PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
WatchesDec 29, 2013
Swatch assessing damage following factory fire
A spokeswoman for the Swatch Group said the company is still trying to determine how a fire that destroyed a unit within its ETA factory on Sunday will impact production.
Grenchen, Switzerland--A spokeswoman for the Swatch Group said the company is still trying to determine how a fire that destroyed a unit within its ETA factory on Sunday will impact production.
According to Swatch Group, the fire broke out around 8:45 a.m. local time in the galvanic department, located in the main building of the ETA manufacturing facility in Grenchen.
While the factory never completely closes, Swatch Group spokeswoman Béatrice Howald said there was no activity in this area at the time of the fire, so no workers were injured.
ETA firefighters and two firefighters from the Grenchen fire department battled the blaze, and managed to get it under control by 9:30 a.m. before it could spread to neighboring manufacturing facilities.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and Howald said Swatch Group is continuing to assess how the fire, which did “considerable” damage, will impact production.
ETA is the arm of the Swatch Group that makes the movements and watch components for both mechanical and quartz watches, supplying its own brands, such as Blancpain and Longines, as well as a number of other companies.
Howald said almost all components’ surfaces are treated and undergo the galvanic process, which means that the production of “many brands” will be impacted by the blaze.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
