Visiting Manufacture La Joux-Perret
This article provides an in-depth look at Manufacture La Joux-Perret (MLJP), a key supplier of Swiss movements to independent watch brands. The piece details MLJP's history, its strategic expansion through automation and a focused product catalogue, and its position within the industry, including its acquisition by Citizen and a minority stake taken by LVMH. The visit highlights MLJP's diverse capabilities, from accessible automatic calibres to solar quartz and high-end mechanical movements.
- MLJP produces approximately 200,000 movements annually with about 130 employees.
- The cal. G100 automatic movement accounts for 40% of MLJP's annual production.
- MLJP produces about 50,000 solar quartz movements annually.
- MLJP produces 1,000 calibres for Arnold & Son and 300 for Angelus annually.
Manufacture La Joux-Perret (MLJP) has become an important supplier to micro-brands and independent watchmakers, offering Swiss movements at accessible prices.
MLJP's history traces back to 1990 as Jean-Pierre Jaquet, supplying specialised movements and complications, including a monopusher chronograph designed by François-Paul Journe.
The firm was renamed La Joux-Perret in 2005, acquired Arnold & Son in 2010, and the Angelus brand rights in 2011, before being acquired by Citizen in 2012.
Citizen's strategy involved creating entry-level Swiss movements based on Miyota's 9000 series, with the G100 platform driving significant growth.
A collaboration with TAG Heuer introduced solar quartz technology to a Swiss movement, which now accounts for about a quarter of MLJP's production.
LVMH has taken a minority stake in MLJP to influence strategic decisions of the supplier.
MLJP's production volume is about 15% of Sellita's, with both manufactures located in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
The cal. G100, with its 68-hour power reserve, is the standard-bearer of MLJP's mechanical movement catalogue, which has been streamlined for efficiency.