Manufacture
Ornatus-Mundi (Magnus) offers an immersive journey into the Manufacture DeWitt, a lesser-known independent watchmaker in Geneva. His detailed report, rich with personal observations and photographs, explores the company's unique approach to innovation, design, and in-house production. This article provides a rare glimpse into the creative process and artisanal craftsmanship that define DeWitt's distinctive timepieces.
Fast forward to late April: The invitation to visit DeWitt came unexpectedly and on very short notice, so I had no time to build up an expectation, and I could travel free from any preconceived opinion. And that was quite thrilling for me! In my view, factory visits are somehow like the first rendez-vous with an irresistible woman. You are nervous, you are anxious: how will she approach you? Is she as adorable as you imagined? Everything is possible, pleasant surprise, indifference or downright
The open and light atmosphere continues with the ateliers and workshops. DeWitt is fully equipped to develop, prototype and industrialise any mechanism possible. Ideas (mostly from Mr de Witt) are entrusted to teams of engineers and watchmakers, who have state of the art CAD design technologies at their disposal. [images DW engineer team] Once the construction is finalised, the crew of the ‘Méchanique’ department takes charge. This team is one of the core assets of the manufactu
Note: This part of the article is just a short introduction to the art of dial making practiced at DeWitt. I promise to post an in-depth article on this fascinating craftsmanship some time later! We watch connoisseurs tend to reduce watchmaking to movement manufacturing, finishing and assembling. What we forget is that it is most often the outer appearance of a watch that catches our fancy. It is not without reasons that a dial is also referred to as a watch’s ‘face’. Yet, we t
1.) Finnisage Regardless of whether parts are produced within the premises of a company or sourced outside, it is the finishing where enthusiasts put particular emphasis on. Finishing provides not only an aesthetic pleasure; it is essentially ‘unnecessary’ (in a technical sense) and thus an attribute of luxury and refinement. Good finishing is hand applied, and with increasing complexities of mechanisms and shapes it adds significant to the price point of a watch. Seasoned collectors
As you surely know, trained watchmakers are a rare commodity these days. Thus, watch manufacturers use different and sometimes quite innovative way to address the shortage and hunt for talents. Some establish their own watch schools; others attract promising candidates from their competitors. DeWitt indeed developed a very unique way… So, at the end of my visit, ready to leave for the airport I was summoned to a remote room where an assessment was prepared: The task was to assemble the movement
Magnus, Your photo report is both mouth watering and an eye popper. Kudos to the company and thanks to you for bringing your extensive report to this forum for all to share. The report is informative and educational. As a watchmaker I can attest that no amount of words alone can illustrate the scope of technical work required to manufacture high quality movements and timepieces. With so many photos you did a fantastic job in covering all aspects of what goes on in the construction of these luxur
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