Top 5 watchmaking workshops to visit in Switzerland

Switzerland, a land of majestic mountains and tranquil lakes, is also world-famous for its watchmaking skills. From generation to generation, watchmakers have honed their skills, making Switzerland the heart of the world's watchmaking industry.

There are many watchmaking workshops in Switzerland that are open to the public and offer a unique opportunity to watch watchmakers at work. If you are a watch lover or simply interested in watchmaking, these workshops will not leave you indifferent. In this article we present 5 watchmaking workshops in Switzerland that you must visit.

Zénith workshop

Zénith is a prestigious Swiss watchmaking workshop located in the Le Locle watch district, near Neuchâtel. Here you can enjoy a unique experience in a town created by and for master watchmakers, where every tick sounds like a tribute to Swiss know-how. Every Friday morning, they offer an immersive experience of watchmaking, from design to component assembly. 

The visit lasts 3 hours and includes interactive screens that showcase rare timepieces. In addition to the workshop, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle are interesting watch towns. Their town planning was recognised by UNESCO in 2009. In fact, these towns were built by watchmakers for watchmakers. Appreciate their architecture and urban plans, designed to maximise light and ease traffic.

Maurice Clockmaker's workshop

The Maurice Watchmaking Workshop in Zurich is not just a place to visit, but an authentic space for experience and creativity. Here you are not only a spectator, but also a participant in the process of creating your own watch. Immerse yourself in the world of Swiss watchmaking, learn about the history of the Maurice de Mauriac brand and understand the movements of a watch before assembling it with your own hands. Take part in a 1 to 2 hour masterclass in English or German. Feel yourself in the shoes of a watchmaker by wearing a real professional's uniform. However, this visit is not just a guided tour. Leave with a souvenir: a photo of the end of the masterclass and a keepsake.

Vacheron Constantin boutique

The company's founders, Vacheron and Constantin, are recognised as masters of precision and elegance in watchmaking. A visit to their workshops is an immersion into the heart of their creative genius. The boutique also features exhibitions and displays that take you on a journey through time, from antique instruments to modern machines. This historic venue is located on the Quai des Iles in Geneva. 

It celebrates more than 250 years of watchmaking, continuously since 1755. It is the oldest watch factory in the world that is still in operation. Allocate 2 to 4 hours for a fully immersive experience and explore temporary themed exhibitions illustrating the evolution of watchmaking technology. The tour is available in French and English. 

In the boutique, you can discover a well-preserved collection of antique machines, tools and workbenches. To plan your visit, book an appointment on the official website. You can also book a personal on-site appointment for a more detailed experience.

Chronoswiss workshops

Chronoswiss Workshops is a spectacle in itself. This iconic location is home to a manufactory where the fine art of watchmaking is revealed, offering a glimpse into the intricate techniques of guilloche, skeletonisation and enamelling. The Chronoswiss watchmaking workshop is located in the centre of the Swiss city of Lucerne, close to the lake and the popular Löwenstrasse. It is easy to get to. It is close to the second bus station and the luxurious waterfront palaces. 

The hotel is located in the Unionsgebaüde building, a landmark of Lucerne. This building is over 100 years old and serves as the world headquarters of Chronoswiss. It is a must-see for lovers of traditional Swiss watchmaking.

During the watch tour, you will be really impressed by the history of Chronoswiss, a company that has been around for over 30 years. Therefore, visiting this workshop of the famous Swiss brand is a chance to see watchmaking art in a new and exciting way. If you are in Switzerland and love watchmaking, the Chronoswiss workshop in Lucerne is a place not to be missed!

Audemars Piguet museum

The Audemars Piguet Museum-Atelier stands out for its spiral glass design, which is an architectural masterpiece in itself. This place opens a window into two centuries of watchmaking history, allowing visitors to tap into the secrets of the craft through windows overlooking the workshops. The museum harmonises tradition and modernity, making each visit a fascinating and educational experience.

The museum is located in the pretty village of Le Brassus, an hour's drive from Geneva. It brings together three workshops with highly qualified watchmakers. Discover specialist finishers, jewellers, inlayers and engravers. Observe their work through large picture windows. In addition to the workshops, there is an exhibition of over 300 clocks. 

Among them you can see clocks with incredible designs and sophisticated functionality. Tours are available in English, French and German for groups of up to six people. Remember that seats need to be booked.

Conclusion

A journey through Switzerland's watchmaking workshops is an immersion into a world of precision, tradition and unrivalled craftsmanship. Each of these workshops opens doors into the history and culture of watchmaking, allowing you to see the process of creating masterpieces that have won worldwide recognition. Switzerland offers an unforgettable experience for all who appreciate art and engineering excellence, making your journey truly special.