Porsche Design Timepieces: Watch Manufactory Opens in Grenchen
Since 2014, Porsche Design—a company founded in 1972 by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche—has been manufacturing its own watches. After decades of collaboration with external manufacturers, the timepieces have since been developed and produced under the umbrella of Porsche Design Timepieces AG.
Until recently, this took place in Solothurn, but last September, Porsche Design began operations at a new production facility in Grenchen, Switzerland. It has now been officially opened.
“With the opening of our new watch manufacturing facility in Grenchen, we are turning a new page for Porsche Design Timepieces. This investment represents a clear commitment to the Timepieces business segment and reflects our corporate conviction to continue expanding this area,” said Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Porsche Lifestyle Group.
At the heart of the strategy is the Custom-built Timepieces program. The online configuration tool launched on July 1, 2020, in Germany, the U.S., and the U.K., and has since been gradually rolled out worldwide—with success: Around 70 percent of Porsche Design watches sold are now individually configured models. The portfolio is complemented by vehicle-specific watches for Porsche owners as well as the non-configurable “Chronograph 1” models.
Since September of last year, all watches have been manufactured at the new factory in Grenchen.
“For us, Grenchen is far more than just a production site. In this historic building, we give a home to the vision of our founder, F. A. Porsche. Here, we bring together all our expertise to develop and manufacture mechanical timepieces that set new standards in innovation and customization. Every watch embodies this philosophy—consistently designed, technically sophisticated, and crafted with the same passion as a sports car from Zuffenhausen,” says Rolf Bergmann, CEO of Porsche Design Timepieces Manufaktur.
Grenchen—located about 130 kilometers as the crow flies from Geneva, the hub of the luxury watch industry—was chosen as the new production site because the region offers a network of specialized suppliers and highly qualified skilled workers.
Modern technology and increased capacity
The new Porsche watch manufacturing facility is housed in a historic building that has been extensively modernized and functionally restructured. With a total floor area of approximately 3,600 square meters, the facility currently accommodates ten watchmaker workstations. The redesign has created optimal conditions for both employees and timepieces alike.
This ranges from a specially developed lighting concept that simulates natural daylight—featuring individually adjustable LED lights at every workstation—to constant environmental conditions, and includes an ISO Class 7 cleanroom equipped with watchmaker’s workbenches meeting ISO Class 5 standards.
The production area is also organized according to clearly structured processes and follows the Porsche production principle of sequential manufacturing with short transport distances and efficient just-in-time logistics. In addition to manufacturing, the building also houses development, quality management, after-sales services, and central administrative functions.
“At the new manufacturing facility, we follow the principle of ‘not more, but better,’” emphasizes Bergmann. “Precision begins with the architecture and design of the premises. Only those who find state-of-the-art working conditions—in production and logistics as well as in administration—can deliver top performance. The journey from the initial idea to the finished product leaving the factory—and beyond—is a long one. It was important that we create the ideal conditions for each of the various trades. Only then—just like in a Swiss watch—does every cog mesh perfectly with the next.”
Sustainability considerations were also taken into account. For example, 62 percent of the building’s energy needs are met by a photovoltaic system. A heat pump further ensures that heating and cooling processes are as efficient as possible, while a ventilation system with heat recovery helps reduce energy consumption.
Historical ties to the new manufacturing building
The search for a new manufacturing facility began in 2020, when it became clear that the production capacity at the former facility in Solothurn would not be sufficient in the long term. The choice ultimately fell on the historic building in Grenchen—not only because of its strategically advantageous location, but also because of its special historical connection to Porsche Design.
Built in 1955 and once the headquarters of the Eterna watch brand, the building was acquired in 1995 by F. A. P. Beteiligungen GmbH, a company backed by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and his son. Between 1998 and 2014, Porsche Design watches were manufactured here under license from Eterna.
“Transparent Manufactory” – Experience Porsche Design Timepieces
The new manufactory serves as both a production facility and a brand experience center. The ground floor features an exhibition and event space that traces the evolution of Porsche Design Timepieces since 1972. Historical exhibits and curated archival materials bring to life the connection between automotive design and the art of watchmaking.
The configuration area, known as the Fitting Lounge, also offers customers the opportunity to design a custom-built timepiece right on the spot and pick it up there once it has been custom-made.
The concept is complemented by lounge areas, flexible event spaces, and factory tours.
Custom-built Timepiece: The Watch as a Reflection of the Sports Car
The Custom-built Timepieces program allows you to customize a watch down to the last detail to match your own Porsche 911 or your personal preferences. Through an interface with the vehicle configurator, selected equipment features can even be transferred directly to the timepiece.
There are numerous customization options to choose from—ranging from the titanium case to dial details, the bracelet, and even the rotor. The latter is modeled after the vehicle’s alloy wheels. The color ring on the dial can be customized in 148 original Porsche colors, including historic finishes such as Gulf Blue or Star Ruby.
The connection to the automobile is also evident in the watch straps: they are made from genuine interior leather in the same thread colors as those used in the vehicle. Titanium straps are also available.
Technically, the watch features the COSC-certified calibers WERK 01.100 and WERK 04.110, the latter with a Globetimer function. A custom engraving on the case back—such as the vehicle identification number—completes the personalization.
Prices start at 5,950 euros for the Chronograph and Globetimer, while the Chronograph Turbo S is available starting at 10,750 euros. Other models are reserved exclusively for Porsche owners.
