A new Time: Porsche Design opens its new watch manufactory

Form and function. The art of watchmaking and Switzerland. Porsche and performance. Some things simply belong together. And in Grenchen, all these aspects now come together once again on a total area of around 3,600 square metres. This is where Porsche Design has pooled all its expertise in the development and manufacture of mechanical timepieces. Behind historic walls, a modern, bright, open interior design has been realised that is consistently tailored to the requirements for the precision mechanical production of timeless watches. Three years of planning, eighteen months of remodelling and, in the end, a manufactory that anchors its own quality standards even more firmly in the world of watches.

The opening was celebrated accordingly: Hollywood star and brand ambassador Orlando Bloom stopped by in person, as did industry insiders and friends of the brand. Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Porsche Lifestyle Group, summarised the brand's motivation as follows: "We are the first car manufacturer to operate our own watch manufactory. We derive a clear claim from this: to offer our customers exceptional timepieces that combine innovation, precision and a high degree of individualisation typical of Porsche."

The pure facts remain: The manufactory has an ISO 7 class clean room with ISO 5-level watchmaking workbenches, plus a sophisticated ventilation system with five air changes per hour, controlled humidity between 40 and 50 per cent and overpressure technology that ensures maximum cleanliness and stability.

Production itself follows the Porsche principle of sequential production with short distances and just-in-time logistics. "We follow the principle of 'no more, but better' in the new manufactory. Precision begins with the architecture and the design of the premises," emphasises Rolf Bergmann, CEO of Porsche Design Timepieces Manufaktur. "It was important for us to create the ideal conditions for the various trades. Only then - like in a Swiss watch movement - does each cog mesh with the other."

And the customers? Also find ideal conditions here. From the very beginning, the concept of a glass factory was pursued, which makes factory tours possible. In addition to being a production facility, the Timepieces Manufaktur is also a brand experience space with an exhibition and event area. And anyone who wants to can drive their own Porsche into the manufactory and experience the connection between automobile and timepiece. This is truly unique.

Find out more: porsche.com