Possibly the world’s best equipped watch brand, Patek Philippe is about to get fortified.

In October 2015, the company’s president Thierry Stern (pictured right), and honorary president Philippe Stern, laid the foundation stone to make the beginning of the construction of a new CHF 500 million factory in Plan-les-Ouates at the outskirts of Geneva.

Spread over 110,00 sqm and spanning 10 stories, including four underground levels, the new building will be dedicated primarily to enhancing Patek Philippe’s production capabilities, as well as developing new business initiatives pertaining to technological innovation, artisan professions, staff training and after-sales service. The project is slated to be completed in 2018.