subsequent congresses in (1873), (1874), and (1876), influencing global anarchist networks until its dissolution amid state repression in the late . In Saint-Imier, a watchmaking hub, the event symbolized the Jura's role as a cradle of anarchist thought, where libertarian ideas intertwined with local cooperative practices, though subsequent Marxist histories often portrayed it as a factional deviation rather than a principled defense of workers' self-emancipation. The congress's emphasis on and remains a of anarchist theory, predating and contrasting with later Marxist-Leninist models of parties.

Modern History and Recent Events

Throughout the 20th century, Saint-Imier's economy continued to revolve around watchmaking, with major factories such as expanding production and facilities to meet growing demand for precision timepieces. The of the 1930s severely impacted the town's horological sector due to its heavy reliance on exports, leading to reduced output and employment across Swiss watchmaking regions including the . Post-World War II recovery saw firms like Usine Centrale in Saint-Imier resume operations, focusing on high-value components such as gold watch cases amid renewed . The from 1975 to 1985 devastated the Swiss watch industry, causing widespread bankruptcies and mergers; Saint-Imier, as a key production hub, experienced significant economic strain before stabilization through industry consolidation into groups like SSIH (later ), which absorbed in 1979. By the early 21st century, marked its 175th anniversary in 2007 with museum expansions in Saint-Imier, underscoring the town's enduring watchmaking heritage. In recent decades, Saint-Imier has diversified beyond traditional industry, incorporating projects such as wind farms and photovoltaic installations in the surrounding valley to support . A notable event occurred from July 20 to 23, 2023, when the town hosted the International Anti-Authoritarian Gathering, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the 1872 ; attracted thousands of participants with no reported disruptions, reflecting local tolerance for its anarchist historical legacy.

Demographics and Society

Population Dynamics

The population of Saint-Imier grew rapidly during the , multiplying approximately ninefold between 1800 and 1890 as the local economy shifted from to industry, particularly lace-making and watchmaking, bolstered by and infrastructure like the 1874 railway. This expansion drew migrant workers from across , with watch factories employing over half the residents by 1900. The following decades saw a peak of 7,455 inhabitants in 1900, followed by declines linked to watch industry crises in the and , reducing the figure to 4,807 by 2000.
YearPopulation
1810900
18502,632
18807,033
19007,455
19505,972
19706,740
19805,430
20004,807
Sources for table: . Recent trends indicate stabilization with modest net growth of over 10% since 1999, reaching 5,088 residents in 2023 amid economic diversification into and medical fields, though annual changes remained near-flat in 2023. Foreign nationals comprise roughly 24-29% of the population, underscoring migration's role in offsetting low natural increase typical of Swiss municipalities.

Linguistic and Ethnic Composition

Saint-Imier exhibits a predominantly Francophone linguistic profile, consistent with its position in the French-speaking Bernese Jura district of the Canton of Bern. Official linguistic surveys indicate that French serves as the principal language for approximately 85.2% of residents, underscoring the municipality's alignment with the broader Romandie cultural sphere despite the canton's majority German-speaking character. German follows as the second most common main language, spoken by about 7.5% of the population, while other languages, including Italian and miscellaneous others, account for the remainder, such as 1.1% and 1.5% respectively. This distribution has remained stable over recent decades, with minimal shifts attributable to the region's entrenched linguistic traditions and limited internal migration pressures. Ethnically, the population is overwhelmingly of Swiss origin, with Swiss nationals comprising the majority alongside a notable foreign resident component driven by the local watchmaking industry's historical labor demands. As of December 31, 2023, foreigners represented 31.6% of the approximately 5,215 residents, totaling 1,648 individuals from 78 distinct nationalities. Detailed breakdowns of foreign origins are not publicly granular at the municipal level, but patterns mirror national trends in industrial Jura communities, featuring significant contingents from , , and other states, reflecting post-World War II guest worker influxes and subsequent family reunifications. Native Swiss residents, primarily of longstanding regional stock, exhibit low ethnic diversity beyond these migratory overlays, with no substantial non-European communities altering the core demographic fabric.

Social Structure and Migration Patterns

Saint-Imier's social structure reflects its industrial heritage in watchmaking and precision manufacturing, with a significant portion of the resident workforce engaged in skilled manual labor and technical roles. The local supports a mix of blue-collar employees in factories—predominantly Swiss nationals and EU migrants—and a smaller cadre of professionals in , administration, and services, bolstered by institutions such as the Haute École Arc. This composition contributes to moderate income levels typical of municipalities, though vulnerabilities arise from sector-specific downturns, as seen during the 1970s , which disrupted employment stability. Migration patterns have long been tied to economic opportunities in the watch industry, drawing mass inflows of workers from neighboring regions during industrialization peaks in the 19th and early 20th centuries. More recently, net migration remains positive but varies: in 2023, the municipality recorded a net loss of 52 Swiss residents offset by a gain of 9 foreign residents, yielding overall stability amid 44 births and 52 deaths. By late 2024, growth accelerated with additions of 220 Swiss and 240 foreign residents, driven by job-related relocations in and services, elevating the total population to around 5,100. Foreign residents, often from EU countries like and , comprise approximately 25-30% of the populace, filling labor gaps while integrating into the French-speaking community. Out-migration has historically spiked during crises, such as the quartz shock, prompting temporary outflows of both Swiss and foreign workers.

Governance and Politics

Municipal Administration

The municipal administration of Saint-Imier is structured around a bicameral system typical of Swiss communes, with an executive branch led by the Conseil municipal and a legislative body known as the Conseil de ville. The Conseil municipal serves as the executive organ, comprising seven members elected directly by citizens for four-year terms. Each member heads a specific department, overseeing areas such as finances, , , and . The council is responsible for implementing policies, managing daily operations, and preparing proposals for the legislative body. As of the 2023-2026 legislative period, the (syndic) is Corentin Jeanneret of the PLR (FDP.The Liberals) party, who directs the departments of finances, general administration, and police. The vice-mayor is Josika Iles of the ARC (Alternative Radicale de Gauche) party, responsible for equipment and infrastructure. Other members include individuals handling , health, and , reflecting a multi-party composition that includes representation from PLR, ARC, and other local groups. Elections for the executive occur every four years, with the most recent in 2022 determining the current lineup. The Conseil de ville functions as the legislative authority, approving the communal budget, accounts, and expenditures exceeding CHF 100,000, as well as ordinances and major investments. It convenes periodically to review reports from the executive and deliberate on community matters. Administrative services support these bodies through specialized departments, including general administration and police (handling , foreign police, and administrative policing), finances ( collection and budgeting), and equipment, , and social welfare. The central administration operates from the Hôtel de Ville, with public access hours typically weekdays, and the holds regular open-door sessions for citizen input. Annual management reports detail the administration's performance, covering financial results, project implementations, and transparency. For instance, the 2023 report highlighted fiscal stability and ongoing projects amid economic pressures in the watchmaking sector. The administration emphasizes digital services via a guichet virtuel for resident requests, such as registrations and permits, streamlining interactions while maintaining direct public engagement.

Political Landscape and Voter Behavior

The political landscape in Saint-Imier features a blend of national Swiss parties and local organizations focused on regional autonomy within the . The municipal executive, elected in November 2022, includes a from the PLR (Les Libéraux-Radicaux, a center-right liberal party) and a vice-mayor from ARC (Alternative Régionale & Communale, a local party emphasizing pragmatic, non-dogmatic policies for collective interests). The Parti Socialiste (PS, left-wing) maintains representation in municipal bodies, reflecting competition among center-right, local autonomist, and socialist factions. In cantonal elections held on March 27, 2022, the PLR secured the leading position in Saint-Imier with more than 21% of the vote share, underscoring its local strength in advocating and administrative efficiency. At the federal level, the October 22, 2023, National Council elections revealed a more balanced contest between right-wing and left-wing forces, with at 32.4%. The Union Démocratique du Centre (UDC/SVP, conservative-nationalist) obtained 28.2%, closely followed by the PS at 26.8%, while the PLR garnered 12.5%.
PartyVote Share (2023 Federal)
UDC (SVP)28.2%
PS26.8%
PLR (FDP)12.5%
Greens10.7%
Others (e.g., PEV, Centre)<5% each
Voters in Saint-Imier exhibit pragmatic behavior, prioritizing economic stability tied to watchmaking and regional over radical structural changes. Amid ongoing debates in the Jura Bernois district, the municipality has historically favored enhanced within rather than separation to join the , as evidenced by consistent opposition in past referendums and the rejection of a 2020 fusion proposal with neighboring communes like Sonvilier and Courtelary. Recent local votations, such as scrutiny over the 2025 municipal budget, highlight active civic engagement on fiscal responsibility, with rejections signaling demands for transparent . This pattern aligns with broader Jura Bernois trends of mixed support for federal initiatives, including acceptance of the 2023 climate law at 54.8% district-wide.

Relations with Canton and Federal Levels

Saint-Imier maintains its administrative subordination to the as established following the Jura separatist plebiscites of the 1970s, during which the southern districts of the , including the Courtelary district encompassing Saint-Imier, voted overwhelmingly against secession to form the new created in 1979. This decision reflected preferences for Bern's economic stability, infrastructure, and lower tax burdens compared to the prospective Jura canton. Subsequent regional referendums, such as the 2013 vote across the where 71.8% rejected joining Jura, reaffirmed this affiliation, with Saint-Imier aligning with the majority pro-Bern stance. In contemporary governance, Saint-Imier interacts with the canton through mandatory compliance with Bernese legal frameworks, including municipal financing via cantonal equalization funds and shared responsibilities in , services, and maintenance. The municipality's executive council coordinates with cantonal authorities on local projects, such as road networks and environmental regulations, benefiting from Bern's centralized administration that supports the French-speaking Jura bernois district's bilingual policies and cultural preservation efforts. Political tensions from historical have largely subsided, fostering cooperative relations exemplified by joint initiatives in . At the federal level, Saint-Imier participates directly in Switzerland's system, with residents voting in national referendums and electing representatives via the Canton of Bern's proportional allocation to the Federal Assembly. The region's interests are advanced through Bernese parliamentarians, including those from the Jura bernois, who advocate for francophone minority concerns in federal policy-making. The 2023 election of , a Social Democratic Party member from the nearby Jura bernois, to the Federal Council underscores enhanced federal representation for the area, influencing decisions on economic subsidies for watchmaking and sectors pertinent to Saint-Imier.

Economy and Industry

Watchmaking and Precision Manufacturing

Saint-Imier emerged as a watchmaking center in the early , transforming from an agricultural village into a hub of horological production by around 1800. The town's strategic location in the facilitated the establishment of multiple factories, with a 1900 illustrating five major watchmaking facilities that underscored its industrial significance. By 1890, Saint-Imier and surrounding regions in the Franches-Montagnes and Ajoie produced approximately half of Switzerland's exported watches and movements. Longines, founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz as a watchmaking workshop in Saint-Imier, became a cornerstone of the local industry, evolving into one of the world's oldest registered watch trademarks. The company gained renown for the precision of its timepieces by 1880, producing chronometers and instruments for navigation and that achieved accuracy to a tenth of a second by the early and to a hundredth by 1916. Other firms, such as the Didisheim brothers' workshop established in 1850, contributed to the area's expertise in components like watch balances, with Romano Sieber beginning production of these in Saint-Imier around 1920. Precision manufacturing in Saint-Imier extended beyond assembly to specialized production, including centralized factories that marked the shift from cottage ateliers to industrialized operations. continues to center its production in Saint-Imier, adhering to Swiss standards for craftsmanship in luxury timepieces. The sector's architectural legacy, evident in 20th-century factory complexes, reflects ongoing adaptations in watchmaking technology and efficiency. Today, watchmaking remains a vital economic pillar, supporting employment and heritage preservation through institutions like the Museum, which documents over 190 years of innovations in precision horology.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

Saint-Imier hosts significant renewable energy infrastructure on the adjacent Mont-Soleil and Mont-Crosin plateaus, positioning the municipality as a pioneer in wind and solar power within Switzerland. The Mont-Crosin wind farm, the country's largest, features 16 turbines with a total installed capacity of 37.2 megawatts (MW), generating approximately 75 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually. Commissioned progressively since the early 2000s and expanded through repowering, including upgrades in 2016 to larger Vestas V112 models, the facility contributes substantially to local and regional energy needs while serving as a tourist attraction with educational trails. Complementing wind efforts, the Mont-Soleil photovoltaic plant, operational since February 1992, holds the distinction of being Europe's oldest grid-connected large-scale solar installation with a capacity exceeding 500 kilowatts peak (kWp). Its 560 kWp array produces around 550 megawatt-hours (MWh) yearly, demonstrating long-term reliability with minimal degradation of 0.13% per year based on over 30 years of monitoring data. Local utility Services Techniques de Saint-Imier (STSI) supports further solar adoption through subsidies for rooftop installations on municipal territory, emphasizing local production via products like TOPAZE. In 2024, residents approved the MontSol expansion project on Mont-Soleil, which received a building permit on March 13, 2025, for an 8.5 MW (DC) facility projected to yield 11.4 GWh annually, including 4.4 GWh during winter months to address seasonal shortages. This initiative, managed by BKW, builds on the site's legacy and integrates with the broader Swiss Energypark, a 251 square kilometer demonstration area spanning Saint-Imier to Le Noirmont that combines , solar, and hydroelectric resources for enhanced autonomy. Educational facilities like Espace découverte Énergie further promote awareness through trails and exhibits linking these technologies.

Agriculture, Tourism, and Other Sectors

Agriculture in Saint-Imier centers on , utilizing the Jura's alpine pastures for milk production that feeds into renowned cheese manufacturing. The Fromages Spielhofer SA, a family-operated established in the region, produces premium organic cheeses including AOP from raw, fresh mountain milk sourced from grass-fed cows, adhering to traditional methods despite modern tools. This facility processes milk into 15 cheese varieties, such as Montagne du Jura and Mont-Soleil, supporting local pastoral economies tied to seasonal grazing. Expansion in 2017 enhanced capacity, and the operation generates 180,000 kWh of self-produced electricity annually, reflecting sustainable practices in a sector challenged by broader Swiss agricultural trends. Tourism leverages Saint-Imier's position within the Chasseral Regional Park, a 388 km² area promoting alongside outdoor pursuits like , , climbing, and across forested Jura landscapes and panoramic ridges. The railway to Mont-Soleil offers access to viewpoints and integrates with regional efforts to balance leisure with forestry and farming preservation. Agrotourism includes guided tours of cheese dairies like Spielhofer, featuring production insights, cellar visits, and tastings, which draw groups to experience Tête de Moine crafting upon reservation. The park coordinates projects enhancing visitor experiences while sustaining biodiversity and local livelihoods. Other economic activities encompass services and complementary enterprises, including a dedicated commission for and oversight, amid a where industry dominates but tertiary roles support community needs. integrates with , contributing to the mixed-use terrain of pastures and woods. Educational institutions, such as the Haute École Arc campus focused on health and social professions, bolster the service sector in this Jura bernois hub.

Culture, Heritage, and Religion

Architectural and Cultural Heritage

The Collégiale of Saint-Imier represents a prime example of late , constructed in the early as a with notable low-side aisles and historical restorations. Between 1925 and 1930, Louis Bueche undertook significant restoration work to preserve its structural integrity and original features. This church, dedicated to Saint Imier, forms part of the town's inventory of heritage sites, reflecting medieval design influences in the Jura region. The watch factory, established in 1832 and expanded through the , features preserved industrial buildings that highlight Saint-Imier's pivotal role in Swiss horology. These structures, including workshops and administrative wings, demonstrate neoclassical and functionalist elements adapted for precision manufacturing, remaining operational and emblematic of the Vallée de la Suze's watchmaking legacy. The factory complex is designated a Swiss heritage site of national importance due to its architectural and historical contributions to the industry. The Hôtel de Ville, a 19th-century municipal building, serves as a cultural anchor, hosting the 1872 St. Imier Congress that founded the Anti-authoritarian International, underscoring the town's anarchist heritage. Its neoclassical facade integrates with the orthogonal urban grid characteristic of regional planning, as documented in heritage inventories. Cultural institutions bolster this heritage, with the Musée de Saint-Imier, housed in the historic Tour Saint-Martin area, preserving artifacts from local natural sciences, , and Jura troops history since its origins as a 19th-century school . The adjacent exhibits chronometric innovations, linking architectural spaces to tangible cultural artifacts of watchmaking precision. These sites, alongside guided tours of "secret" historical locations, facilitate public engagement with Saint-Imier's layered past, from medieval foundations to industrial and ideological milestones.

Religious Composition and Institutions

Saint-Imier embraced the in 1530, establishing the Swiss Reformed Church as the predominant denomination. The religious composition features a plurality affiliated with the Reformed Church alongside a notable Roman Catholic presence and smaller groups. A 2000 survey indicated approximately 41% of residents belonged to the Swiss Reformed Church. The Collégiale de Saint-Imier, the principal Reformed , originated as a late Ottonian in the early . This Romanesque structure, restored in the and , exemplifies early medieval ecclesiastical architecture in the region and has served Protestant worship since the . Roman Catholics, whose community revived amid 19th-century industrialization and migration, attend the neo-Gothic Church of Saint Martin, erected from 1857 to 1866 as the inaugural Catholic edifice in Bern's Protestant districts post-. The extends across the Vallon de Saint-Imier, encompassing about 4,200 baptized members as of recent records. Minor denominations include the Christkatholische (Old Catholic) congregation at the Saint-Paul Church, a 1912 Art Nouveau building designed by architects Bosset and Bueche, and the with around 70 members.

Cultural Events and Traditions

Saint-Imier maintains several recurring cultural events that reflect its communal heritage and seasonal rhythms. The Imériale, an annual village festival typically held over two days in late June, centers on a traditional featuring local school promotions and themed floats, followed by street animations, stages with Guggenmusik bands, food stalls, and family-oriented activities that draw thousands of participants from the Vallon de Saint-Imier region. This event, organized by volunteers since at least the mid-20th century, emphasizes conviviality and local identity through performances by regional groups and evening fireworks. The spring and autumn fairs represent enduring mercantile traditions dating back centuries in the Jura bernois, with the spring fair occurring on a late , attracting approximately 50 vendors selling local produce, artisanal items, and prepared foods alongside musical entertainment and child-friendly animations. The autumn fair follows on the first of October, mirroring this format to mark the harvest season and sustain economic ties among farmers and craftsmen. These fairs, which close main roads for pedestrian traffic, preserve pre-industrial practices adapted to modern community engagement. Advent traditions include the Fenêtres de l’Avent, an illuminated window display initiative from to 24, where selected homes or businesses feature daily themed decorations visible in the evenings, accompanied by communal collations to promote neighborly gatherings amid the period. Complementing these are smaller events like the late-May Fête des voisins, which organizes block parties to foster social bonds, and weekly markets on Tuesdays and Fridays featuring regional vendors. The Centre de Culture et de Loisirs coordinates year-round programming, including over 40 seasonal events such as classical and concerts, theater productions, performances, and temporary exhibitions that integrate local artistic talent with broader Swiss cultural influences. These activities, held in venues like the collégiale or Espace Noir, often align with national holidays, such as Switzerland's Federal Day on , featuring fireworks and communal meals.

Infrastructure and Services

Transportation Networks

Saint-Imier is primarily served by rail via St-Imier railway station, located on the – line operated by (SBB) and regional partners. The line, which connects the Jura Bernois to the agglomeration and onward to and , facilitates commuter and regional travel with approximately 36 daily trains to , offering half-hourly intervals during peak periods. Travel times to average 20-25 minutes, while connections to take about 50-60 minutes with one change. The station handles both passenger and limited freight services, supporting the local watchmaking industry's logistics. Local bus networks complement rail access, managed by Chemins de fer du Jura (CJ) under the Automobiles CJ operator. Key routes include line 123, a circular service departing from the with 11 stops covering intra-municipal and nearby areas, operating daily; line 121 to Chasseral, providing seasonal access to the mountain summit on weekends and holidays via a through forests and pastures; and night buses linking to and Sonceboz on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These services integrate with the national Swiss system, allowing seamless ticketing via SBB apps for multimodal journeys. Road infrastructure relies on cantonal and secondary routes rather than motorways, with the main valley road paralleling the railway to (approximately 20 km east) and (20 km west). No national highway passes directly through the municipality, but proximity to the A16 Transjurane motorway near enables access to broader Swiss and French networks within 30 minutes by car. Local traffic supports and , with winding secondary roads like those to Mont-Soleil facilitating regional connectivity. Private vehicle use predominates for short trips, though public options reduce reliance on cars for valley travel.

Education System

The education system in Saint-Imier follows the Canton of Bern's framework, mandating 11 years of compulsory schooling from age 4 to 15, structured as two years of , six years of , and three years of lower secondary school. Public schools serving these levels include the École enfantine et primaire de Saint-Imier for and , and the École secondaire de Saint-Imier for lower secondary, which accommodates around 230 students in grades 9 to 11 from Saint-Imier, Renan, and Sonvilier. Post-compulsory education prioritizes vocational pathways aligned with the local economy, particularly watchmaking and precision manufacturing, through the Centre de Formation Professionnelle Berne-Jura (CEFF), offering apprenticeships, specialized industry training, and higher vocational qualifications up to tertiary level. Higher education is represented by the Haute École Arc Ingénierie campus in Saint-Imier, part of the Swiss universities of applied sciences network, delivering bachelor's and master's programs in engineering disciplines including production , and industrial vision, and embedded computing systems. The site features specialized infrastructure such as practical workshops and a state-of-the-art clean room for hands-on and instruction.

Healthcare and Public Services

The primary healthcare institution in Saint-Imier is the Hôpital de Saint-Imier, established in 1850 as a regional multidisciplinary facility under the Swiss Medical Network and part of the Réseau de l'Arc integrated health network. It provides specialized services in , gynecology-obstetrics (including a maternity unit), , geriatric rehabilitation, and emergency care, serving the Jura bernois population with inpatient and outpatient treatments. The hospital collaborates within Réseau de l'Arc to offer complementary regional resources such as ambulatory services, operations, two (EMS), radiology institutes, and centers. Specialized outpatient care includes at Swiss Visio St-Imier. Public services are administered by the municipalité de Saint-Imier, encompassing social welfare provisions, old-age and survivors' insurance (AVS/AI/IPG), (contrôle des habitants), and administrative policing. The travaux publics department manages infrastructure maintenance, including roads and utilities support, while emergency coordination links to health services and lists local physicians, psychotherapists, and urgent care contacts. Waste management falls under communal oversight with scheduled curbside collections for household refuse and recyclables, detailed in annual calendars to ensure environmental compliance. Utilities such as and are typically supplied through cantonal or inter-municipal providers, with the commune facilitating local distribution and public works integration.

Recreation, Sports, and Leisure

Outdoor and Nature-Based Activities

Saint-Imier lies in the Mountains, providing access to diverse outdoor pursuits amid forested ridges and high pastures. The region's terrain supports extensive hiking networks, with over seven documented trails in the immediate vicinity suitable for various skill levels. Trails like the high-altitude route across Montagne du Droit traverse open Jura pastures and spruce groves, offering panoramic views toward Chasseral peak. The railway from Saint-Imier ascends to Mont-Soleil at 1,179 meters, serving as a gateway for extended , including the forested Belvedere overlooking the valley. Proximity to Chasseral enhances options with additional marked paths for and e-biking. Winter recreation includes and snowshoeing on interconnected trails between Mont-Soleil and Mont-Crosin, leveraging the area's reliable snow cover in the Jura highlands. The surrounding countryside also accommodates launches and on sheer cliffs, with guided wild vegetation hikes highlighting local .

Sports Facilities and Clubs

Saint-Imier features a range of sports facilities supporting community and competitive activities, including the Clientis Arena, a modern opened in October 2018 with a capacity of 750 spectators for sporting events and amenities such as six changing rooms and a 60-seat ; it hosts matches, public skating, and lessons through affiliated clubs. The de Fin des Fourches serves as the primary venue for football, accommodating the local FC Erguël club, though the facility, originally constructed in the 1940s, has faced maintenance challenges due to its age and size limitations. Additional infrastructure includes the Halle de gymnastique for indoor and multi-sport events, Fitness Energy for and fitness classes, and equestrian facilities at the Centre Equestre des Planches. Outdoor aquatic facilities comprise the Piscine en Plein Air, a seasonal 50-meter pool complex operational from mid-May to mid-September, equipped with a non-swimmer basin, waterslide, court, and children's play areas. The Bassin de Natation provides year-round options, supporting local training and recreational use. The municipality hosts numerous sports clubs fostering participation across age groups, with the Hockey Club Saint-Imier (Sainti-Bats) utilizing the Clientis Arena for competitions and youth development programs offering free trials. FC Erguël competes in regional football leagues from the Stade de Fin des Fourches, emphasizing youth formation and community integration. Other active associations include the Volleyball Club La Suze, Judo Club Saint-Imier, Sainti Basket for , Club de Tennis de Table, and Sainti Squash, each operating from municipal venues or nearby sites. are prominent via the Ski Club Saint-Imier and Ecole Suisse des Sports de Neige, which provide instruction in , , and telemark at regional slopes like Bugnenets-Savagnières, featuring 30 kilometers of pistes. The FSG Saint-Imier encompasses groups for children from age 2.5, using the local halle de gymnastique, alongside shooting activities. and are supported by the Club Alpin Suisse Section Chasseral, while the Club des Patineurs Saint-Imier focuses on at the arena. These clubs, listed through the commune's official registry, promote broad accessibility with contact points for membership.

Community Events and Tourism Attractions

Saint-Imier's tourism attractions center on its watchmaking heritage, natural landscapes, and regional parks. The Musée Longines, housed in the original factory building by the La Suze River, exhibits the history of the watch company founded in 1832, showcasing timepieces, tools, and archival documents related to precision horology. Visitors can access -Soleil via the funicular railway from Saint-Imier, offering panoramic views of the and proximity to wind farms and hiking trails at elevations up to 1,189 meters. The Chasseral Regional Park encompasses diverse flora, fauna, and geological features, supporting activities such as walking tours documented in local brochures available from tourism offices. The Spielhofer cheese factory in Saint-Imier produces Tête de Moine AOP, a traditional Swiss cheese formed into distinctive "heads" via a girolle device, with guided tours demonstrating production processes using local milk. Community events emphasize local traditions and seasonal gatherings. The Foires de Printemps and d'Automne, longstanding fairs held annually, feature dozens of stands selling regional products, artisanal goods, and include cultural animations. The Imériale, a June festival spanning two days, involves local performances, activities, and community participation celebrating village heritage. Regular markets occur on Tuesday and Friday mornings at Place du Marché, supplemented by Les Imériennes monthly markets on the first weekend (excluding July and August) at Rue du Temple, focusing on local vendors. The Erguëlathlon, an annual triathlon combining swimming, mountain biking, and running, draws participants to the surrounding terrain. In December, Fenêtres de l’Avent illuminates select windows daily from the 1st to 24th, accompanied by evening gatherings.

Notable Residents and Associations

Historical Figures

Adhémar Schwitzguébel (1844–1895), a from Sonvilier in the Saint-Imier valley, emerged as a prominent leader in the Jura Federation of the First International, advocating anti-authoritarian among Swiss workers. As a delegate to the Saint-Imier Congress of September 15–16, 1872, he helped establish the Anti-Authoritarian International in opposition to the Marxist-led General Council, emphasizing federalist principles and . Schwitzguébel's activism intertwined watchmaking labor disputes with anarchist theory, reflecting the valley's dual identity as a hub of precision craftsmanship and radical organizing. James Guillaume (1844–1916), a Swiss writer and printer active in the Neuchâtel and Jura regions, served as international secretary of the Jura Federation and co-organized the 1872 Saint-Imier Congress. Born to Swiss parents in London, he contributed to the federation's bulletins and resolutions rejecting centralized authority, influencing Peter Kropotkin's early anarchist commitments. Guillaume's efforts solidified Saint-Imier's role in the split of the First International, promoting mutual aid and anti-statism among Jura watchmakers facing exploitative cottage-industry conditions. Ernest Francillon (1834–1900), a Swiss entrepreneur and nephew of Longines founder Auguste Agassiz, relocated to Saint-Imier in and pioneered industrialized watch production there. In 1866, he acquired land along the Suze River to build the Les Longines factory, introducing assembly-line methods and machinery that enabled mass output of reliable timepieces by the 1870s, transforming the local economy from dispersed ateliers to centralized manufacturing. Francillon's innovations, including standardized components, positioned Saint-Imier as a watchmaking center, with the factory employing hundreds by the late 19th century and exporting globally.

Contemporary Notables

Isabelle von Allmen, known by her Zouc (born 29 April 1950), is a Swiss actress, comedian, , and author born in Saint-Imier, where she spent her early years before moving to Saignelégier. She began performing publicly at age 14 in front of train-crossing barriers and later trained at the Conservatory of starting in 1966, developing a distinctive style blending humor, music, and theater. In recognition of her local roots and contributions to Swiss performing arts, Saint-Imier inaugurated "Rue d'la Zouc" on 29 April 2022 in the former Rue du Marché, the site of her birthplace in the Moulin de la Reine Berthe building. Walter von Känel (born 1 September 1941), who served as president of from 1980 until his retirement on 31 December 2020, is closely associated with Saint-Imier through his 51-year career at the company's headquarters there, starting in sales in 1969. Under his leadership, revived its heritage lines, expanded global presence, and maintained production in the Vallée de Saint-Imier, earning him the moniker "Prince of Saint-Imier" for his role in preserving the town's watchmaking legacy amid industry challenges.

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