Yvan Ketterer: A Face and a Watch Journey

Swiss watchmaking specialist Yvan Ketterer is launching his own line of timepieces, marking a transition from his career as a consultant and designer for other luxury labels to an independent producer. The initial release consists of a limited series of 38 pieces, with the first two examples already completed.

The timepieces are priced between 44,000 and 47,000 Swiss francs per unit, depending on whether the finish is in gold or platinum. While the series is reported to be largely sold out, Ketterer has noted that in the watch industry, a piece is only considered sold once payment has been received.

Financial Backing and Corporate Structure

The venture is supported by several investors. Financial contributions have been provided by Ketterer’s associate, Leopoldo Celi, and two additional shareholders. One of these shareholders is the Vaud-based HHDR Group, also known as Haute Horlogerie Dominique Renaud.

In addition to this new venture, Ketterer continues to operate YK FOR, an integrated private label studio based in Marin-Epagnier. YK FOR specializes in the design and development of custom-made watches and luxury accessories for confidential brands.

Professional Background of Yvan Ketterer

Ketterer brings more than 20 years of experience in the high-end watchmaking sector. Born in Bienne, Switzerland, he began observing watch repair at age six while watching his grandfather. After initially working in microelectronics as an electronic product designer in the 1980s, he returned to horology, graduating from the Watchmaker Of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP).

His corporate experience includes a tenure as a product manager for Tissot within the Swatch Group. In the 1990s, he served as the Head of Creation & Development for the Swiss manufacture Girard-Perregaux, a position he held for approximately 10 years.

Ketterer founded YK FOR in 2011, leveraging his expertise in design and development to serve prestigious Swiss and international fashion brands and high-end labels.

Industry Context and Brand Revivals

The move toward independent production and the revival of historic complications is reflected in broader industry trends. Ketterer and Leopoldo Celi have also been involved in the relaunch of the brand Niton, a historic manufacturer of jump-hour watches.

Jump-hour complications, which utilize a digital-style display of digits rather than traditional hands, have seen a resurgence in the market. This trend is evidenced by recent releases from various luxury houses, including Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Louis Vuitton.

The Niton Prima, part of the brand revival led by Celi and Ketterer, is one such example of this mechanical trend, utilizing a specifically engineered module to allow the hour indication to jump into place at the start of every hour.