Audemars Piguet set to open a watch museum in Switzerland

Audemars Piguet is preparing to open a stunning museum at the end of June. The contemporary, spiral-shaped glass pavilion is intended to complement the company’s original building, situated in Le Brassus, which lies in the cradle of Swiss complicated watchmaking, the Vallée de Joux.  It was here that Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet established their workshop in 1875.

“Since the beginning of the project, our dream has been to offer each visitor an unforgettable experience in the beating heart of Audemars Piguet,” says Sébastian Vivas, Heritage and Museum Director at Audemars Piguet.  “We fundamentally believe that it’s important for visitors to get involved in interactive experiences in order to truly understand what makes horology and its craft so special.”

The museum has two specialised ateliers situated at the heart of the spiral. The first is dedicated to the Grandes Complications, while the second workshop hosts the Métiers d’Art, where Haute Joaillerie creations are crafted by highly skilled jewellers, gem-setters and engravers.

Over the last few years watch and jewellery brands such as Cartier, Bvlgari and Chaumet have exhibited their contemporary and historic collections at galleries and museums around the world.

“All visitors will be accompanied by a guide who will take them through the space and not only teach them about the incredible collection of timepieces on display, but also about the origins of the Vallée de Joux, and how a network of talented watchmakers transformed raw materials into masterpieces of complications in workshops established in their homes,” says Sébastian Vivas.  “The craft of watchmaking will be explained through interactive and playful animations inspired by old orreries, on show throughout the space. Visitors will also be able to connect with our craftsmen as they work in three workshops which operate daily within the walls of the museum.”

audemarspiguet.com