Inside Bvlgari’s Expanded Manufacture: The Fusion of Art and Industry

By: Alexander Linz

We take you inside Bvlgari’s expanded production site in Saignelégier, Switzerland. The luxury brand has taken another giant leap forward by integrating new workshops, enhancing efficiency, and bringing artistry even closer to industrial craftsmanship.

A Look Back: Bvlgari’s Manufacturing Journey

Since 2009, Bvlgari has been steadily expanding its in-house manufacturing capabilities. Over the years, it has integrated the production of cases, dials, and other essential watch components, ensuring full control from A to Z. In our previous visit in 2023, we showcased how Bvlgari achieves a remarkable level of self-sufficiency, with key facilities in:

Saignelégier – Case and dial manufacturing
La Chaux-de-Fonds (Lentier) – Movement production
Neuchâtel – Assembly of cases, dials, and movements

Fast forward to 2024, and Bvlgari has gone even further — adding 1,000 square meters to its Saignelégier site, reinforcing its philosophy of “Fusing Art and Industry.”

What’s New? A Faster, More Flexible Process

The new addition to Bvlgari’s manufacture allows for greater flexibility and efficiency, significantly reducing production times. With the newly integrated workshops, the brand can cut development time by 50% — a process that previously took one year can now be completed in just six months.

The Key Benefits of This Expansion:

Complete In-House Control: Every step of production stays under one roof, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
Faster Prototyping: Designers and watchmakers can iterate quickly on new concepts without lengthy back-and-forth delays.
Small-Batch and Unique Creations: Bvlgari now has the capability to produce highly exclusive, limited-run models with specialized craftsmanship.

A Workshop Unlike Any Other: Where Art Meets Watchmaking

The expansion includes a dedicated artistic crafts workshop. Unlike the larger production floors, this space is a silent, dust-free environment where highly skilled artisans work on some of the most intricate watch decorations.

In this atelier, watchmaking merges with fine arts. Here’s what you’ll find:

Marquetry with Stones and Feathers

One artisan specializes in marquetry, a delicate craft that involves assembling tiny pieces of natural materials like tiger eye stone and feathers to create mesmerizing dial patterns.

Micro Painting

Another expert carefully applies hand-painted micro-details to dials, requiring precision, patience, and an incredibly steady hand. These miniature artworks elevate Bvlgari watches to new artistic heights.

Gem Setting & High Jewelry Integration

Bvlgari is renowned for its jewelry expertise, and this is where it truly shines. Expert gem setters meticulously embed precious stones onto cases and dials, ensuring flawless execution and an unmistakable Bvlgari aesthetic.

The Technical Workshop: Where Ideas Become Reality

In addition to the artistic crafts atelier, Bvlgari has introduced an advanced technical workshop, designed to enhance production speed and quality. This space allows the brand to:

Prototype New Case and Dial Designs In-House: Reducing reliance on external suppliers.
Create Complex Cases for High-Complication Models: Including minute repeaters, where acoustics and material selection are critical.
Ensure Immediate Quality Control & Adjustments: Instead of shipping parts back and forth between suppliers, adjustments can be made instantly.

Why This Expansion is a Game-Changer

Bvlgari’s latest move is a strategic step toward maintaining its position as a leader in high-end watchmaking. By keeping everything in-house, the brand has full control over its creations, allowing it to:

Respond rapidly to market trends and customer demands.
Reduce production timelines while maintaining impeccable quality.
Continue innovating in both technical and artistic watchmaking.

A New Era for Bvlgari

The expansion of Bvlgari’s Saignelégier manufacture marks a new chapter in the brand’s commitment to horological excellence. With an enhanced ability to combine artistic craftsmanship with industrial efficiency, Bvlgari is setting new standards in luxury watch production.

If you appreciate fine watchmaking, this is an exciting time for Bvlgari. The future promises even more breathtaking timepieces, each crafted with unparalleled precision, creativity, and artistry.