Visiting a watch manufacture provides a look deep inside the heart and soul of a precision timepiece. A peek behind the doors will expand your appreciation for the craftsmanship, engineering and incredible amount of time and skill needed to create these incredible miniature machines.
In my two years as iW’s Swiss correspondent, based in Basel, I’ve been fortunate enough to tour many watch companies in Switzerland and Germany for articles appearing within the pages of International Watch. Many of the companies will set up a tour for serious enthusiasts, though on a limited basis and arranged well ahead of time. Nearly all of my favorites listed below have historical exhibits on site for public appreciation. As a bonus, the trip to every one of these manufacturing facilities is a journey amplified with breathtaking natural scenery and vistas, often complemented by the cutting-edge or historical architecture of the facility itself.
Bovet : Nestled in the Swiss Jura Mountains is the historic Château de Môtiers built in the 14th century and home to Bovet. This breathtaking manufacture accommodates watchmakers to talented artisans hand-engraving by the light of the sun creating timepieces such as the Amedeo Fleurier Rising Star. A journey here is a history lesson to the origins of Bovet complete with views overlooking the town of Val-de-Travers.
Franck Muller : A visit to this stunning estate on the outskirts of Geneva offers picturesque vistas of Mont Blanc just beyond Lake Geneva and provides insight to the savior-faire of Franck Muller timepieces. The thirty-two acre site is dedicated to several aspects of the manufacturing process from designing and assembling to case manufacturing and engraving of Franck Muller timepieces and is responsible for manufacturing over 40,000 watches per year.
Glashütte Original : This German manufacture is located just south of Dresden in the Saxon town of Glashütte. The architecture of the Glashütte Original manufacture is modern in design and constructed with one-third glass creating an impressive atrium drenched with sunlight. Here, through the four floors of the manufacture, the team of engineers, designers and skilled craftsman meticulously work together to design and build Glashütte Original timepieces. The process from the very concept of the watch begins inside the manufacture and is seen through until the finished product.
Greubel Forsey: Greubel Forsey is located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and surrounded by some pretty cool neighbors, including Jaquet Droz, Rolex and Cartier. The foundation of the manufacture is Swiss farmhouse that was renovated keeping the appeal of the traditional elements such as stone, wood and vaulted ceilings, which seamlessly transitions into a modern atelier designed with glass and concrete. Inside, the contrast is appealing and an ideal environment for the talented artisans and craftsman to creating the highest degree haute horology.
Jaquet Droz : A visit to Jaquet Droz atelier will appeal to your inner Monet. The talented artisans are sure to impress you as they delicately engrave miniature sculptures for pieces like the Petite Heure Minute Relief Goat or hand-paint dials with a paintbrush made with practically a single hair. Oh, and make sure you see Charlie the automata.
Piaget (Plan-les-Ouates): This is a fully integrated manufacture just outside of Geneva where one can observe art in motion, featuring gemstone setters, watchmakers and gold masters who create intricate bracelets. Each turn provides a glimpse into Piaget’s unique savior faire that has been evolving since 1874. A walk through the company’s museum highlights important pieces and collectors, including jewelry and watches designed for Elizabeth Taylor.
Zenith : Le Locle, Switzerland, is known as a center of Swiss watchmaking. It has been the home of the Zenith manufacture since 1865. As one of the first fully integrated manufactures, it is a must-see. However, you may need to wait because in 2015 Zenith will complete a full renovation of the manufacture in time to celebrate its 150th Anniversary. We cannot wait to see what it is in store.
Jaeger-LeCoultre: Every aspect of watchmaking is working hand in hand at this manufacture to develop some of the most sophisticated watches available today while continually pushing innovation since 1833. A trip to this impressive manufacture in Le Sentier, Switzerland, will leave you in awe at the wide-ranging talents of its nearly 1,500 employees. If you are lucky you might even go home with a Duomètre or at least some JLC honey made from the manufacture’s very own beehives.
Armin Strom: Great things come in small packages. From the engineering to assembling, it all happens within the three floors of this petite manufacture located in Biel, Switzerland. Armin Strom is packed with talent with a focus on hand engraving and skeletonizing, following in the footsteps of the watchmaker Armin Strom.
Hublot : This manufacture, now expanding with a new building next to its current facility, is bursting with energy. Peek inside and you can see a few of the many steps needed to produce a Unico movement. Maybe you can even hear a minute repeater chime. Be sure to check out the metallurgy department to see exactly how Hublot’s own Magic Gold is created.