Patek Philippe extends its empire into Neuchâtel

Late 2007, Patek Philippe set its sights on 18,000 square metres of land in the tiny hamlet of Le Crêt-du-Locle. This stretch between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle has been nicknamed “Golden Green Valley” and looks set to become a challenger to Plan-les-Ouates in the canton of Geneva, or “Plan-les-Watch” as it’s also known, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the concentration of watchmakers there. The countryside is not only idyllic, a chocolate-box Jura landscape of pine trees, lush green meadows and stone walls, it is also intellectually stimulating. This is one of the reasons Cartier moved there a few years ago. In fact Patek Philippe’s new premises will be a stone’s throw from the Richemont group brand.

Three companies under one roof

Not that Patek Philippe intends being unfaithful to Plan-les-Ouates, where the company has its head office and workshops. On the contrary: the firm has bought the land, formerly occupied by L’Oréal, next to its manufacturing plant and has plans to extend. So why this move to La Chaux-de-Fonds? “Our aim is to strengthen our presence in this traditional centre of watchmaking by building a production centre whose activities will range from manufacturing cases and external components, to polishing and stone-setting,” explained Jasmina Steele, spokesperson for the family firm which was established in 1839. Construction work for the future building began in April 2008, and the first stone was officially laid in October. Ultimately, three companies, all belonging to Patek Philippe, will be housed under its one roof, where they will benefit from synergies and the many other advantages of sharing the same site.

But just who are these companies? The first is Calame & Cie SA, a respected manufacturer of high-end watch cases and a subsidiary of the Genevan group since April 2001. Managed as an independent structure, it works in close collaboration with Patek Philippe’s case and straps division. Next up is Poli-Art SA, which was acquired by Patek in January 2006. This specialist polishing firm performs all its work by hand with no mechanical support. This is a particularly complex technique which requires a high standard of expertise. The third company is SHG (Sertissage Haut de Gamme) in which Patek Philippe has a majority shareholding. It commands a high level of expertise in hand-setting gems in watches, straps and jewellery.

In the name of independence

For the moment, these three companies employ some fifty staff. Given that their new workplace will include a canteen for 150 people, it’s safe to conclude that Patek Philippe, which owns over 70 patents, intends creating at least a hundred new jobs. And this is only the beginning as the Manufacture, which produces some 40,000 watches a year, has plans for three new buildings in all. The second will be set aside for R&D and new technologies. As for the third, it will be for future extensions, yet to be revealed.

By moving to La Chaux-de-Fonds, Patek Philippe, which employs some 1,300 people in Geneva including 200 qualified watchmakers, has made an informed choice. Its new location will bring it closer to vocational schools and research institutions, not least the Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique (CSEM), which is currently carrying out joint research projects with the brand into new technologies and the materials of tomorrow, such as silicon.

The Jura mountains are also becoming a centre of development for Patek Philippe. Over recent years, the company has acquired various firms there, including the dial-maker Flückiger in Saint-Imier (Berne) and casing specialists Allaine in Alle (Jura). Its goal: to achieve ever greater independence. A rare and coveted luxury in the world of watchmaking.