Since the 18th century, watchmaking has developed in the Vallée de Joux according to the singular model of the établissage. Constrained by harsh weather conditions, the region’s farmers spent the long winter months inside their farms, crafting tiny watch parts. Most of them had their own workshop, which specialised in the creation of a specific component such as wheels, bridges or screws.
These independent artisans were coordinated by an établisseur who was responsible for collecting all the parts needed to assemble the finished watch. During the early decades of its history, Audemars Piguet acted as an établisseur. This organisational structure evolved over the course of the 20th century, prompting the Manufacture to develop the in-house expertise required to create a complete watch while retaining its collaborative spirit.
Over the years, the brand has pushed technical boundaries and advanced traditional watchmaking by promoting the power of the collective. By forging collaborations with artisans both within and outside the Manufacture, the Atelier des Établisseurs – located in the brand’s historical house which is now home to the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet – aims to revive the creative spirit of the établissage system.
These independent artisans were coordinated by an établisseur who was responsible for collecting all the parts needed to assemble the finished watch. During the early decades of its history, Audemars Piguet acted as an établisseur. This organisational structure evolved over the course of the 20th century, prompting the Manufacture to develop the in-house expertise required to create a complete watch while retaining its collaborative spirit.
Over the years, the brand has pushed technical boundaries and advanced traditional watchmaking by promoting the power of the collective. By forging collaborations with artisans both within and outside the Manufacture, the Atelier des Établisseurs – located in the brand’s historical house which is now home to the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet – aims to revive the creative spirit of the établissage system.
