Richemont Prototype Maker
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- May 22, 2026
About Richemont
Richemont is a Swiss-based luxury goods conglomerate that houses several maisons across high-jewellery, watchmaking, leather goods and writing instruments. As an employer, Richemont emphasises artisanal craftsmanship, technical excellence and long-term vocational training, supporting specialist ateliers and R&D teams that preserve traditional métiers while deploying advanced prototyping and precision-engineering techniques.
Richemont is hiring a Prototype Maker in La Chaux-de-Fonds: skilled prototypist for precision watchmaking workshops.
Role & Responsibilities
- Fabricate one-off and small-series prototypes of watch components, cases and assemblies from technical drawings and 3D data.
- Translate engineering designs into physical models using a combination of CNC, EDM, micromachining and hand-finishing techniques.
- Perform precise assembly, adjustment and surface finishing of prototypes to validate fit, function and aesthetics.
- Collaborate closely with engineers, product developers and production watchmakers to iterate designs and resolve manufacturability issues.
- Carry out metrological control of parts (micrometers, calipers, CMM) and document conformity against technical specifications.
- Maintain workshop equipment, manage prototype materials and contribute to continuous improvement of prototyping processes.
Qualifications
- Vocational qualification or apprenticeship in watchmaking, micro-mechanics, precision engineering or industrial design.
- Proven manual dexterity and visual acuity suitable for micro-scale assembly and finishing.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and tolerance specifications (including GD&T).
- Strong problem-solving skills and methodical approach to testing and iteration.
Skills
Experience
Typically 3+ years of hands-on experience in precision prototyping, model making or watchmaking micro-mechanics, with demonstrable work on complex miniature assemblies and finished prototypes.
Education
Diploma or vocational qualification (apprenticeship/CFC, technical diploma or equivalent) in watchmaking, micro-mechanics, precision engineering or industrial design.
Workplace
This position is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, within easy reach of Geneva.
Culture
The workplace values meticulous craftsmanship, technical rigor and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Teams balance respect for traditional horological techniques with openness to modern prototyping technologies and iterative product development.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Richemont, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Model Maker», «Watch Prototypist», «Prototype Technician», «Technical Model Maker», «Horology Prototype Maker», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.