After almost five years of work, Swatch inaugurates its new headquarters in Biel,one of the largest wooden structures in the world, the work of the prestigious Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. Opening a new chapter in the history of the brand, this building challenges current conventions, just like the watches that are created within it. 

The structure of the new building it houses is sparkling and sinuous Swatch it is 240 meters long and 35 meters wide. At the highest point, the façade measures an impressive 27 meters. While blending gracefully and harmoniously into the surrounding urban environment, the innovative project breaks the classic architectural patterns of office buildings. The shapes of this structure tickle the imagination: like a work of art, the interpretation is left to the eye of the beholder.

With an area of ​​over 11 m², the vaulted facade rises gently towards the entrance and then transforms into the Cite du Temps. Also designed by Shigeru Ban, measures 80 x 17 x 28 meters and, despite being an independent architectural unit, it is perfectly complementary to the building Swatch. Each of the 14 arches is 5 meters wide each with a width of 15 meters.

La Cite du Temps it houses on the 1st floor the museum of Omega, while on the 2nd floor it is located PLANET SWATCH, the museum dedicated to the brand. Reserved to Swatch Group, Nicolas G. Hayek Conference Hall on the 4th floor stands out significantly from the surrounding environment thanks to its elliptical shape.

The exterior and interior of the building are a riot of recurring themes, rounded shapes, colors, transparencies but also classic materials and construction elements used in a completely original way.

Inside the building, an area of ​​25.000 m² spreads over five floors housing all the departments of Swatch International e Swatch Switzerland. The surface of the four upper floors is progressively reduced, while the galleries with glass balustrades offer an overview of the lower levels. In addition to the traditional work areas, several common spaces are distributed throughout the building: a café located on the ground floor, open to all Swatch employees and their visitors, and small areas dedicated to relaxation, at different points within the building. 'building.