Towards the end of the 18th century, a network of talented artisans was formed in the Vallée de Joux that could also produce extremely complicated and finely finished mechanical movements.
Die Geschichte von Audemars Piguet
Jules Louis Audemars and Edward August Piguet opened their workshop in this region in 1875, which later became the now world-famous Audemars Piguet watch brand.
From that time on, the company continued to manufacture complicated handmade movements, even as mass production began to take hold in many other watch factories and as a result of increasing industrialisation.
This attitude still characterises Audemars Piquet today, probably also because it is still in the hands of its founding families.
The Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet
Photo: Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet
The Musée Atelier is located in Le Brassus, a modest Village of the Vallée de Joux in the Swiss Jura. It is in this region that beats to the tune of complicated watch mechanisms that everything started for Audemars Piguet in 1875.
The Musée Atelier invites its visitors on a cultural journey of discovery through Audemars Piguet’s past, present and future. This meeting place, where the craft is practised, embodies the Manufacture’s commitment to the preservation of Haute Horlogerie – in the Vallée de Joux and beyond.
Visitors can look forward to a varied voyage of discovery. It resembles a score with crescendos, highlights and moments of reflection. This musical concept is the result of a carefully planned scenography.
The Musée Atelier comprises the historic building where Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet founded their company in 1875 and a spiral-shaped glass building designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The main exhibition is presented in this contemporary glass building: Some 300 timepieces sum up 200 years of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux.
Photo: Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet
The spiral-shaped building of the Musée Atelier is framed by walls of structured, curved glass. It is the first construction of its kind at such a height. A showpiece of engineering and design.
The steel roof winds like a kind of mystery clock on its supporting structure. The steel spiral dominates the meadow landscape of the valley. Its greening with native grasses helps to regulate the temperature and absorb water.
Foto: Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet
Information for a visit to the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet
The Musée Atelier is located in Le Brassus, about one hour from Geneva. It can be reached by car and by public transport.
By Car
If you come by car, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains on the way. In winter you must ensure that your car is equipped for driving on snow. On arrival, a car park is available in front of the main building, Route de France 16.
By Public Transport
Le Brassus station is only a few minutes’ walk from the museum.
Adress
Route de France 18,
1348 Le Brassus
Schweiz
Opening Hours
Visits are are only available with tours in English, French or German an Monday to Friday at 14.00 and 15.00. You can book your tour up to 3 months in advance.
