Maarten & Jessica Pieters
A Love Affair
Our journey into watchmaking may have begun in two different hemispheres, yet it quickly led us both to Switzerland. Unbeknownst to each other at the time, we were driven by the same powerful hunger fuelling us to immerse ourselves in the knowledge and skills of Swiss watchmaking and to learn from some of the worlds finest watchmaking and micro-mechanical talents.
For both of us, it marked the beginning of a lifelong vocation, a love affair with savoir-faire. Starting out in Switzerland all those years ago from Australia and the Netherlands was the first step in a journey that we didn’t even realise that we were taking together. The very journey that has brought us here and to the inception of Atelier Pieters.
“OUR RAISON D’ÊTRE.“
For us, watchmaking has always been more than just a profession; it is a way of life that borders on obsession, albeit a diverse and creative one. Since the beginning, we have both had the courage to pursue and defend our dreams in a field that deeply resonates with us on a human level; the patience, the relentless determination, the precision and the collaboration. As a watchmaking couple, we live and breathe the world of watchmaking; it flavours every day of our lives. It is both a joy and a privilege be able to create technically complex and stunning timepieces together in our home.
Our Philosophy
Make time...
For the better part of our careers we have been deeply rooted in the classical education of watchmaking and the nurturing of future watchmakers. By perpetuating the culture, skills, and traditions of this timeless craft, we have helped aspiring watchmakers achieve their technical dreams, both in Switzerland and around the world.
Atelier Pieters is the pursuit of our own dreams. It is a reflection of our technical expertise and an avenue for communicating our life’s work in watchmaking, to take our time now to make time.
Our timepieces embody our dedication to watchmaking excellence. Each piece we create testifies to our commitment to time-and-skill-intensive quality and our desire to forge lasting connections with those who wear them. We intend the experience of discovering, wearing and observing our timepieces to echo the anticipation and enthusiasm that we experience as they are conceived and made, by us, piece-by-piece.
“THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MAKER AND THE COLLECTOR IS ONE OF MUTUAL RESPECT AND ONGOING COMMITMENT.”
In order for us to ensure our meticulous craftsmanship and to build lasting and privileged relationships with our collectors, our annual production is limited to 8 pieces per reference, per year.
Our Atelier
Where Time Takes Shape
Atelier Pieters is located in the Chalet des Gollières, on the edge of a forest in the foothills of the Jura mountains. The chalet was built by the Association des Sociétés des Neuchâtelois hors Canton (ASNHC), an organisation for Neuchâtel expatriates who wished to preserve their bond with their home-canton and to nurture their “Neuchâtel spirit.”
Situated in Les Hauts-Geneveys, the Chalet des Gollières was a haven for the Neuchâtelois to return, reunite, and celebrate their cultural heritage. It is only fitting that this place, once dedicated to preserving identity and tradition, is now home to Atelier Pieters and the culture of fine watchmaking, a craft deeply rooted in the canton of Neuchâtel since the 17th century.
Today, the first two floors of our four-storey chalet house Atelier Pieters, a micro-mechanical and machining workshop (equipped with manually operated, conventional machines only), an assembly workshop, and our office. The remaining spaces form our family home, blending life and craft under one roof.
On our premises we have two 24/7 security guards; Bélla (Bernese mountain dog) and Arley (Cavalier King-Charles spaniel). They assist us with front of house and guest welcome services.
“IT IS HARD TO TELL WHETHER OUR ATELIER IS IN OUR HOME OR OUR HOME IS IN OUR ATELIER.”
