To celebrate its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet has grandly unveiled a brand-new watchmaking facility The Arc in Le Brassus, representing a significant step forward for the brand’s future in watchmaking craftsmanship. This building spans 23,700 square meters, seamlessly blending advanced technology, sustainability concepts, and human-centered design, injecting new energy into Vallée de Joux while highlighting the brand’s deep-rooted history with the local community that stretches over a century and a half.
Designed by the Geneva architectural firm de Giuli & Portier and constructed by Alpenda SA, this project received its building permit in 2019 and has taken three years to complete. The new facility consolidates the production team that was previously scattered across multiple locations in the Vallée de Joux, embodying the spirit of the traditional Établissage manufacturing system to create a modern workplace that fosters collaboration and technical exchange.
One of the standout features of the factory is its impressive 321-meter-long glass curtain wall, which employs electrochromic technology to automatically adjust its transparency in response to outdoor light and temperature. This ensures a consistently comfortable indoor environment while balancing natural lighting with energy efficiency. The building has also earned the Swiss Minergie-ECO® certification, fully showcasing Audemars Piguet’s commitment to sustainable building standards.
Spatial design emphasizes openness and diversity, accommodating up to 700 employees. The interior features transparent dividers, naturally lit shared areas, quiet zones, and traditional offices, allowing different work styles and departments to freely choose their ideal environment. Brand CEO Ilaria Resta stated: The Arc embodies our commitment to employee well-being and collaborative culture, serving as a key platform for driving the brand’s future development.
In terms of production systems, The Arc is equipped with a cutting-edge central automated storage system, which serves as the core technological setup of the factory. This GTP (Goods-to-Person) system reaches a height of 15 meters and is operated by 66 robots, capable of completing approximately 350 parts dispatch tasks per hour, with projections to increase to 1,200 tasks by 2030. This system not only maximizes the use of vertical space but also allows technicians to dedicate more time to the precision crafting processes of watchmaking, significantly enhancing overall efficiency and quality.
In terms of environmental protection, The Arc implements various carbon reduction and resource reuse measures, including a green roof design and the reconstruction of natural habitats that benefit insects and birds, while also providing a viewpoint overlooking the Vallée de Joux. The facility is also connected to the nearby Brassus Bois heating station, utilizing renewable energy for internal heating; additionally, the non-polluted soil excavated during the construction period is repurposed for other infrastructure projects to minimize waste.
The factory has also been specially designed with 80-centimeter high waterproof walls to direct rainwater towards natural drainage channels, preventing floods from impacting building safety while protecting the surrounding natural landscape from damage. To alleviate pressure on local traffic, the building offers 274 parking spaces and shares 228 spaces with Le Brassus Station, along with the addition of multiple electric vehicle charging stations, promoting a green transportation culture.
Internal administrative positions are now implementing remote work arrangements, while also encouraging carpooling to further reduce carbon emissions. This initiative not only helps to create a more flexible and efficient working system but also reflects the brand’s overall consideration of social and ecological responsibilities.
Rooted in the tradition of watchmaking and driven by innovative technology, this brand-new watchmaking facility located in Le Brassus The Arc not only represents a leap in production capabilities but also plays a crucial role in continuing the watchmaking heritage of the Vallée de Joux region. Through centralized operations, automation, and investments in sustainable infrastructure, Audemars Piguet strengthens its position as a guardian of Swiss haute horlogerie while continuously contributing to the local economy and community. The Arc marks an important milestone in the brand’s history and sets the direction for the future of haute horlogerie, balancing innovation and tradition.
