Prix Gaïa (Gaïa Prize) winner and renowned master guillocheur Georges Brodbeck has set up his know-how and heritage machinery in the former watchmaking school in Fleurier, founded in 1896. Independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen will be taking Brodbeck’s name and reputation forward as his expertise and values are passed on to the next generation.
When the time came for him to retire, Georges Brodbeck could have given into any number of tempting offers. Its mythical machines and “manufacturing secrets” have returned to the Val de Travers and this former watchmaking school, which couldn’t have dreamed of a better rehabilitation. The building speaks volumes, having in its own way shaped the human landscape of Swiss watchmaking.
Centre of excellence in the Val de Travers
This venerable piece of architecture is now home to Brodbeck Guillochage, following the official inauguration on 26 September 2024. New managing director Angélique Singele and distinguished watchmaker Kari Voutilainen – the man hand-picked by Brodbeck to take the business forward – cut the ribbon at a ceremony attended by Cantonal Councillor Frédéric Mairy and representatives of the municipal authorities, among other guests.
A smooth handover
| “Like a metal alchemist, the ‘guillocheur’ breathes life into an infinite array of refined, elegant and timeless decorations that shimmer beautifully in the light.” |
The move has seen Brodbeck, the most renowned master guillocheur (engine-turner) in the world of high-end watchmaking, leave his former base in Saignelégier. Having recently won the Creation – Craftsmanship category of the Prix Gaïa (dubbed the ‘Nobel Prize in Watchmaking’), awarded by the Musée International d’Horlogerie (International Watchmaking Museum) in La Chaux-de-Fonds since 1992, Brodbeck is handing over the baton in style.
After all, in the business world – and SMEs are no exception here – the issue of succession when someone retires often gives rise to much concern about the loss of knowledge and expertise that are hard to pass on. This applies particularly to skills based on human dexterity and experience, as well as the captivating know-how that tempts some groups to aim for exclusivity, whetting their envy for vertical integration.
Hand guillochage radiating timeless finesse and elegance
Guillochage (engine-turning) is a demanding art that requires particular sensitivity, dexterity, high levels of concentration and precision as well as an innate sense of aesthetics. To bring each idea to life, guillocheurs use traditional machinery from another age: straight-line machines for linear decorations and broken lines, rose engine lathes for circular and concentric patterns, and very rare ‘tapestry’ machines.
| “This age-old know-how dating back to the 15th century fascinates and inspires the artisans of tomorrow. Elevated to an ‘artistic trade’, it permeates every era.” |
Guillocheurs work with top-quality materials such as gold, platinum, silver and mother-of-pearl. One of the crucial initial steps involves meticulously adjusting the machine to set up the pattern. Finally, with skill, consistency and patience, they guide the graver, controlling the pressure and speed to create intricate symmetrical patterns, making use of varying shapes, spacing and intertwining.
Joël A. Grandjean