Guillod Gunther high-end watch cases manufacturer

Considered a benchmark in the development and production of cases intended for major watch firms, Guillod Gunther stands out for its innovations and its expertise. A key player among watch industry sub-contractors, the company celebrated its 150^th anniversary in 2016. This historical milestone was quickly followed by two key events that occurred in recent months.

The La Chaux-de-Fonds based firm was first entirely taken over by its management team which immediately relocated it in new premises, perfectly suited to its requirements, in order to continue repositioning it as a producer of exceptional watch cases and components.

Solution provider
The company’s approach is based not only on offering recognised technical competencies, but also on envisioning its relationship with clients from a broader perspective by taking account of the new needs arising from market shifts.

Originally a precious metals specialist, Guillod Gunther broadened its palette of competencies to encompass all metals – composites or exotic materials – including the most innovative. The company is continually developing its palette of materials.

Driven by an extreme concern for responsiveness and rigorous discipline, developments – dealt with in project mode – are taken on at any stage of their evolution, from the most elementary to the most advanced.

Organisation of production is mainly focused on small and medium-sized series, ranging from a few timepieces to several hundred units per launch. It also affords significant potential for adjusting orders so as to ensure the best possible match with market demand.

Guillod Gunther is also able to handle special projects such as limited series, pocket watches and horological complications, within consistently optimised lead times. The company also gives its clients access to a network of complementary partners sharing the same approach to their professions. This attitude entails a commitment to working as far upstream as possible and as closely as possible with its clients.

Guillod Gunther sees itself as a solution provider. From development to production, the firm is determined to represent a trustworthy partner in a relationship based on three fundamental pillars:

Innovation
A substantial part of Guillod Gunther’s resources is dedicated to innovation and to continuous improvement of its processes. Its development team devotes particular attention to seeking out new materials, proposing various finishing and decoration options, as well as reducing the weight of components, optimising constructions, etc.

Time to client
At each stage of a given project, the priority is given to shortening development and production times. The existence of a prototyping and micro-series unit, independent from the other workshops, enables it to conduct concrete trials within a very short space of time. The acquisition of new technologies in this field is indeed currently in the process of validation.

When it comes to production, the progressively more widespread use of 3D machining, the incorporation of key competencies as part of a quest to eliminate bottlenecks, as well as close cooperation with certain producers of supplies and materials, are the key elements of the firm’s investment strategy. Whereas standard delivery times tend to range between six to eight months, the company is now offering six-week lead times. How has it achieved that? An in-depth analysis of all stages led it to rethink its production methods so as to optimise each stage.

Excellence across the board
Along with its stringent standards with regard to meeting agreed deadlines and to ensuring quality complying with the highest industry standards, Guillod Gunther also provides a palette of personalised services including after-sales service, retro-development of historical models, and reconstructing components relating to the watch industry heritage.

A committed team
The company with its 65-strong workforce is now in the hands of an independent team of entrepreneurs. The highly experienced management currently comprises Philippe Caste, CEO; Virginie Tronci, Commercial & Marketing Director; Pierre Berberat, Technical Director; Frédéric Dupuis, COO; as well as Alain Guillaume, CFO. Jean Guillod, a historical figure of the firm, continues to serve on the Board of Directors.

The progress made in recent months reinforces the company, consolidating its enduring relations with its clients, as well as nurturing its employees’ confidence and ambitions.


A few key dates:

November 16, 2017