A new “modular” movement from Concepto Watch Factory

Given the strategic implications of mechanical movement manufacturing (read Focus in HH Magazine N° 37 and 38), the latest realisation by Concepto Watch Factory, established in 2006 by Valérien Jaquet and based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, is no small feat. The company, which started out as a development bureau, quickly grew into a full-fledged manufacture employing 90 people and with the capacity to propose five movement families, including a tourbillon, the Concepto C8000 which enjoyed a well-publicised launch. The latest to date, based on the calibre C2000, itself inspired by the Valjoux 7750, was three years in development. The result is an original offer from a supplier in the watch sector, as the company explains: “In presenting the calibre C2000 and its derivatives, Concepto Watch Factory is proposing something which no other supplier of high-end horology has offered so far: a genuine manufacture movement that can adapt to multiple dial indications.” Prior to this, in 2008, Concepto presented its calibre C2000 (self-winding with hours, minutes and seconds) and calibre C2020 (built-in chronograph with single pushpiece version). Both were designed to incorporate additional modules.

A "one-stop shop"

Concepto ticked this particular box two years later. “Rather than rushing to push out a new calibre, Concepto Watch Factory preferred to raise the bar. It also took the strategic decision to propose more than just a basic movement by developing a wide range of complications. This challenge fully mobilised the company’s engineering bureau. We now have a complete and selective repertoire that leaves virtually no stone unturned: cam and column-wheel chronographs, two or three subdials, retrograde displays, split-seconds, power reserve, moonphases, GMT, the list goes on. In short, more than 70 possible variations to date.”

“We want to keep our customers coming back by giving them everything they need in one catalogue. The customer places their order and we take care of the rest, including final decoration and even fitting the movements into customers’ cases. Today’s marketplace demands increasingly fast, economically viable solutions. Hence customers are looking for “one-stop” solutions in movement supply. Concepto Watch Factory, which is experienced in just-in-time manufacturing, has adopted an “all-in-one” strategy. Customers no longer need work with different suppliers to obtain a simple or complicated movement that is ready to be cased. However small or large production volumes, including prototypes, we do it all.”