MB&F took select journalists on a tour of its new headquarters in Geneva during Watches and Wonders week and revealed that it will use the converted former family home to increase production over the coming years.
The independent watchmaker has been reluctant to show press around its former offices and workshops on the grounds that they were not befitting of an haute horologist, but the new Chateau Carouge, renamed the M.A.D. House, is much more up to the mark, with historic wood panelling, protected by order of the state, juxtaposed with the sort of modern artistic flair associated with Max Büsser and his colleagues.
The early 20th century mansion has been spared the screeching of CNC machines, which remain in a previous location, and many of the components that go into an MB&F Legacy Machine or Horological Machine are made by third party suppliers, or ‘friends’ as the company calls them.
But final assembly, quality control and other processes are housed in the chateaux, along with offices and rooms for small events or meetings.
MB&F has been making around 250 finished watches per year, but this is expected to 350 last year, might hit 420 this year and maybe 500 in 2024, Mr Büsser tells WatchPro.
Before speculators start licking their lips at the thought of rising up a waiting list for the coveted timepieces, which trade well above their retail prices, the company is keen to say that it is long-standing supporters and collectors who will be first in line.
“We want to be good to customers who have been with us for many years,” he says.
There is also caution at MB&F about expanding too fast in the current economic climate because this can put strain on suppliers that Mr Büsser says should be conservative in their capital investment.
Watchmaking machinery and equipment can cost seven figures, and suppliers should be mindful of investing at what may prove to be the peak of the market, he suggests.
