Switzerland is a country where the watchmaking tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. Today you have the chance to experience this unique art firsthand in a specially designed workshop.

The first stop on our tour is WA - Watch Academy GmbH in picturesque Egnach. This is a place where passion for watches is combined with education. The academy offers courses for beginners and advanced watch enthusiasts. Under the guidance of experienced masters, you can learn the basics of repairing mechanical watches, learn the secrets of their operation and the history of the development of watchmaking technology. What distinguishes this place? First of all, the intimate atmosphere and individual approach to each participant. The courses are conducted in small groups, which allows you to have direct contact with the instructor and thoroughly master the techniques of working with delicate mechanisms.

If you dream of creating your own watch, be sure to visit Initium in Le Noirmont, in the heart of the Jura region - the cradle of Swiss watchmaking. This place offers a unique experience: a one-day workshop where you will assemble your own mechanical watch under the guidance of experts. You can choose from a variety of models, components and finishes, creating a unique timepiece that will serve you for years to come. Interestingly, the Jura region became the center of watchmaking thanks to the 'établissage' system introduced in the 17th century by Daniel Jeanrichard, who revolutionized watch production through division of labor and standardization. Initium continues this tradition, combining it with a modern approach to education.

The differences between the two places are worth noting. Watch Academy focuses more on watch repair and maintenance, offering courses that last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the level of expertise. Prices vary, but can generally be described as expensive due to the exclusive nature of the classes. Initium, on the other hand, specializes in one-day workshops for making your own watch, making it more accessible to tourists with limited time. Prices are also high, but in return you get a hand-assembled watch worth far more than the cost of the workshop.

Both places have one thing in common - an authentic Swiss watchmaking experience. These are not typical tourist attractions, but real educational centers run by enthusiasts who want to share their knowledge and skills. By attending the workshops, you not only gain practical skills, but also become part of the centuries-old tradition that has shaped Switzerland's identity.

To fully understand the phenomenon of Swiss watchmaking, it is worth delving into its history, and the best place to do so is the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva. Located in the historic Pont de la Machine building, this institution is dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of high watchmaking. The foundation organizes exhibitions showcasing both historical and contemporary masterpieces of the watchmaking art. It was in Geneva that the world's first watchmakers' guild was founded in 1601, which launched the industry on an unprecedented scale. By 1790, Geneva was already exporting more than 60,000 watches a year!

The foundation's permanent exhibition takes visitors through key moments in the history of watchmaking - from the first portable watches of the 16th century, to revolutionary inventions such as the chronograph created by Louis Moinet in 1816, to modern marvels of technology. Particularly fascinating is the section devoted to Abraham-Louis Perrelet's 'eternal' watches of 1770, which were the precursors of today's automatic-winding watches. The Foundation also organizes educational workshops and conferences, attracting watchmaking enthusiasts from around the world.

Of a slightly different nature is the Watchmaking Tools Art in Vaumarcus. This unique venue combines an art gallery with a museum of watchmaking tools. In the historic castle, you can admire a collection of precision instruments used by watchmakers over the centuries. Each tool is not only a utilitarian object, but also a work of art, made with extraordinary attention to detail. The gallery also presents contemporary works by artists inspired by watchmaking. This place shows how deeply the art of watchmaking has influenced Swiss culture and identity.

It is interesting to note that many of the tools on display at Vaumarcus were used in the creation of groundbreaking inventions, such as the first wristwatch created by Patek Philippe in 1868 or the first quartz watch developed in 1967 by the Centre Electronique Horloger in Neuchâtel. These innovations not only changed the Swiss watch industry, but influenced the way the whole world measures time.

When comparing the two venues, it's worth noting that the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie focuses mainly on finished watches and their history, offering a more comprehensive look at the development of the industry. Ticket prices are moderate, and exhibitions are available in several languages. Watchmaking Tools Art, on the other hand, focuses on tools and the creation process, offering a more technical and artistic view of watchmaking. Tickets are slightly cheaper, but the venue is less well-known and less frequented by tourists, which may be an advantage for those looking for a more intimate experience.

Both sites offer a fascinating journey through time, showing how Swiss watchmaking evolved from a craft to an art. These are places where history comes alive and precision and beauty go hand in hand, creating an unforgettable experience for any watch lover.

Swiss watchmaking is not only history, but also a living tradition that is constantly evolving. A perfect example of this combination is THE WATCH LAB GENEVE, located in the heart of old Geneva, on Place du Bourg-de-Four. This place is more than just an ordinary watch store - it's a real laboratory of time, where you can watch watch watchmakers at work. Through the glass walls of the atelier, you can see the masters of their craft bending over microscopic mechanisms, continuing traditions dating back to the 16th century.

Watch Lab offers not only watch repair and maintenance, but also personalization and modification. You can order a unique timepiece tailored to your preferences or see how old timepieces are brought back to life. Interestingly, the atelier is located just steps away from the place where John Calvin banned jewelry in 1541, which paradoxically contributed to the development of watchmaking in Geneva. Goldsmiths, unable to create ornaments, redirected their skills to creating watches, giving rise to the legend of Swiss precision.

Of a completely different nature is Maurice de Mauriac Zurich Watches in Zurich. It's a family-owned manufactory founded by Daniel Dreifuss that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Unlike the big watch corporations, Maurice de Mauriac produces limited edition watches, where each piece is assembled by hand. A visit to their boutique is not only an opportunity to buy an exclusive timepiece, but also a chance to meet the creators and learn more about the brand's philosophy.

What distinguishes Maurice de Mauriac? First of all, individual approach to the customer. You can arrange a private consultation, during which the watchmaker will help you choose or design a watch perfectly suited to your needs and taste. The company is famous for its innovative designs that draw inspiration from both watchmaking tradition and contemporary art and architecture. It is a place where tradition meets modernity, creating unique timepieces for connoisseurs.

When comparing the two places, it's worth noting a few important differences. THE WATCH LAB GENEVE focuses mainly on watch repair and maintenance, offering services in the mid-price range, accessible to a wider range of customers. The site is more educational, allowing visitors to observe the work of watchmakers. Maurice de Mauriac, on the other hand, is an upscale manufactory whose watches belong to the luxury segment, and prices are correspondingly high. The boutique offers a more personal experience, with the opportunity to meet the designers and creators of the brand.

Both places, however, share a passion for watchmaking and the pursuit of excellence. Whether in historic Geneva or modern Zurich, the Swiss tradition of precision timekeeping is continued and developed. By visiting these places, you can not only admire the craftsmanship of the watchmakers, but also become a part of this fascinating history by acquiring a watch that will serve you for generations.

It is worth noting that both THE WATCH LAB and Maurice de Mauriac represent the 'independent watchmaking' trend, which has been gaining popularity in recent years as an alternative to mass production. These small manufactures continue the tradition started in the 17th century by Daniel Jeanrichard and his 'établissage' system, but adapt it to modern requirements and technology. It is this ability to combine tradition with innovation that is the heart of Swiss watchmaking and the reason why Swiss watches are still considered the best in the world.