A new page in Tudor history

Tudor was founded in 1926 under the impetus of Hans Wilsdorf, creator of Rolex, with the aim of manufacturing quality watches at affordable prices. Over time, the watch firm built up a reputation, notably by becoming a supplier for the French Navy to which it delivered its diving watches, including the Submariner reference 7924, water-resistant to 200 metres.

A new Manufacture in Le Locle
Until 2021, Tudor had always been based in Geneva, in the heart of a building belonging to its sister company Rolex. With the aim of bringing the assembly operations on its timepieces geographically closer to its subsidiaries and suppliers in the Jura region, the brand decided to relocate to Le Locle. It thus celebrates its independence, as this is the first time that Tudor is housed within its own walls. The new building, which bears the brand’s colours, covers 5,500sqm spread over four floors. It is adjacent to the Kenissi entity, where Tudor movements have been manufactured since 2016. Thanks to Kenissi and its network of subsidiaries, the brand has been able to integrate the development and production of its high-performance mechanical calibres. It therefore now controls production of the strategic components of its watches and can guarantee
their quality.

The construction of the new Manufacture, which began in 2018, called for the finest work of all those involved. The foundations of the building were built on 330 pillars measuring 30 m long and anchored in the subsoil of the rocky layer. The entire underground structure of the building was wrapped in a large membrane to protect it from the underlying water table. Both the temperature and the humidity level of the building are constantly monitored. Two fire protection systems – one conventional and the other based on nitrogen diffusion – ensure that no flames are created.

The façade and windows give the building its signature look. All windows are fitted with advanced technology that automatically adjusts the light entering the building. This process helps to regulate energy consumption. Energy is generated by 442 solar panels installed on the roof of the factory. Great care has also been taken with the surroundings of the building so as not to disturb the Grand Bied, a local waterway, and to respect the biodiversity of the area.

The interior of the Manufacture was a key focus of designers’ attention. The decoration features red, black and grey tones that are found on the building’s façade, creating visual harmony. The furniture offers comfort and safety for all, while the ergonomics of the workplaces have been carefully thought out for each workshop.

The new Manufacture places human beings at the centre of watchmaking expertise, while relying on the power of technology. The various stages of timepiece assembly thus take place on automated islands that perform the repetitive part of the work, leaving the right amount of scope for employees’ expertise. The component storage centre is also automated and uses robots that promptly supply the various workshops with components by means of conveyor belts.

METAS
While all Tudor timepieces benefit from certification by the COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute), for some of them – such as the new models in the Black Bay collection – the testing goes even further. The brand has indeed decided to submit these models to the rigorous tests of METAS, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. In order to bear this label, the watches must therefore undergo additional tests and meet rigorous criteria in terms of chronometry, resistance to magnetism and waterproofing in order to be Master Chronometer-certified and benefit from a five-year guarantee. METAS has set up an office at the heart of the Manufacture to check the timepieces after this battery of drastic tests.

At the dawn of this new era, Tudor is proud to display its logo, a shield, symbolising robustness, as well as engineering and horological prowess.

June 15, 2023