High in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland, a few kilometers east of France, is perched the small town of La Chaux-de-Fonds — for centuries the wellspring of an almost divine congruence of genius.

Among those born here: Le Corbusier (born Charles-Edouard Jeanneret), one of the greatest names in modern architecture and design; pioneering automaker Louis Chevrolet; and poet/novelist Blaise Cendrars. The aesthetic movement L’Art nouveau was refined in La Chaux-de-Fonds – as the old village gave way to a modern city beginning of the 20^th century, a regional Art nouveau variant, the “Style Sapin”, emerged here, exclusive to the burgeoning industrial watchmaking centre. And the grace of its architecture and ingenuity of its urban plan have led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site… suite

Thanks to Maison Girard-Perregaux.

Thierry Castagna / La Cote des Montres™
Photos Luc Virginius