At end March, Cartier invited a select group of clients to visit its impressive manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, one of the first times the facility has been opened to customers. The photos from the visit demonstrate the expansive array of capabilities inside the 33,000 sq ft at La Chaux-de-Fonds that few know about. These photos from the VIP tour will give some indication of what goes on inside the manufacture.

The reception area of the manufacture 

Something new - the ID One concept "world premiere" on display

And something old - a vintage pocket watch calibre

Watchmaking, movement finishing, assembly and casing is done on a large scale for the entry level watches, and on a more inimate scale for the high watchmaking timepieces.

Above shows the assembly of a Santos Dumont 

Movements and dials for the new Astrotourbillon 

The following photo shows the relaxed brainstorming room, where technical staff led by Carole Forestier can meet and discuss ideas.

Note the poster on the wall with watches from the Collection Privee Cartier Paris, including the very rare Pasha tourbillon and Tortue minute repeater

The R&D department at the manufacture is comprehensive - almost anything is possible there. 

Cross section of the movement in the Rotonde skeleton flying tourbillon

Beyond watch assembling, Cartier also makes hands, cases and even crystals at La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Polishing of sapphire crystals

A sample of the hands made in the manufacture

Gem-setting for watches is also done at the manufacture, shown below, though some of it is also done at the high jewellery workshops in Paris.

Even more impressively Cartier has a department dedicated to enamelling which is extremely uncommon as most companies outsource enamel work.

The amazing palette of enamel colours available

And one of the complete products, the Rotonde de Cartier skeleton tourbillon.

More on the manfacture soon to come.

- SJX