A Major Expansion of the Greubel Forsey Atelier Manufacture

Greubel Forsey's Atelier Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland) wilt almost triple in size. This investment of 20 million Swiss francs is in fine with the brand's current dynamic growth, aimed above all at further strengthening R&D and innovation, craftsmanship and meeting the growing demand for timepieces that have always been recognised for their uncompromising excellence. The expansion will be completed and operational by 2026.

“With this expansion, the idea is not to deviate from our path, but rather to go even further in our quest for excellence, towards ever greater creativity and excellence in hand finishing,” explains Antonio Calce, CE0, Executive Board Member & Shareholder of Greubel Forsey.

The expansion of Greubel Forsey's Atelier Manufacture — from 2,000 to 5.460 m² — will enable the brand to develop new in-house skills and expertise, strengthen its research and development units and gradua Ily increase production capacity. The new building will encompass the existing structure, dating from 2009, while retaining the architectural features specific to this site. Work is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2024, marking the brand's 20th anniversary. The new Atelier Manufacture will be fully operational by 2026. “This new facility will enable us to integrate new skill sets, create new workshops - especially in R &D Innovation — and push the boundaries of hand finishing excellence with a team dedicated solely to Hand Finishing R&D,” explains Antonio CaIce.

Since it was founded in 2004, Greubel Forsey has distinguished itself in the world of Fine Watchmaking thanks to its pioneering spirit and exceptional creativity. With this major investment of around 20 million Swiss francs, the brand is clearly affirming its continued commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

Greater independence

The expansion of Greubel Forsey's Atelier Manufacture not only creates a larger production space, but also represents a step towards greater independence and reflects the brand's environmentally conscious approach. This investment demonstrates Greubel Forsey's financial confidence and stability, as well as its determination to become even more autonomous. By relying on its own resources, the brand is also reaffirming its determination to maintain its independence and preserve its distinctive identity. Moreover, by choosing an intelligent, eco- friendIy building, Greubel Forsey is demonstrating its desire to work actively for a more sustainable future.

The interior layout of the Atelier Manufacture has been designed to optimise the use of space and facilitate the coordination of different crafts. Most importantly, it will enable the creation of new workshops specifically dedicated to R&D Innovation and Hand Finishing. A number of workshops will be set up, including one dedicated solely to mastering the regulating organ (balance spring and balance wheel) and another to complex casemaking. Meanwhile, the Hand-Made workshop will triple in size in order to continue to preserve, safeguard and perpetuate traditional watchmaking knowledge and skills.

A clear vision

The underground level will include storage areas and an employee wellness room. The ground floor will house production, logistics, quality control and R &D areas. The 17th-century farm house, a symbol of Greubel Forsey’s traditional roots, will be transformed into a VIP area, a lounge, a museum and a restoration workshop designed to pass on the brand's skills and legacy. The upper floors wiII be dedicated to assembly, hand finishing, clean  rooms,  laboratories, product development with research and design offices, as welt as after-sales service, administration and other related areas.

With 260 timepieces (+100%) made in 2022 and all delivered to collectors and enthusiasts of fine watchmaking, it  was an exceptional year  for Greubel Forsey. More than just a year of transition, it was also a year of acceleration and transformation at every level. And 2023 will continue to reinforce this trend.

A reinforced ambition

The expansion of the Atelier Manufacture is a response to this strong dynamic and the fundamental transformation that Greubel Forsey has embarked upon, from  an  inventive workshop run by two genius inventor watch makers to a truly enduring watch brand. With this in mind, the independent brand is preparing to launch new timepieces and an 8th Fundamental Invention this year that will push the boundaries of innovation  and craftsmanship  even  further. As such, Greubel Forsey is positioning itself as a disruptive leader, rewriting  the  codes  of tradition aI Fine Watchmaking. And the expanded surface area of its new Atelier Manufacture will reinforce this ambition even further.