Alfred Huguenin was born on July 19, 1911 on a farm in Les Replattes. He became a primary school teacher and taught in Sion. After obtaining a diploma from the La Chaux-de-Fonds School of the Arts he became a drawing teacher. A highly capable artist, a watercolorist, he was commissioned to paint clocks and acquired all the skills necessary to complete the task : painting, varnishing, gilding, cabinetmaking and knowledge of the watchmaking industry. He was already acquainted with the techniques required to work with bronze, learned from his father, who was an engraver-chaser. In 1935, Alfred Huguenin became a member of the Watch Museum board. From 1970 to 1972 he was President of the board.
This exhibition room was made possible thanks to his gift of several Neuchâtel clocks from his personal collection. He passed away in August of 2001, never having ceased his professional activity, even in the last months of his life.
In the Alfred Huguenin room, the Neuchâtel clocks are exhibited in chronological order and classed according to style. When discussing Neuchâtel clocks, it should be noted that the Louis XIII and Louis XVI styles are not necessarily contemporary with the historical periods to which they refer.
This exhibition is limited to the « classical » wall clock, whereas the production of table clocks, domestic clocks and small, officer’s travel clocks (from 1800) is typical of the region.