Due to the spread of Covid-19, Hublot has decided to temporarily close its manufacturing site to protect its employees and help contain the spread of the Coronavirus. As the communication released today states: "The Federal Council, our Swiss government, announced yesterday the reinforcement of measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and, in particular, of the severe restrictions on movement, which have been applied as of today. This forces us to adapt our latest instructions to this new situation, always with the aim of protecting our employees and their families. As a precaution, and for the protection of our staff, we have decided to go beyond the current government recommendations and close our manufacturing site until further notice'. Moving in the same direction, according to Pambianco News, are other names on the watchmaking scene, including Patek Philippe, which has halted its production facilities from today until 27 March, a date that could be revised depending on how the pandemic scenarios evolve. The Geneva-based company's head office activities will also be temporarily closed. Among those who have opted for the stop is also Rolex, which, we read on Wwd, has temporarily closed its production sites in Geneva, Bienne and Crissier. Even in this case, the re-opening date, set for 27 March, may change. Swatch Group and Compagnie Financière Richemont, Wwd concludes, have not released any announcements at the moment. Meanwhile, Audemars Piguet also announced the closure of its production sites: 'In this period of uncertainty, the safety of people remains at the heart of Audemars Piguet's priorities. This is why we have decided to close our production sites and some of our offices and boutiques in various countries from 18th March until the end of the month. These decisions have been taken in compliance with local legislation in order to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. In 1875, our company, which is still in the hands of the founding families, was established on human values and, in times of crisis, as a family must remain strong and united to overcome challenges'.
