Swatch Group, the world’s largest watchmaker, on Oct. 20 laid the cornerstone for a three-story jewelry-making center for its DYB Dress Your Body company. DYB, established in 2000, conceives, designs, and produces the jewelry and fashion accessories for Swatch Group watch brands Breguet, cK, Léon Hatot, Omega, and Swatch. Jewelry for high-end Breguet, Léon Hatot, and Omega is sold in their boutiques around the world. Swatch and cK fashion jewelry is sold in Swatch stores and selected retailers.

The new facility, being built in Cormondrèche, near Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is a result of fast-growing demand for the brands’ jewelry and the need to consolidate DYB’s Swiss operations. DYB has four jewelry workshops, which will be reduced to two.

“The possibilities and the potential for other Swatch Group watch brands to add jewelry are being thoroughly evaluated,” JCK was told by Beatrice Howard, Swatch Group spokesperson and head of its media relations. “There might be other brands which offer jewelry in future.”

The new site will be operational in fall 2007. DYB now employs 100 people, which will increase to 130 when the center opens.