Vacheron Constantin has just inaugurated its new manufacturing site, located near Geneva, in the commune of Plan-les-Ouates, nicknamed “Plan-les-Watches” because, in addition to Vacheron Constantin and a number of more modest ateliers, Patek Philippe and Piaget call this area home. They will also soon be joined by a gigantic Rolex facility.
As was the case with Patek Philippe before its move to Plan-les-Ouates, Vacheron Constantin’s various activities were spread around different places in the city of Geneva. The inauguration of this new site allows them to be grouped together in one place.
Bringing together the various skills and crafts integral to the brand is clearly an important factor in its development strategy. As has been observed with other companies, the close contact between design, marketing, management, and production will certainly create new synergies. The entire structure, realized by the Franco-Swiss architect, Bernard Tschumi, facilitates the flow between the different departments.
Tschumi, born in Lausanne in 1964 and recognized for his theoretical work as well as many concrete examples in the cultural domain (including the famous Parc de la Villette in Paris, schools, museums and concert halls) designed the Vacheron Constantin site as a vast metallic envelope that folds in on itself. On the inside, this metal structure is lined with warm wood to create a welcoming atmosphere. The lighting, essential for the detailed work of watchmakers, has been particularly well thought out. The building’s orientation was carefully chosen so that natural light enters the workshops, letting rays delicately illuminate all the workstations.
The ateliers are placed around a central court with a water feature and luscious vegetation, and are separated by walls of transparent glass. The workstations themselves have been carefully designed. Made of white inlaid maple, their height can be automatically adjusted, providing exceptional comfort for the watchmakers. Offices for design, administration and marketing are located in the highest part of the ‘fold’ of the envelope and are connected by a vast atrium surrounded by hallways.
Vacheron Constantin still maintains its historic headquarters located on the Ile de Genève in the centre of Geneva, which is now used for client relations, a magnificent museum and an atelier where special-order or unique pieces are made. Vacheron Constantin also maintains an atelier in the ‘Mecca’ of haute horlogerie in the Vallée de Joux, where 72 employees work in the design and development of movements, new finishes, and surface treatments.
At the main site near Geneva, very high quality watches are produced with workshops specializing in design, assembly, adjustments, casing, quality control and after-sales service. Progressively, all the brand’s production will meet the specifications of the very coveted ‘Poinçon de Genève’ or Geneva Seal. Currently, nearly 80% of the new movements meet these strict requirements, which demand unequalled high quality hand-finishing.
Dating back to an international architecture contest in 2001, construction of the site began in December 2002 and was completed around 18 months later, just in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the company founded in 1755. This next year promises to be a festive one for Vacheron Constantin, one of the most beautiful flowers in the Richemont Group bouquet.


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