Industry News
Timekeepers Club / April 1, 2023

Agenhor & MELB Luxe, Which Owns H. Moser & Cie., Strengthen Their Partnership

Agenhor SA (Atelier GENevois d’HORlogerie) and the MELB Luxe group, (which owns H. Moser & Cie., HAUTLENCE and Precision Engineering AG), are pleased to announce that MELB Luxe has invested in the capital of the famous Genevan watchmaking atelier Agenhor SA, thereby strengthening their partnership. This acquisition of a minority stake is part of the integration process pursued by the family holding company. The H. Moser & Cie. and HAUTLENCE integrated manufactures design, develop and produce their movements, including the components for regulating organs, through their sister company Precision Engineering AG. On an ad hoc basis, and with full transparency, for certain specific projects they call upon the expertise of specialists, in particular Agenhor SA. This alliance also demonstrates the common desire to reinforce the collaboration between the companies in a spirit of mutual respect. Edouard Meylan, owner of MELB Luxe and CEO of H. Moser & Cie., is joining the board of directors of Agenhor SA, adding his entrepreneurial vision and in-depth knowledge of Haute Horlogerie to the company's existing skillset.

Strengthening links


With their shared philosophy and common values, Agenhor SA and MELB Luxe have a strong history and solid foundations. Both companies are currently enjoying a phase of development and growth, on different scales, but with the same desire to move forward. Moreover, both of these independent family businesses are experiencing a new lease of life, each in the hands of a new generation of young people. It was therefore only natural that the desire to strengthen existing links arose. 

In the words of Nicolas Wiederrecht, co-owner of Agenhor SA with his brother Laurent, "The vibrancy of H. Moser & Cie. is remarkable. After many years of exciting collaboration between our two companies, and in a successful period of development, we are convinced that the alliance of H. Moser & Cie. and Agenhor SA and the complementary nature of our brands will boost creativity on both sides. The independence of Agenhor SA is guaranteed. We will continue to serve our existing and prospective customers with our continuous close attention, while maintaining the same respect for confidentiality. Our new-found stability is further ensured by this strategic alliance."

For H. Moser & Cie.'s part, CEO Edouard Meylan is delighted: "This acquisition will allow us to go further and work on new movements for H. Moser & Cie. and for HAUTLENCE. As the vast majority remains in the hands of the Wiederrecht family, Agenhor SA is free to develop and can count on the support of the Meylan family if needed. We guarantee them financial security and access to the regulating organs of Precision Engineering AG, while we secure our supply of strategic modules and movements. This is a win-win situation for all of us."

Strength in numbers


In a highly competitive industry, where the big groups tend to dictate the rules, bringing Agenhor SA and H. Moser & Cie. together through MELB Luxe is an important strategic move. Together, the two companies are stronger, more creative, more innovative and more stable. The prospects for development promise to be rich and varied, starting with the Agengraphe® movement, which both brands are keen to develop further. Another major advantage of this acquisition is that the MELB LUXE group will have a branch in French-speaking Switzerland.

MELB Luxe


MELB Luxe is an independent, family group based in the heart of the legendary Vallée de Joux. With the aim of promoting watchmaking savoir-faire and proven expertise in the field, MELB Luxe holds shares in the companies H. Moser & Cie., Hautlence and Precision Engineering AG.

Agenhor

Agenhor was founded in 1996 by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, a renowned watchmaker and creator of innovative complications. It is now run in Meyrin (Geneva) by his two sons, Nicolas and Laurent Wiederrecht. This Swiss company specialises in the design and manufacture of high-end watch movements and complications.

Known for its unique and innovative watch movements, which often incorporate complex functions such as retrograde display, central  Agengraphe® chrono and astronomical complications. The company has collaborated with many of the watch industry's most prestigious brands to create some of the world's most exclusive and sought-after bespoke timepieces. Agenhor's watch movements are appreciated for their technical prowess, precision and aesthetics. The company's approach to watchmaking is focused on creating innovative and distinctive timepieces that push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking techniques while respecting them.

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