Brodbeck Guillochage Inauguration

Brodbeck Guillochage, founded in 2004 by Georges Brodbeck, is located in an exceptional setting in the heart of the Val-de-Travers in Switzerland, perpetuating a rare know-how.

The building, a former watchmaking school dating from 1896, has been harmoniously transformed in keeping with tradition to accommodate the “métiers d’art” of the Manufacture. Thus, while paying homage to its rich past, the manufacture is now writing its future. Recently acquired by Kari Voutilainen, a passionate independent watchmaker and visionary entrepreneur, the management has been entrusted to Angélique Singele, a talented collaborator with dual training in watchmaking and microtechnical engineering (specializing in watch design), complemented by several years of experience.

In this place steeped in history and imbued with invaluable heritage, the workshop is a true Center of Excellence in the art of guilloché. Its mission is to revolutionize the decoration of objects in a multitude of fields, far beyond watchmaking, and to shine on an international scale. Within this space, artisans enhance creations with traditional motifs while exploring new patterns and techniques, thus pushing the boundaries of this craft.

In the spirit of transmission, this center is conducive to training future generations to master all the intricacies of this highly complex decoration.

The Art of guilloché-main

This ancient art dating back to the 15th century continues to fascinate and inspire today's and tomorrow's artisans. Evolving from its antique origins, this know-how has inspired every era with its finesse and timeless elegance.

Guilloché is a demanding work that requires a particular sensitivity, dexterity, intense concentration, precision, and an innate sense of aesthetics. To bring each idea to life, the guillocheur uses traditional machines from another time: "straight lines" for linear and discontinuous patterns, the so-called "tours à guillocher" for circular and concentric motifs, as well as very rare machines called “tapisserie”.

Artisans work with noble materials such as gold, platinum, silver, and mother-of-pearl. One of the crucial initial steps involves meticulously adjusting the machine to set-up the pattern. Then, with skill, consistency, and patience, he guides the graver, mastering pressure and speed to create intricate symmetrical patterns, playing with shape, spacing, and intertwining.

Like a metal alchemist, he breathes life into an infinite array of refined, elegant, and timeless decorations that shimmer beautifully under light, thanks to a harmonious play of reflections.

Georges Brodbeck, a man of passions

Introduced to precision mechanics from a young age, Georges Brodbeck is a master of guilloché, an independent and passionate craftsman from La Chaux-de-Fonds. For over 20 years, he has been recognized for his exceptional mastery and knowledge of this art, as well as for his ability to preserve it while exploring new creative paths. A true self-taught expert, driven by his love for the craft, he acquired his skills on his own by starting with the complete disassembly of an old guilloché machine given to him by his uncle and restoring it to uncover and master all its secrets. Initially considered merely a decorative object, it became the starting point of a true passion for guilloché and the restoration of antique machinery.

He travelled across Switzerland and Europe in search of them, visiting antique markets, attics, and old factories. He also dedicated considerable time to finding old blueprints, which he kept meticulously, as well as spare parts essential for repairs— many of which hadn’t been manufactured in decades. When necessary, thanks to his training, he was able to fabricate some of these components himself. Over the years, Georges has restored, modified, and improved more than thirty of these machines, both for his personal use and for prestigious watch brands, thus contributing to the preservation of this exceptional craftsmanship.

Having reached retirement age, he expressed the desire to pass on his expertise, his precious machines, and his manufacturing secrets to a craftsman who shares his philosophy and values.

Knowing each other for many years, it seemed only natural that this workshop should be entrusted to the renowned watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, whose deepest wish is to preserve and promote this art in various fields in Switzerland and beyond its borders.

A unique heritage of antique machines

Over thirty machines, including “tour à flinquer”, straight-line guilloché machines, and so-called 'tapestry' guilloché machines, all restored by Georges Brodbeck, continue to live in the Fleurier workshop. One of them, extremely rare, attracts particular interest: a large tapestry machine with impulse transmission, dating back to 1913, designed in La Chaux-de-Fonds and patented by the manufacturer Lienhard & Cie. It faithfully reproduces a bronze design and remains the last of its kind still in operation.

Additionally, six antique machines that once belonged to Wolfgang Lötterle, a guillocheur from Pforzheim, Germany—a historic center renowned for the quality of its watchmaking and goldsmithing—were acquired by Kari Voutilainen and restored by Georges Brodbeck.

The transmission of these precious mechanical treasures goes beyond mere acquisition. Few artisans are capable of mastering this technique, and their expertise is fundamental to perpetuating this centuries-old tradition.

Their knowledge rests on their skill, artistic sensitivity, as well as technical and historical expertise in restoring and setting-up these machines. Georges Brodbeck's commitment to training is therefore essential, as the true value and richness lie in his art. For over a year and a half, Georges Brodbeck passionately shared his craft and secrets with the manufacture’s team, which now continues to preserve and perpetuate this decorative technique.

Center of Excellence in the Art of Guilloché

The creation of the Center of Excellence in the Art of Guilloché, a true gem located in Val-de-Travers, Fleurier, marks a significant turning point in the history of this decoration. By opening its doors to all international fields, Brodbeck Guillochage now offers creators the opportunity to enhance their works with customizable guilloché patterns, making each piece unique.

Within the workshop, six guillocheurs work daily to create objects of unparalleled beauty. Each artisan is independent, crafting their own tools and making machine adjustments until they achieve perfect mastery.

In the spirit of transmission, it was also essential to establish this as an unparalleled training center in Switzerland, where future generations can discover and acquire the skills of this rare craft, which is no longer taught in schools.

At the heart of the Center of Excellence, the art of guilloché knows no bounds—there is so much to explore, so many forms, variations, and things to learn and create. It is this philosophy, blending tradition and innovation, that guides the Brodbeck Guillochage workshop towards new horizons.