Celebrating Craftsmanship: Audemars Piguet Unveils the Arc Manufacture
While Audemars Piguet’s official 150th anniversary may be in 2025, the brand is already making waves with the introduction of its new Arc manufacture. Spanning an impressive 23,700 square meters, this state-of-the-art facility brings local production teams together, underscoring AP’s pride in its Vallée de Joux roots and its commitment to sustainable growth. With an emphasis on flexibility, efficiency, comfort, and environmental sustainability, the Arc is more than just a building; it embodies AP’s long-term vision and philosophy, proudly holding the Minergie-ECO certification.
The Grand Inauguration of the Arc Manufacture
Leading up to the Arc’s official opening, Audemars Piguet showcased the first round of novelties celebrating its 150th anniversary in this stunning new space. Architecturally striking, the Arc’s 321-meter-long curved facade harmonizes with its surroundings in Le Brassus, avoiding the overwhelming presence typical of urban settings like New York City. Designed by de Giuli & Portier and completed within three years, the new site adheres to Industry 4.0 principles, creating a collaborative environment that can accommodate up to 700 employees.
Understanding the Tradition of Swiss Watchmaking
To appreciate the significance of the Arc, it’s essential to understand the historic établissage system of Swiss watchmaking. This traditional production method derives its name from the French word établi, meaning “workbench,” where independent craftsmen would assemble watches using components sourced from local suppliers. In the Jura Mountains, farmers transitioned from tending livestock to crafting intricate watch components during the harsh winter months. An établisseur coordinated this decentralized system, ensuring that parts like cases, dials, hands, and movements were ordered, inspected, and assembled together.
Olivier Audemars, the great-grandson of AP co-founder Edward Auguste Piguet
AP CEO Ilaria Resta
Today, the term établissage refers to companies that assemble watches from finished components, contrasting with manufactures, which produce most parts in-house. Audemars Piguet aims to foster collaboration among specialists while also nurturing individual expertise. The new manufacture centralizes technical specialties previously scattered across the Vallée de Joux, enhancing teamwork and innovation.
The Vision for Tomorrow
Designed for longevity, the Arc is not just a production site; it’s a forward-thinking facility poised to adapt and support Audemars Piguet’s future growth. With optimized workflows and cutting-edge automation, the building enhances operational efficiency while still enabling artisans to hone their high-value skills—essential for upholding AP’s high-horology legacy.
The Arc’s Minergie-ECO certification reflects its commitment to environmental sustainability, featuring renewable energy sources, efficient systems, and biodiversity-friendly design. This groundbreaking facility is where tradition and innovation seamlessly blend, allowing Audemars Piguet to strengthen its roots while safeguarding its watchmaking heritage for future generations.