News On the occasion of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Piaget has invited its clients and representatives of the international press to come and enjoy a preview of its new Manufacture at an evening event based on the theme of movement. Messrs Yves G. Piaget, President, and Philippe Léopold-Metzger, Chief Executive Officer of Piaget International SA, presented the new premises that were specially decorated for the occasion.
Like a luminous vision at the heart of a shining circle, the new Manufacture can be seen and identified from quite a distance. Daring, original and functional, its design distinguishes Piaget in the same manner as its watch and jewellery creations. A tribute to dreams and to creativity, this new building confirms the positioning and values of the brand while emphasising the fact that for Piaget, everything is always on the move.
Located in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, the new Manufacture is arranged in an entirely distinctive manner. The site designed by Swiss architects Pierre Studer SA, is shaped like a circle that is lit up by night and symbolises a watch dial. Visitors enter the main building via a footbridge corresponding to the hand of the watch and suspended above some delightful greenery.
The architectural concept gives pride of place to light, thanks to the large bay windows. Wood is widely used both inside and outside, representing a natural material which, in the architect’s words “does not injure the precious metal, while symbolising the jewel-case”.
The “heart” of the Manufacture is composed of a central building that will house the reception, administration, general services and restaurant. Two large production halls, respectively measuring 2,628 and 1,124 square metres, are connected to it.
So as to guarantee quality and efficiency, the production is organised according to lines. Large areas devoid of pillars and partitions provide great flexibility to allow for the evolution of structures to keep pace with new creations.
In setting up this Manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, a suburb of Geneva, Piaget will be transferring all the production activities previously located in Les Acacias. The new Manufacture will therefore welcome the following activities: machining bracelet and cases, gem-setting, polishing, rhodium-plating, assembly, casing-up and adjustment. A dedicated prototype workshop and an after-sales service will work alongside the production lines.
The new site will also house the design of watches and high jewellery creations. The coexistence of these activities reflects Piaget’s twin vocation, as master watchmaker and master jeweller.
Constituting the historic cradle of the brand, La Côte-aux-Fées in the Swiss Jura will continue to serve as the Manufacture of movements, Piaget’ s initial field of expertise. It is there that Piaget develops and crafts its famous calibres, including 222P, 430P and 500P.
Between May 1st and August 6th and after 14 months of construction work, around 340 people will be moving to the site of the Piaget Haute Horlogerie Manufacture. Production will not be disrupted, as the transfer will take place progressively.
During the summer of 2002, Piaget International SA will also relocate its administrative headquarters within the Plan-les-Ouates site, in a building that will be part of the symbolic circle. A perspective entirely in keeping with a brand on the move.
May 16, 2001
