SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MWatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in Manufacturer
Its investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
The Audemars Piguet “Starwheel” Ref. 25720OR in rose gold with satellite hour display, made in 1994 and recently highlighted in Sotheby’s “Area_51” watch sale. The watchmaker recently acquired a majority stake in manufacturer Inhotec for an undisclosed amount.
Le Brassus, Switzerland—Audemars Piguet has acquired a majority stake in Swiss manufacturer Inhotec, the company announced Wednesday.
The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The manufacturer is known for its expertise in micromechanics and precision machining and is a supplier of Audemars Piguet.
“This investment is built on shared values. It is about consolidating strategic key skills and supporting the continuity of an expertise that is essential to the future of haute horologerie, not only for Audemars Piguet, but for the entire industry,” said Audemars Piguet Chief Industrial Officer Lucas Raggi.
Inhotec will remain an autonomous company under the same name, said Audemars Piguet, and it will continue serving all current clients, including the watch brands in its portfolio.
While Audemars Piguet will provide strategic and financial support to the company, its managerial decisions, industrial activities, and commercial relationships will be under the control of Inhotec’s management team.
Inhotec founder Alexandre Eme will stay in his current position as CEO and chairman of the board, and retain a “significant” minority stake in the company.
Eme, a watch enthusiast who began working in the watch sector at the age of 20, founded the company in 2011 in Le Locle, Switzerland, as per its website.
“This partnership marks an important milestone in Inhotec’s history,” said Eme.
“Audemars Piguet’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in our team, our expertise, and our long-term potential. By joining forces, we are creating the conditions for Inhotec to continue innovating and serving the entire watchmaking industry.”
Related stories will be right here …
The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The manufacturer is known for its expertise in micromechanics and precision machining and is a supplier of Audemars Piguet.
“This investment is built on shared values. It is about consolidating strategic key skills and supporting the continuity of an expertise that is essential to the future of haute horologerie, not only for Audemars Piguet, but for the entire industry,” said Audemars Piguet Chief Industrial Officer Lucas Raggi.
Inhotec will remain an autonomous company under the same name, said Audemars Piguet, and it will continue serving all current clients, including the watch brands in its portfolio.
While Audemars Piguet will provide strategic and financial support to the company, its managerial decisions, industrial activities, and commercial relationships will be under the control of Inhotec’s management team.
Inhotec founder Alexandre Eme will stay in his current position as CEO and chairman of the board, and retain a “significant” minority stake in the company.
Eme, a watch enthusiast who began working in the watch sector at the age of 20, founded the company in 2011 in Le Locle, Switzerland, as per its website.
“This partnership marks an important milestone in Inhotec’s history,” said Eme.
“Audemars Piguet’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in our team, our expertise, and our long-term potential. By joining forces, we are creating the conditions for Inhotec to continue innovating and serving the entire watchmaking industry.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
