Last week, a rather peculiar and seemingly insignificant tale from the world of watches emerged from Europe. Reports came in about a tornado that struck the region encompassing northern Italy, eastern France, and southwestern Switzerland. Now, if you’re surprised to hear about a tornado in Switzerland, don’t be, because interestingly, Europe experiences around 700 tornadoes annually, varying in intensity.
However, the most intriguing aspect of this natural disaster is its connection to the world of watches. The hardest-hit area by this tornado happened to be la Chaux-de-Fonds, which serves as a hub for numerous watch manufacturers’ production facilities. Among these prestigious companies, we have renowned names like Tag Heuer and Cartier. Luckily, the majority of these facilities emerged relatively unscathed, with only minimal damage, considering the tornado’s ferocity.
Nonetheless, there was one unfortunate exception. The factory of Sellita, a prominent Swiss watch movement manufacturer, suffered significant damage. Sellita is a vital player in the watch industry, as it supplies movements not only to a wide array of Swiss watch manufacturers but also to a diverse range of micro-brand watch manufacturers.
The impact of Selita’s factory damage reaches beyond its own operations. As a key movement supplier, any disruption to Sellita’s production could potentially affect the entire watchmaking industry, both in Switzerland and beyond, as Sellita manufactures around 1.5 million movements each year. The loss of this essential link in the watchmaking chain may lead to delays in deliveries and production for many watch brands, causing ripples across the global market.
According to Dr. Sébastien Chaulmontet, Sellita’s Head of Innovation and Marketing, the calamity resulted in a neighboring company’s entire roof detaching and striking three of Sellita’s buildings. Tragically, there was an individual inside one of the affected buildings during the incident, and they sustained significant injuries. The injured person was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, but thankfully, they are currently in stable condition and on the path to recovery.
“We are currently in the cleanup process and are optimistic about reopening after the holidays on August 14th,” Chaulmontet expressed. “Admittedly, the reconstruction, particularly the exterior of the buildings, will be a more time-consuming endeavor. Nonetheless, we are committed to doing everything within our means to resume operations as swiftly as we can. As you are aware, Sellita plays a crucial role in a significant segment of the industry, and we are determined to uphold the trust bestowed upon us by serving our clients, even during these challenging times.”
The tornado struck the La Chaux-De-Fonds area with extraordinary force, reaching speeds exceeding 215 km/h and spanning an impressive width of 75 meters. According to numerous reports, this tempest stands as the most potent storm to lash the region in the past century. The local authorities have reported that 40 individuals were injured during the tornado, and sadly, one person lost their life in the tragic event.
When questioned about the potential repercussions on the movement supply chain, given the widespread use of Sellita movements amounting to well over a million units annually according to industry sources, Chaulmontet acknowledges that the damage to their facility has arisen during a challenging period.
“In recent times, the industry has been under considerable strain,” he remarks. “However, we remain hopeful and confident that it won’t significantly affect our deliveries. Thankfully, our logistics and parts departments have been spared from the impact, which is crucial. Regrettably, the assembly lines have suffered damage, but we are working diligently to have them restored by August 14th.”
Sellita’s CEO, Miguel García, shared images of his office after the storm on Monday, highlighting the severity of the situation. Despite the difficulties faced, the company is steadfast in its commitment to serving its clients and preserving its pivotal role in the watch industry.
It remains to be seen how Selita will recover from the damages caused by the tornado. Undoubtedly, the watch community and enthusiasts are closely following the situation, hoping for a swift restoration of operations at the factory. The watch industry, known for its precision and attention to detail, is resilient, and with time, it is likely to bounce back from this unexpected blow, just as it has faced and overcome challenges throughout its long and storied history.