Security at Vacheron Constantin, one of Switzerland’s most distinguished watchmakers, must be as reliable and precise as the priceless objects it protects.
Established in 1755, Vacheron Constantin has carried the proud traditions of its founder into the 21st century by hand-making their exclusive watches, including innovative technology that will last for generations. Only some 18,000 pieces are produced each year at the spectacular manufacturing site in Geneva, purpose-built four years ago.
Roland L., the Facilities Manager, who is also responsible for Safety and Security, recalls: “When we built this facility in 2004, we wanted to make sure that our people felt safe but also that we would be able to have flexible working hours.”
After months of research, the company settled on a tailor-made solution. “When we decide we need something, we want the best, which is not necessarily the most expensive. Together with the architect and our technology supplier, we designed systems that were purpose-built to fit our needs.”
With the technical solution in place, the next step was to find equally capable people top manage it. “We asked for references from other companies in the business, and that was the starting point of our partnership with Protectas.”
As valuable as Vacheron Constantin’s hand-crafted watches are, Roland L. emphasizes that people are the company’s most valuable resource. Most employees are recruited from the watchmakers’ school, an education of between 3 to 4 years, depending on the area of specialization; repair and maintenance, assembly or clockwork.
“Nothing can be allowed to happen to our people, our most valuable resource,” Roland L. continues. “Therefore, we implemented many rules to protect the employees, mainly about how to behave in the workplace but also a safety education. There are 300 people here, so of course there is always something happening here, because we are human!
“But our security officers look after us, being our ‘third eye’ so there are no accidents or risk of fire but also in the little things. We are here to build watches, not to look after security. The security officers inform us if the lights are broken, or the escalator doesn’t work. They also make sure the security systems work, such as fire preventions systems, ventilation and so on.”
Obviously, one of the largest potential risks for Vacheron Constantin is to be exposed to theft. However, there are more crucial risk areas. “Customers sometimes come here to repair old, antique watches, which is our most risky business. We can repair and service every watch that has ever been made by the company. Sometimes the watch has been inherited in a family for generations so its value is priceless.”
With so much at stake, Roland L. says the security partnership with Protectas is comfortable and secure. “We have gotten so used to working with Protectas, that we have forgotten how it was before. We feel understood. They know what we need, and their people stay here with us. Now we don’t worry.”