In the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland sits a unique spiral-shaped building rising up from the landscape. The building in question is the Musee Atelier Audemars Piguet , designed by the Danish architecture firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group).
Nested between the original workshop where Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet started their journey into horology in 1875, it is an immersive space where visitors to the Swiss manufacturer’s facility can encounter its past, present and future.
Audemars Piguet’s Heritage and Museum Director Sebastian Vivas said, “The Musee Atelier Audemars Piguet is a unique place of discover, learning and conviviality where knowledge and savior-faire are passed on to the next generation.”
“The technical complexity of its architecture and scenography connects it to the highly complicated movement of a Grand Complication,” he added.
The unique shape of the building is an architectural combination symbolises the blend of tradition and forward thinking at the heart of Audemars Piguet’s craftsmanship, while honouring its deep-rooted origins in the Vallee de Joux.
The ambitious architectural and museographical project was made possible thanks to the creativity and collaboration of a host of experts, including architects, engineers and local artisans, as well as numerous departments within Audemars Piguet.
Situated within Musee Atelier Audemars Piguet lies 200 years of watchmaking history that is re-imagined as a musical score.
Inside you will find sculptures, automata, kinetic installations and mock-ups of intricate mechanical movements, give life and rhythm to various aspects of horological technique and design.
Audemars Piguet proudly showcases over 300 watches from its vast history including feats of complication, miniaturisation and unconventional designs.
The visit culminates at the centre of the spiral with the display of Grandes Complications. Sitting at the centre of the spiral, is the ultra-complicated Universelle pocket watch from 1899. Inspired by the solar system, the spherical showcases of this section evoke the astronomical cycles of time at the heart of watchmaking.
Visitors are also invited to try their hands at some of the ancestral techniques perpetuated by Audemars Piguet’s finishing experts, such as satin brushing and circular graining.
The watch exhibition ends on a rich collection of Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore and Royal Oak Concept.
The Universelle contains more than 20 complications and 1168 components for its movement. A real masterpiece of complication!
