EXCLUSIVE: Rolex prepares to reopen watchmaking facilities
LEAD STORYNEWS by Rob Corder on April 29, 2020
Rolex has not been making watches since March 16, when the Coronavirus pandemic forced it to close its Swiss watchmaking factories.
"It was hoped, at the time, that the closure would last only ten days, but 45 days later the manufacture remains mothballed.
There is, however, hope that a measure of normality is about return, with a statement from Rolex today saying it is taking steps to reopen.
“Our production sites are still closed for the moment but all security measures recommended by the government are currently being put in place for a gradual opening in the near future,” Rolex says.
Patek Philippe partially reopened its watchmaking facility this week.
Breitling returned to work last week.
There has been no update from Richemont or LVMH brands, and Swatch Group’s maisons are thought to have continued production in a limited capacity throughout the lock down.
Rolex’s closure for 45 days already represents over 12% of the current year’s manufacturing time lost to Covid-19.
Reopening may be days away, but government-recommended security measures at the facilities will mean reduced production capacity for many more weeks; possibly months.
Analysts estimate that Rolex made just over 1 million watches in 2019, a figure likely to drop to well under 900,000 in 2020.
Rolex’s authorised dealers say ... "
https://www.watchpro.com/exclusive-role ... acilities/
Girard Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin get back to their benches
DAILY NEWSNEWS by Sam Lewis on April 30, 2020
Kering Watches Manufacture (KWM) has announced that its production facilities will begin the process of gradually reopening in the coming weeks and months.
"The manufacturer of Swiss brands Girard Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin became one of the first companies to make the decision to close some of its sites in mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
While shipping and production have been suspended for around six weeks, the company’s marketing, human resources and commercial teams have been working remotely.
Now they will be undertaking a progressive return to work, with the workshops of both Girard Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin now open.
KWM iterated that all workers not essential to production are continuing to work from home, and that the company is taking all necessary health and safety measures.
Watchmakers and operators have been organised into teams of 35, and are working staggered hours.
Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Ulysse Nardin and Girard Perregaux, commented: “Since 1846 for Ulysse Nardin and 1791 for Girard-Perregaux – in over 200 years of existence and through two world wars – neither of the two have ever had to close their doors.
“We have been able to ... "
https://www.watchpro.com/girard-perrega ... r-benches/
Zenith watchmakers return to work
LEAD STORYNEWS by Rob Corder on April 30, 2020
Zenith closed its watchmaking facility in Le Locle, Switzerland, on March 17, as Coronavirus cases surged in Europe, but will re-open on May 4, according to the company’s chief executive Julien Tornare.
"The company’s service department and logistical operations restarted last week for watch repairs and servicing.
Shipping watches to markets like China, where retailers have reopened, has also begun to a limited capacity.
“For the last two weeks we have had six to eight people going in one day per week for servicing and shipping watches to China,” Mr Tornare said in a video conference with journalists yesterday.
Watchmaking will resume on Monday next week, but is not expected to be back up to full capacity until the middle of June, three months after the facility closed.
Administrative staff that are able to work from home will continue to do so.
Zenith makes around ... "
https://www.watchpro.com/zenith-watchma ... n-to-work/
