Porsche Design Opens New Watch Manufactory in Grenchen

Porsche Design announced the opening of a new watch manufactory in Grenchen, Switzerland, expanding its in-house production and customization capabilities. Learn more.

Porsche Design has established its first permanent base in one of Switzerland’s key watchmaking centers, opening a new timepieces manufactory in Grenchen — a city deeply rooted in the history of mechanical watch production. For the company, this marks a shift toward full manufacturing independence.

The new facility spans around 3,600 square meters and is housed in a building dating back to 1955, which was completely modernized within 18 months. It now brings together all core functions — from development and engineering to assembly, quality control and after-sales service — effectively positioning Porsche Design among traditional watch manufactures with fully integrated production.

This move reflects a long-term strategy. Porsche remains the only automotive brand operating its own watch manufactory, allowing it to control not only design but also the technological side of its products. Unlike typical partnerships between carmakers and watch brands, this approach is based on in-house expertise and independent production.

The choice of Grenchen is both symbolic and practical. The city is part of the Swiss “watchmaking triangle” and is known for its concentration of skilled specialists, suppliers and industrial infrastructure. It has long been associated with companies such as Eterna and ETA, and the building itself previously hosted Porsche Design watch production.

Inside, the facility follows production principles familiar from Porsche’s automotive operations: sequential workflows, short logistics paths and precise coordination of processes. The production environment includes ISO 7 cleanrooms and ISO 5-level workstations, ensuring strict control over even microscopic particles that can affect the accuracy of mechanical watches.

Customization plays a central role. The brand’s custom-built timepieces allow clients to configure materials, design elements and technical details in a way similar to configuring a Porsche sports car. In the new manufactory, this entire process — from configuration to final delivery — is brought together under one roof.

The building also serves as a public-facing space. Designed as a “glass manufactory,” it offers guided tours, exhibition areas and a dedicated Fitting Lounge where customers can design their watches on site. Production becomes part of the brand experience rather than a hidden process.

Sustainability is integrated into the concept as well. A photovoltaic system with 211 solar panels supplies up to 62 percent of the facility’s energy, while heat pumps and ventilation systems with heat recovery reduce overall energy consumption. This aligns with a long-term approach focused on efficiency rather than volume growth.

The project took around three years from initial search to completion. The result is not just a new production site, but an infrastructure designed for gradual expansion and continuous development — reflecting Porsche Design’s principle of “not more, but better” in mechanical watchmaking.