Patek Philippe reopened its production facilities in Geneva today, Monday April 27.
A statement to WatchPro confirmed that manufacturing and all other departments have opened, although there are changes to working practices.
“Patek Philippe will reopen its production facilities and all other departments as of Monday 27th April 2020, with reduced daily working hours as well as staff presence on site, following the Swiss Government recommendations. All employees already working remotely will continue until further notice,” the company says.
Distribution and other in-country and cross-border activities remain disrupted. Patek Philippe’s wholly-owned UK distribution partner Rhone Products, is still operating under the government’s lock down instructions.
“Rhone Products is following the UK Government guidelines and remains closed with a small amount of staff working from home. Once the UK lock down is lifted we will return to work taking all safety measures and precautions possible to protect our staff,” a statement from the company describes.
Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, two of the Swiss watch industry’s top three independently-owned watchmakers, closed their manufactures on March 21.
Rolex shut down its facilities on March 17 and there has been no word so far on reopening.
