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.”
More on Watches
The Latest
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the IndustryJewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate CollectionThe collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectHe previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for PeaceIts second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam PharmaThe diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for JewelersEmmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’sThe private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryThe “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEOClaudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers LineThe new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ TenderThe miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.
