{"id":29527,"date":"2019-09-24T16:22:00","date_gmt":"2019-09-24T14:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/montremih.ch\/the-partners\/"},"modified":"2024-09-20T12:44:02","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T10:44:02","slug":"the-partners","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/montremih.ch\/en\/the-partners\/","title":{"rendered":"The partners"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Partners<\/span><\/h1>\n

Regional partners and experts in their fields have eagerly responded to the MIH’s call to implement a unique project aimed at preserving and enhancing the watchmaking heritage. These artisans, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds and its surroundings, have shown enthusiasm and pride in contributing their technical expertise to various aspects of the watch, resulting in a product of remarkable quality.<\/span><\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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XJC \/ Xavier Perrenoud \u2013 Design<\/h1>\n

Xavier Perrenoud, the initiator of the previous two editions of the MIH Ga\u00efa watch, once again brings his innovative vision to refresh contemporary aesthetics and watchmaking craftsmanship.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The celestial blue dial patterns are inspired by the visible formwork marks on the concrete walls of the MIH. These parallel and perpendicular lines also evoke the brutalist character of the building’s right angles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Inspired by the Ens\u014d, the Japanese term for “circle,” this symbol of Zen Buddhism draws attention to the emptiness it defines. This concept, also explored in contemporary art by Kengo Kita with his work Reconnecting, immerses us in a paradox: the duality and unity of a symbol that represents emptiness through a form.
\nIn Kengo Kita’s work, circles become lines, and lines become circles, much like George Brodbeck’s dial. The interplay of solids and voids created by the random stops of the lines invites philosophical reflection on the balance of elements.
\nThe choice of silver as a precious material, akin to concrete in contemporary architecture, allows for a subtle and elegant play of light through a minimalist aesthetic. The texture effects between the smooth surface of the dial and the raw appearance of the guilloch\u00e9 patterns echo the various volumes and textures of the building that MIH visitors can appreciate during their visit.
\nThese curves balance the interlocking shapes of the circle and rectangle on the dial, with these pure forms directly inspired by the brutalist architecture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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XJC\u2028<\/strong>
\nXavier Perrenoud, designer<\/p>\n

The MIH Ga\u00efa watch is a quite a unique project. What made you want to be a part of it?<\/strong>
\n\u201cThe fact that it is a collaborative project gives it a certain authenticity, transparency and logic in relation to the museum\u2019s values. Today, the public wants to know the provenance of the products they buy, and this project is a window into the modern design of a horological piece.\u201d
\nWhat positive impact do you think this project has as something \u201cmade in La Chaux-de-Fonds\u201d?<\/strong>
\n\u201cThe MIH Ga\u00efa is a way of highlighting one of the hubs of Swiss watchmaking \u2013 La Chaux-de-Fonds \u2013 and its expertise, as well as showcasing the local talent.\u201d
\nJust like the MIH Ga\u00efa watch, the design of a timepiece is always the result of a collaborative process. What are the differences, difficulties and benefits of working in this way?<\/strong>
\n\u201cIt\u2019s always interesting to see a project mature and evolve in line with proposals from its participants. The design brief for the watch was to work from an original, pared-back display while taking inspiration from the MIH. Our thinking was focused on that goal, but right up until the end we were making changes. There were also certain constraints that pushed us to be original.\u201d
\nWhat are the areas of activity, successes and expertise that can be attributed to your company?<\/strong>
\n\u201cWe specialise in providing creative direction for luxury brands and businesses focused on craftsmanship; our main priority is to work on the vision and the aesthetic unity which comes from that. Product design comes next and is closely linked to that first step.
\nFollowing an approach based on perpetual innovation, XJC has developed an \u201cideas laboratory\u201d which explores different skills to create a piece. This allows us to invert the design process by not working from a commission. We could work from a particular technique, material, or form, for example.\u201d<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"acceuil_mihgaia_sketch\"<\/figure><\/div>
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Sellita \u2013 the movement<\/h1>\n

Sellita has a long history in both the assembly and design and manufacture of quality automatic movements. One of its Swiss-made mechanical movements is at the heart of the MIH Ga\u00efa watch, and was adapted to meet its requirements.<\/h1>\n

\u201cThe project is very exciting in its own right, as the watch is so elegant and beautiful. Through its originality, the MIH Ga\u00efa watch presents a vision for watchmaking and a unique aesthetic that are perfectly in tune with the MIH\u2019s values. The concept of a watch made entirely in La Chaux-de-Fonds is wonderful, and further reinforces the already very strong links between the city and the museum. This geographical connection really brings the project together and showcases the unique expertise we have in this city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miguel Garcia, CEO<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Sellita<\/strong>
\nMiguel Garcia, director<\/p>\n

The MIH Ga\u00efa watch is a quite a unique project. What made you want to be a part of it?<\/strong>
\n“First of all, it\u2019s crucial to support our museum. \u201cThe MIH plays a central role in preserving and promoting the art of watchmaking. As a watchmaking business, the preservation of this heritage is obviously something particularly close to our hearts. And the project is very exciting in its own right, as the watch is so elegant and beautiful. Through its originality, the MIH Ga\u00efa watch presents a unique vision for watchmaking and a unique aesthetic that are perfectly in tune with the MIH\u2019s values.”<\/h4>\n

What positive impact do you think this project has as something “made in La Chaux-de-Fonds”?<\/strong>
\n“The concept of a watch made entirely in La Chaux-de-Fonds is wonderful, and further reinforces the already very strong links between the city and the museum. This geographical connection really brings the project together and showcases the unique expertise we have in this city. “<\/h4>\n

Just like the MIH Ga\u00efa watch, the design of a timepiece is always the result of a collaborative process. What do you think are the differences, difficulties and benefits of working in this way?<\/strong>
\n“The MIH watch uses an original method of displaying time, based on discs. This may at first seem like a trivial decision, but it has major technical implications and requires great care in terms of developing the exterior and also assembling the watch.”<\/h4>\n

What are the areas of activity, successes and expertise that can be attributed to your company?<\/strong>
\n“Sellita was created in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1950, and we have a long history in assembly as well as design and manufacture of quality mechanical movements. Over the years we have become an essential mainstay of the Swiss watchmaking industry. It therefore seemed a natural step that a Sellita movement would drive the MIH Ga\u00efa watch.”<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Stila \u2013 the case<\/h1>\n

The company Stila contributed their expertise to create the case for the watch. The result is a very finely crafted outer enclosure, demonstrating to collectors that the MIH Ga\u00efa watch has a standard of workmanship on a par with the luxury watch brands.<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"stila_03\"<\/figure><\/div>
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Jean Singer & Cie \u2013 the dial<\/h1>\n

The manufacturer Jean Singer & Cie SA produces dials for the best-known watch brands. This family-run company offered the museum the full breadth of their experience in producing high-quality dials, in particular taking up the challenge of manufacturing the distinctive domed central disc seen on the MIH Ga\u00efa watch.<\/h1>\n

\u201cThe project demonstrates something that is often forgotten: that here in La Chaux-de-Fonds we are in a position to create amazing things with the extraordinary watchmaking expertise of subcontractors that are still family-owned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joris Engisch, director<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Jean Singer & Cie<\/strong>
\nJoris Engisch, director<\/p>\n

The MIH Ga\u00efa watch is a quite a unique project. What made you want to be a part of it?<\/strong>
\n“We wanted to support the MIH by offering our company\u2019s services. This is a great way to mark this milestone together.”<\/h4>\n

What positive impact do you think this project has as something “made in La Chaux-de-Fonds”?<\/strong>
\n“It demonstrates something that is often forgotten: that here in La Chaux-de-Fonds we are in a position to create amazing things with the extraordinary watchmaking expertise of subcontractors that are still family-owned.”<\/h4>\n

Just like the MIH watch, the design of a timepiece is always the result of a collaborative process. What are the differences, difficulties and benefits of working in this way?<\/strong>
\n“The one and only difficulty per se is to ensure we understand what our clients want and know how to interpret this in technical and aesthetic terms. Once all this is clear, nowadays nothing is impossible. The toughest thing is making choices, since the possibilities are infinite.”<\/h4>\n

What are the areas of activity, successes and expertise that can be attributed to your company?<\/strong>
\n“Over the years we have built up a real expertise in new technologies for vapour phase surface treatments, known as PVD. The colours developed by Singer are known far and wide, and have names such as Singer blue no. 5 and Singer blue no. 11. Our competitors also use these names for placing orders. Besides this, the traditional expertise Singer has acquired over the century we have been in business gives us a certain credibility with clients.”<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Georges Brodbeck \u2013 50th Anniversary Edition Dial Guilloch\u00e9<\/h1>\n

Georges Brodbeck, who began his career as a precision mechanic, entered the world of horology in 1973. Fascinated by the restoration of antique machines and guilloch\u00e9 work, he dedicated himself to this craft in the 1990s, eventually opening his own workshop in 2001. Far more than just a decorative technique, Brodbeck has played a crucial role in reviving an art that seemed forgotten since the 1950s. This master craftsman honored the MIH by lending his virtuosity to the creation of the MIH Ga\u00efa 50th Anniversary Edition’s guilloch\u00e9 patterns.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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