Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin Present the First Tourbillon Edition in Their Collaboration

A few days ago, Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin unveiled their third collaboration: the Time-Eater III, featuring the famous one-eyed monster design, an edition the two brands described as “the final bite,” which some interpreted as a hint that it would be the last in this distinctive partnership.

However, the collaboration didn’t end there. Today, the two maisons reveal a remarkable new addition: the first tourbillon regulator watch born from their joint efforts, a significant leap that takes the partnership to new heights, all while preserving the creative spirit that sparked it.

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News Hermès Expands Its Le Noirmont Facility to Boost Production Capacity

A New Step by the French Maison to Strengthen Its Vertical Integration Strategy

ByWaqt

14 hours ago

3 minutes read

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The French luxury giant Hermès continues to develop its watchmaking division as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its artisanal and industrial model. In order to boost its production capacity, the company is expanding its facility in Le Noirmont. This month, Hermès announced the start of construction, with the project expected to be completed by 2028.

The facility currently produces watch cases and dials. With the planned expansion, it will cover a total area of 11,000 square meters and will be able to accommodate around 100 new employees.

Located in the heart of the historic cradle of watchmaking in the Swiss Jura, the site originally housed the case production facilities of Joseph Erard SA, a long-time Hermès partner that the maison acquired in 2013. In 2012, Hermès also strengthened its expertise in watchmaking by acquiring Natéber SA, a dial manufacturer based in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The two activities case-making and dial-making, were consolidated at the Le Noirmont site in 2017, in a move that reinforces the maison’s commitment to vertical integration.

This strategy also reflects Hermès’ dedication to preserving its regional and sustainable roots by ensuring authentic Swiss watch production in line with the house’s renowned standards of quality and artisanal excellence.

The Le Noirmont site is complemented by the company’s facility in Brügg, canton of Bern, dedicated to producing leather watch straps and assembling cases, along with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, a specialist in high-end mechanical movement design, in which Hermès holds a significant stake. This allows the maison to further consolidate control over its value chain, enabling the development of bold creations that showcase exceptional craftsmanship, as seen in its latest releases and affirmed by Philippe Delhotal, Director of Watchmaking at Hermès, in our most recent interview with him.

The new architectural project reflects the evolving dynamism of the watchmaking industry, which began in the 19th century. The building’s design draws inspiration from the aesthetics of equestrian arenas, a nod to the maison’s equestrian heritage. The structure also embodies Hermès’ commitment to sustainable design: it will be constructed using locally sourced materials and equipped with solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, and a green roof. The surrounding garden will mirror the natural landscape of the Swiss Jura region.