Swiss Watchmaking Enters a New Era with Chaumont Group’s Formation
In a strategic move poised to reshape the Swiss watchmaking industry, private equity firm Vam Investments has acquired two promising startups, Efteor and Télôs Watch, as well as established companies The Component and Henry Robert. This acquisition marks the official launch of the Chaumont Group, an industrial platform with a keen focus on producing movements, cases, tools, and components for high-end Swiss timepieces.
The Vision Behind Chaumont Group
Headquartered in Neuchâtel, the Chaumont Group is set to become a pivotal force in the fine watchmaking market. By uniting the expertise of these four companies, it aims to offer an extensive range of services from conceptualization to the development of complex watch components. According to Umberto Macchi of Cellere, CEO of the Chaumont Group, the platform seeks to bring together the best of Swiss watchmaking under a single brand, emphasizing quality and precision. Macchi notes, “Our ambition is to build an industrial group where exceptional companies, deeply anchored in the Swiss Made tradition and led by talented entrepreneurs, will be able to share their experience, expertise and resources.”
Vam Investments: The Catalyst
Founded in Milan in 2013 by Marco Piana, Vam Investments specializes in buyout and buy-and-build strategies, particularly in sectors ripe for consolidation. With over €600 million invested in mid-market companies over the past five years, Vam has a proven track record of fostering growth and synergy among its portfolio companies. The acquisition of these Swiss watchmaking firms aligns with its strategy to meet the growing demand for high-quality, specialized components in the luxury watch sector.
Profiles of the Acquired Companies
Efteor, established in 2011 by Léonis Tafaj, is renowned for its limited series of precious metal watch cases and clasps, catering to the very high luxury watch industry. Based in Bassecourt, Jura, the company employs 55 skilled craftsmen, reflecting its dedication to artisanal quality.
Télôs Watch, founded in 2009 by Franck Orny and Johnny Girardin in La Chaux-de-Fonds, specializes in the development of watch movements and complications. The startup manages both the creative and technical aspects of designing and producing components and limited series timepieces.
Le Composant, another brainchild of Tafaj, has been producing rotor masses and bracelets in precious metals since 1988. It serves high-end watch brands from its base in Bassecourt.
Henri Robert, with roots dating back to the 1960s, is a La Chaux-de-Fonds-based micromechanics expert. Under the leadership of Laurent Ryser and Thibault Richard since the 2010s, the company focuses on creating high-precision cutting tools for watch components.
A Collaborative Future
By integrating these companies, the Chaumont Group gains a comprehensive portfolio that includes cases, clasps, bracelets, rotor masses, movements, and more. Each company retains operational autonomy, allowing them to continue providing specialized expertise while benefiting from shared resources and strategic collaboration.
Léonis Tafaj, speaking for the group of entrepreneurs, expressed confidence in the initiative, saying, “We firmly believe in the project and the value of collaboration. The opportunity to combine our expertise and experience while continuing to offer our customers the highest standards of quality, reliability, and innovation represents an exceptional growth opportunity.”
Looking ahead, the Chaumont Group plans to expand its offerings by acquiring additional specialized activities, further solidifying its position in the luxury watch component sector. The group’s structure, which emphasizes shared ownership and collaboration, is designed to foster innovation and growth while maintaining the unique strengths of each company.
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