Porsche Design opens new Swiss watchmaking facility

Porsche Design has officially opened its new Timepieces Manufactory, making it the only automotive brand to operate its own independent watchmaking facility. 

The opening follows a three-year planning phase, moving from Solothurn to the new 3,600-square-meter site in Grenchen.

The new site is designed with customization in mind, with customers being able to configure one-of-a-kind watches in much the same way that car lovers can currently do with a Porsche car.

The facilities are world class, with an ISO 7 cleanroom, 10 advanced watchmaking stations, and a lighting system that simulates constant daylight for quality control.

With the future and sustainability in mind, the rooftop photovoltaic system generates over 60% of the building’s energy, supported by heat-recovery ventilation and high-performance heat pumps.

The building itself has horology in its foundations, having originally been constructed in 1955 for Eterna. Porsche Design has kept some original features of the architecture and introduced a modern flourish, incorporating Porsche aesthetics.

The facility is not just for the white coat brigade. End customers will have the opportunity to design and collect their bespoke watches on-site. If they’re lucky enough to own a Porsche car too, the building has been designed to allow them to drive straight in.

“In this historic building, we are giving the vision of our founder F. A. Porsche a home,” said Bergmann, CEO of the Porsche Design Timepieces Manufactory. “Here, we bring together all of our expertise to develop and manufacture mechanical timepieces that set new benchmarks in innovation and customization. 

“Precision begins with the architecture and design of the building,” he continued. “Only those who find state-of-the-art working conditions in production, logistics, and administration can achieve peak performance.

“We evaluated numerous potential locations. Our guiding principle was to carry forward the philosophy of Ferry Porsche. In doing so, we applied the same precision and care as we do with our timepieces, creating the specific conditions necessary for our manufacturing,”

“Our perspective is long-term. With the manufactory in Grenchen, we are creating the foundation for the next generation of Porsche Design Timepieces.”