History

The history of JeanRichard

Daniel JeanRichard. LDD

A guide published in 17661 states that Daniel JeanRichard was born in 1665 in the hamlet of Les Bressel, halfway between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle. He saw a watch for the first time when he was 15, a piece brought back by a horse trader from England which was no longer working. Known for his skill, Daniel studied and repaired it and then made one like it.

One year later he created his very first watch. He subsequently was called on to work on other pieces, orders were placed and his workshop was set up.

This figure is considered to be a founder of the watchmaking industry in the Neuchâtel region at the end of the 18th century and a pioneer in training. He is credited with the invention of new machinery and tools in the Neuchâtel Jura and with organising what is known as "establissage", i.e. the founding of the watch assembly workshops. His name still figures as one of the major personalities in Swiss watchmaking, representing the industrial development of a region. 

JEANRICHARD Watch Machinery and Tools Museum

Tne Museum © JEANRICHARD

Located at La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, this unique Museum traces changes in watch tools and machinery over more than three centuries through more than one hundred collector's items.

Visitors strolling through the various rooms in the Museum can delve into the watchmaking trades, not just through the watches but by exploring that little-known facet of the profession, the techniques. Machinery and tools covering the three centuries separating us from Daniel JeanRichard tell the story of how our development, manufacturing and adjustment resources have evolved. Nothing is set in time, as the exhibits are displayed by theme, regardless of age.

The five themes are design, machining of large components, production of small components, adjustment and decoration. Thus, for each theme, and thanks to a variety of exhibits from different eras, visitors can follow the changes in work resources available to the watchmakers, from the rudimentary accessories of the past to today's specialised machinery.

Opened in 2004, the JEANRICHARD Museum has instigated a totally new concept in 2009: training workshops organised by the Sowind Group, owners of JEANRICHARD and Girard-Perregaux, are installed at the very heart of the Museum. Watchmakers from the world over come every month to improve their knowledge of the Manufacture's watches and mechanisms. These training sessions, covering assembly to inspections, is one way of ensuring that the know-how and watch culture of both marks survive. The link between past and present is strengthened, remaining totally loyal to the spirit of Daniel JeanRichard. The JEANRICHARD Museum is a private institution open to visitors by appointment only.



Useful information

Sowind SA
Division JEANRICHARD
Rue du Progrès 129
CH-2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Tel.: +41 (0)32 911 36 36
Fax: +41 (0)32 911 36 37