Manufacture
Georges Brodbeck, a man of passions
Introduced to precision mechanics from a young age, Georges Brodbeck is a master of guilloché independent and passionate craftsman from La Chaux-de-Fonds. For over 20 years, he has been recognized for his exceptional mastery and knowledge of this art, as well as his ability to preserve it while exploring new creative paths.
A true self-taught expert, driven by his love for this know-how, he acquired his skills on his own by starting with the complete disassembly of an old guilloché machine given to him by his uncle and restoring it to uncover and master all its secrets. Initially considered merely a decorative object, it became the starting point of a true passion for guilloché and the restoration of antique machinery.
Image © Guillaume Perret
Georges Brodbeck, a man of passions
Introduced to precision mechanics from a young age, Georges Brodbeck is a master of guilloché independent and passionate craftsman from La Chaux-de-Fonds. For over 20 years, he has been recognized for his exceptional mastery and knowledge of this art, as well as his ability to preserve it while exploring new creative paths.
A true self-taught expert, driven by his love for this know-how, he acquired his skills on his own by starting with the complete disassembly of an old guilloché machine given to him by his uncle and restoring it to uncover and master all its secrets. Initially considered merely a decorative object, it became the starting point of a true passion for guilloché and the restoration of antique machinery.
© Guillaume Perret
A historic place of exception
Acquired in 2022 by Kari Voutilainen, the former watchmaking school in Fleurier dating from 1896 has been fully renovated over the course of a year and a half with deep respect for tradition. This dedication reflects a strong commitment to preserving the precious horological heritage of Val-de-Travers.
This iconic building, steeped in the spirit of the past, is now reborn as a center of excellence where guilloché and other artisanal crafts are practiced with passion and expertise.
Un lieu historique d’exception
Acquise en 2022 par Kari Voutilainen, l’ancienne école d’horlogerie de Fleurier datant de 1896, a été entièrement rénovée pendant 1 an et demi dans le respect de la tradition. Cette volonté témoigne d’un engagement profond envers la sauvegarde du précieux héritage horloger du Val-de-Travers.
Ce bâtiment emblématique, imprégné de l’esprit du passé, renaît à présent en tant que centre d’excellence où le guillochage et d’autres métiers d’art sont pratiqués avec passion et savoir-faire.
© Musée régional du Val-de-Travers.
« The beauty of guilloché lies in its infinite precision, where the artisan’s hand guides the machine to create unique and timeless works. »
A center of excellence in the art of guilloché
The Manufacture’s mission is to revolutionize the decoration of objects in a multitude of fields, far beyond watchmaking, and to shine on an international scale. Acquired in 2022 by Kari Voutilainen, a passionate independent watchmaker and visionary entrepreneur, it is now led by Angélique Singele, CEO. Together, alongside skilled artisans, they bring a new dynamic by combining traditional expertise with creativity, working both to preserve and advance this exceptional craft with the goal of strengthening its recognition and securing the future of the art of guilloché.
« The beauty of guilloché lies in its infinite precision, where the artisan’s hand guides the machine to create unique and timeless works. »
A unique heritage of antique machines
In the Manufacture, over thirty antique guilloché machines continue to perpetuate the art of guilloché in all its splendor, contributing to the preservation of an exceptional craft.
“Tour à flinquer”, straight-line guilloché machines, and so-called “tapestry” guilloché machines, passionately restored by Georges Brodbeck, live at the heart of the Fleurier workshop.
The transmission of these precious mechanical treasures goes beyond their simple acquisition. Few artisans are capable of mastering this technique, and their expertise is fundamental to perpetuating this centuries-old tradition.
Their knowledge also rests on their skill and artistic sensitivity, as well as their technical and historical expertise to restore and setting-up to create unique designs.
