News 
Raymond Leitenberg and François Billig
At the beginning of May, Horlyne, which specialises in the design of high-end oscillating weights, joined the Acrotec group in order to strengthen its watchmaking division’s chain of competence.
From its headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Horlyne has continued to grow and develop to become an acknowledged leader in the manufacture of oscillating weights. This mastery is possible notably thanks to the integration of three precious watchmaking skills: guilloché, gem-setting and engraving.
This exceptional expertise attracted the Acrotec group, which was very receptive to the desire of Horlyne’s managers to turn to the company federation model promoted by Acrotec. “When the problem of my succession arose”, explains Raymond Leitenberg, director of Horlyne, “it seemed logical and natural to contact Acrotec, whose values are very close to ours. It is a guarantee of continuity, synergies and development that is very important for Horlyne.”
A significant common denominator is that Horlyne and the Acrotec group often work for the same watchmaking customers, prestigious brands that have long trusted the companies of the Jura group and the Neuchâtel company. “This acquisition is a marriage of reason and passion”, says François Billig, CEO of the Acrotec group. “Horlyne brings us a skill that perfectly complements our expertise in oscillating weights. Its high-end treatment of this watchmaking component is a market benchmark. I am very happy that the Horlyne team is joining our watchmaking family. It has a rightful place alongside its peers.”
Based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Horlyne was founded in 1978 by an engraver-gemsetter wishing to meet the growing demand of the jewellery industry. The company has continued to diversify by developing its products in line with market demand. This long road has led it to a specialisation: production of top-of-the-range oscillating weights in precious metals. This component is manufactured by drawing on the in-house mastery of multiple crafts and equipment ranging from the over century-old guilloché rose engine to the state-of-the-art Femto laser. A team of 35 skilled people trained in the demands of high quality is dedicated to serving the industry for the production of one-off pieces as well as large series.
May 25, 2022