Switzerland is known around the world for its watches, and with good reason.
More than just a symbol of precision, Swiss watchmaking is a living heritage that continues to evolve, inspire, and impress.
From historic manufacturers in the Jura to elegant boutiques and workshops in Geneva, Swiss watchmaking reveals its story in museums, ateliers, and even in hands-on experiences across the country. Whether you’re fascinated by centuries-old mechanisms or curious to try assembling one yourself, there’s a wide range of activities to discover, many just a short trip away.
The Cultural Promotion team at CAGI—through its Cultural Kiosks at UN Geneva and CERN—is proud to share with you a curated selection of visits, tours, and exhibitions to help you explore the fascinating world of Swiss watchmaking. Whether you’re new to Geneva or simply looking for a meaningful weekend outing, this guide is the perfect place to start.
WHERE SWISS WATCHMAKING BEGAN
Geneva has long been considered one of the world’s watchmaking capitals. The city’s deep connection to this craft dates back to the 16th century, when the Protestant Reformation shaped both its cultural and economic identity. At a time when wearing jewellery was discouraged, many local goldsmiths and artisans turned to a new form of expression: the creation of timepieces. French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution soon joined them, bringing valuable expertise in enameling, engraving, and mechanical precision. Geneva quickly became a hub of creativity and excellence in this emerging industry.
Over the centuries, the city developed a reputation for exceptional quality and innovation, giving birth to legendary watchmakers such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and later, Rolex, whose global headquarters are still based here.
To protect and promote this know-how, the “Poinçon de Genève” (Geneva Seal) was introduced in the 19th century as a hallmark of quality, precision, and local manufacture. Today, this tradition is alive and well. Genevais home to world-class museums, watchmaking ateliers, guided tours, and interactive workshops, all perfect activities for winter days.
Guided tour: “Geneva, home of fine watchmaking”
Put on by Geneva Tourism, this 2-hour guided tour explores the evolution of watchmaking in the city from its Reformation-era roots, to its modern-day luxury brands. You’ll visit symbolic locations, hear insider stories, and gain a clearer sense of how Geneva became a world capital of watchmaking excellence. This activity is ideal for small groups or private bookings and can be arranged in multiple languages. bit.ly/3Whf0w5
Patek Philippe Museum: Geneva’s watchmaking legacy
Located in the Plainpalais district, this institution offers a fascinating journey through five centuries of watchmaking history, from early portable timepieces to ornate pocket watches and cutting-edge mechanical creations. The museum also features historical tools, a restoration workshop, and beautiful collections of miniature enamel art. Guided tours are available in several languages. bit.ly/4ovyRnj
DID YOU KNOW?
Patek Philippe is not only a symbol of Geneva’s watchmaking heritage, it also plays a quiet
role in international diplomacy. In the 20th century, the brand donated more than 350 clocks to the United Nations Office at Geneva, all connected to a master clock system installed in the Palais des Nations. To this day, these discreetly elegant timepieces continue to keep time in meeting rooms and corridors, reflecting Geneva’s tradition of precision and excellence on a global stage. bit.ly/48A1E5t
Frederique Constant: manufacture visit
Take a unique behind‑the‑scenes look at a working watch manufacturer during this 1.5‑hour experience offered by Frederique Constant. In small groups, participants get the chance to assemble a functional calibre, handle different components, and understand the inner workings of a mechanical watch. It’s a rare opportunity to see the process of Swiss watchmaking in action, not just on display. The activity must be booked in advance and is available in several languages. bit.ly/3JdGmAj
Initium: introduction to watchmaking
Initium offers immersive watchmaking courses right in the heart of Geneva. In this workshop, you’ll assemble your own mechanical parts, learn the names and functions of components, and discover the history behind many Swiss timepieces. Suitable for beginners (ages 10+), sessions are held in English or French. By reservation via email or phone. bit.ly/4qiWYY5
Artisans’ Playground: watchmaking for children
This playful introduction to watchmaking is designed for younger visitors aged 8 and up. Hosted by professional watchmakers, the activity lets children discover the parts of a watch, use real tools, and practice assembling movements, all in a safe, fun, and educational setting. It’s a great family outing that sparks interest in the crafts and sciences behind timekeeping. Sessions are held in small groups and must be booked in advance. bit.ly/4otsv7J
Geneva Watch Tour: an itinerary for all
This self-guided itinerary invites you to explore Geneva’s Old Town at your own pace, following a carefully curated path through landmarks, watch boutiques, and former workshops. The Geneva Watch Tour includes stops at key heritage sites and culminates in a visit to the Patek Philippe Museum. By following the map and accompanying descriptions, you’ll uncover the stories behind Geneva’s watchmaking tradition while enjoying a scenic walk through the city. The route is available in both French and English and can be accessed online. bit.ly/4hk0mxR
DID YOU KNOW?
Geneva’s famous Horloge Fleurie (Flower Clock) in the English Garden has been telling time since 1955. It’s both a horticultural masterpiece — decorated with over 12,000 plants — and a tribute to the city’s watchmaking tradition. The original movement was designed by Patek Philippe, making this floral landmark not only a symbol of Geneva’s parks but also of its world-renowned horological heritage.
LA CHAUX‑DE‑FONDS & LE LOCLE: WATCHMAKING CAPITALS IN THE JURA
La Chaux‑de‑Fonds and Le Locle are more than charming towns in the Jura hills, they are landmarks in the history of Swiss watchmaking. Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, both towns were designed around the needs of the industry: long, light-filled workshops, watchmaker homes, and an urban layout that prioritized production. This unique architectural model was developed during the 19th century, when watchmaking in Switzerland became more industrialized and collaborative.
These towns also became home to major manufacturers, schools, and museums, preserving centuries of know-how. Today, they offer visitors a fascinating look into the evolution of the craft, from handmade timepieces to mass production, all against the peaceful backdrop of the Jura landscape.
Musée International d’Horlogerie: a world-class museum of timekeeping
This world-renowned museum is entirely dedicated to the measurement of time. With over 4,500 pieces on display (including historic clocks, mechanical watches, and intricate tools), it offers a deep dive into the technical and artistic evolution of watchmaking. Visitors can also
observe expert watch restorers working behind glass. The visit takes about 1.5 hours and is ideal for all ages. bit.ly/4oxuqsf
Watch Museum of Le Locle – Château des Monts: five centuries of craftsmanship
Located in a beautiful 18th-century villa overlooking Le Locle, this museum offers a more intimate journey through five centuries of watchmaking. You’ll discover automatons, richly decorated timepieces, mechanical songbirds, and more. It’s a peaceful and inspiring visit, perfect for winter weekends in the Jura.bit.ly/43rAp9C
Musée Paysan et Artisanal: domestic homes of peasant watchmakers
Step into a 17th‑century farmhouse in La Chaux‑de‑Fonds, and you’ll walk the rooms where paysans‑horlogers lived and worked. The Musée Paysan et Artisanal recreates the kitchen, stable, attic workshop, and the watchmaker’s own bedroom, all well preserved to show the daily life of watchmaking families. It’s a quiet hour that connects you with the origins of the region’s identity. bit.ly/3IRT9IE
Apprentices of Time: build your own mechanical watch
In this hands-on workshop at Le Locle’s “Centre Horloger,” you’ll choose external parts and assemble your own mechanical watch. Guided by professionals, participants gain insight into the parts, movements, and precision techniques used in modern watchmaking. This is a great option for small groups or those looking to take home a unique souvenir. bit.ly/3IWEZpD
Zenith Manufacture Visit: discover the art of chronometry
Step inside one of Switzerland’s legendary watch brands with this guided visit to Zenith’s historical manufacture. You’ll have the chance to take part in a Chronometry Workshop, where you disassemble and reassemble the regulating organ of a watch. It’s a rare opportunity to work directly with the 5011 movement and learn about precision from the experts. bit.ly/47ytcqP
NEUCHÂTEL & VALLÉE DE JOUX: LAKES, PEAKS, AND PRECISION
Neuchâtel and the Vallée de Joux are quieter, more pastoral corners of Swiss watchmaking, yet home to some of the most refined and precise craftsmanship in the world. The region has long been known for high complications, fine finishes, and the beauty that comes when nature and craft combine. Many brands here pushed the boundaries of what mechanical watches can do, from grande sonneries and minute repeaters to ultra‑flat and skeletonized movements.
Winter here is perfect: museums are less crowded, visitors are welcomed with warmth, and the landscapes give each visit a scenic bonus.
EspaceTemps Observatory Museum: stars, clocks & Neuchâtel’s timekeeping Heritage
Perched above Neuchâtel, EspaceTemps is the former Cantonal Observatory. The museum explores both astronomical observation and chronometry: you’ll see the famous 1912 Zeiss telescope, historic seismographs, and learn how the rhythm of the stars and precise measurements of time shaped watchmaking in the region. The building itself, with its Art Nouveau décor, adds to the charm. bit.ly/4qljZcW
Espace Horloger – Vallée de Joux: interactive museum of the local watchmaking story
Located in Le Sentier, Espace Horloger is a modern, interactive museum that introduces the region’s watchmaking history, which includes everything from its origins to the haute horlogerie of today. Perfect for families and first‑time visitors, the museum uses immersive displays and hands‑on elements to bring the craft alive. It is open all year‑round but do check winter opening hours. bit.ly/4ndmyek
Olivier Piguet: build your own skeleton watch
Olivier Piguet’s Centre d’Initiation à l’Horlogerie, in a restored watch‑farm house at Le Sentier, gives anyone (beginners or experts) the chance to take apart and reassemble a mechanical skeleton of a watch. It’s a two‑day course where you alternate between theory
and practice, learning about movements, complications, calibres, and finishes, then you leave with a fully assembled skeleton watch. Everything is provided (movements, tools, parts) and the groups are small (3 people) so there’s plenty of hands‑on support. bit.ly/3LlfxKY
Manufacture Visit – Jaeger‑LeCoultre: exploring 180 years of mastery
At Jaeger‑LeCoultre in the Vallée de Joux, this 3‑hour guided visit (French / English) is one of the best ways to see a manufacturer in operation. You’ll learn everything from prototyping to machining, assembly, and the rare artistic crafts. No previous watchmaking experience is required and the small group size ensures that help is always on hand. bit.ly/3Jk4xgs
Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet: artistry & innovation in Le Brassus
This guided visit takes you through the heart of Audemars Piguet’s home in the Vallée de Joux. You’ll explore the Musée Atelier, which brings together historic ateliers and modern workshops, where expert artisans create, decorate, assemble, and test timepieces. There are also masterclasses (for adults), interactive tours for kids (“Little Watchmakers”), and regular exhibitions showing both the heritage and the technical innovations of the brand. Visits are guided (in English, French, and German), last about 2 hours, and must be booked ahead. bit.ly/3L6PSWp
AGENDA
EspaceTemps (Neuchâtel): Open Day at the Observatory
• 13 December 2025, 14:00–17:00
Free guided visits of the historic Pavillon Hirsch, home of the Cantonal Observatory. Discover 20th-century astronomical timekeeping instruments and explore Neuchâtel’s heritage of precision. bit.ly/4nhxA2d
Espace Horloger (Vallée de Joux): “Comix Mécanix”
• Until 6 February 2026
A playful exhibition that pairs comics with mechanical watchmaking—creativity meets gears and springs. bit.ly/4omeWHo
Watches & Wonders Geneva 2026
• 14 – 20 April 2026
This is the big spring event in Geneva for watchmaking. It brings together
nearly all the major brands, showcases new launches, exhibitions, and public‑friendly activities. The must-attend spring event in Geneva for all things horology. Nearly all the major watchmakers come together for a week of launches, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences. bit.ly/4oxqHec