Porsche Design has inaugurated its new Timepieces Manufaktur in Grenchen, Switzerland, relocating from a smaller workshop in Solothurn. The facility occupies a renovated 3,600-square-meter former Eterna factory dating back to 1955. It emphasizes assembly of custom watches tailored to match Porsche vehicles using lean production methods borrowed from car manufacturing.
The new Manufaktur in Grenchen represents a significant expansion for Porsche Design's watchmaking operations. Previously housed in Solothurn, the brand outgrew its original space and acquired the historic Eterna building, which Ferdinand Alexander Porsche purchased in 1995. Eterna produced Porsche Design watches there until 2014, when production moved in-house. After over three years of renovations, the modernized facility now features Porsche Design Timepieces Manufaktur signage and prioritizes assembly over parts production, incorporating modified proprietary calibers sourced externally despite on-site expertise among watchmakers. Production follows a just-in-time model inspired by Porsche car factories, with parts selected in a stock room, placed in crates, and transported via a climate-controlled conveyor belt to assembly areas under a zero-error principle. Each watch is made on demand, supporting millions of configurations in the custom-made collection that aligns dials, leathers, and rotors—like wheel designs—with owners' Porsche cars. While current output matches prior levels, the site offers room for growth, including potential vertical integration. The lower floor serves collectors with an exhibition of current and historic models, a lounge, bar, DJ booth, and configuration area centered around a Porsche 911. Details such as Guards Red leather from car interiors on stair railings underscore the synergy between the carmaker and watch division. Porsche Design notes that 70% of sales are custom orders, with the remaining 30% comprising models like the Chronograph 1 and Sport Chrono, which the team plans to develop steadily as icons.