Three years ago, Audemars Piguet presented the winning project of the architectural competition organized for the construction of its new museum. This new structure will pair itself with the original museum established in the historical Audemars family house.

Last March 30th, the first stone of this unique project was installed in Le Brassus, the cradle of the Manufacture in the heart of the Vallée de Joux. The winning design was imagined by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. His design includes a futuristic spiral emerging from the fields, entirely supported by curved glass walls.

The event was attended by Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Audemars Piguet Board of Directors. Also in attendance was Olivier Audemars, Vice President of the Board of Directors and François-Henry Bennahmias, Chief Executive Officer of Audemars Piguet. The main partners of the project, Danish architects BIG, German museum design consultancy Atelier Brückner and Swiss architects CCHE as well as the authorities of the Vallée de Joux and of the Canton of Vaud also attended this momentous event.

During the ceremony, the 333 parts needed to assemble a Royal Oak were placed in a waterproof case. The case was sealed then buried under the foundations of the future building. This time capsule was placed for future generations of watchmakers to be inspired.

Jasmine Audemars concluded the ceremony by saying: “This project is far from simple, but it is important, not only for Audemars Piguet but for the entire Vallée de Joux. As a company, we are both international and local. We therefore thank all our partners and neighbors for their support, and especially for their taste for avant-garde projects.”