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Alatron, mural, secretive and omnipresent

Temps de lecture : 2 minutes

The history of this family company can be traced back to the heyday of the Messe Basel, and is still to be found on the most contemporary, trendiest and most popular walls. And even on the walls of factories.

Joël A. Grandjean, JSH Magazine & Swiss-Watch-Passport.ch’s editor in chief
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As the project's main contractor, Alatron was involved in installing the large Tissot clock in the Place de la Gare, as a gift to the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds. One of the skills of this discreet family company is its ability to undertake crazy projects. Close-up of the calibre

This confidential firm is specialised in making, among other things, recognisable wall clocks whose shapes and dials are faithful to the originals, the models worn on the wrist. The fact that these familiar designs, which are often patented and ultra-locked, are passed on for larger volumes means that Alatron’s discretion borders almost on the paranoid.

Alatron’s discretion verges on the paranoid

So what brands does this company from La Chaux-de-Fonds work for? It’s impossible to know, even if you visit the workshops. What you will see is monumental timepieces, whether station or airport clocks that need to be serviced, or functional reproductions of mechanical calibres in working condition, or a test bench to ensure the reliability of the in-house calibre.

Whoops, the news is blown. Yes, Alatron is producing and improving its own large-diameter calibre, inspired by a long family history of inventiveness and ingenuity led by Dr Paolo Spadini. A great man who has just passed away, but whose memory continues to be celebrated by his son Daniel Spadini, CEO and owner of Alatron.

Légende: Perspective de l’horloge installée en face de la gare de la métropole horlogère. C’est le design de Loïc Chatton, alors élève en design horloger à l’école des arts appliqués de La Chaux-de-Fonds, qui a été retenu. Caption: A perspective of the clock in front of La Chaux-de-Fonds railway station. The winningdesign was by Loïc Chatton, who was studying watch design at the Ecole des Arts Appliqués in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

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