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A Collector’s Dream: Meet the great watchmakers
Construct a timepiece at a legendary watch house
WHEN TO GO
ALL YEAR
IDEAL LENGTH
2 NIGHTS
FROM PRICE
£4,975 pp
INSIDE PRESTIGIOUS HOROLOGICAL ARCHIVES
To many, watches are endlessly fascinating, infinitely collectable and uniquely beautiful. And yet those houses and artisans at the heart of the heritage and innovation in fine horology - in Switzerland - remain elusive and inaccessible. Until now.
This three-day journey through Geneva’s rich horological heritage has been designed for avid admirers and collectors of fine watches. Learn from experts in a private hands-on watchmaking workshop at the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, gain exclusive access to MB&F's M.A.D.House, and explore the unmatched collection at the Patek Philippe Museum alongside an expert.
PRIVATE EXPERIENCES BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Luminaire can offer private experiences with almost any Swiss watch manufacturer, for the most discerning watch collectors. From Cartier to Rolex, we have extensive connections with watchmakers in Geneva.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Patek Philippe’s horological collections with an expert
View one of the world’s most prestigious displays of Genevese, Swiss and European watches and enamel works, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The museum’s library is dedicated to watches, musical automata and enamel miniatures, alongside timepieces dating back to the brand’s foundation in Geneva in 1839.
Exclusive workshop at the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie
Learn from an expert watchmaker at the prestigious FHH, the not-for-profit organisation which seeks to grow the influence of watchmaking culture. Understand the roles of gears, springs and balance wheels in heritage watchmaking. The visit culminates in a unique opportunity to dismantle and reassemble each and every part of a manual wind watch movement.
Privileged access inside the first horological concept laboratory
At MB&F, the independent watchmaker based in Geneva, gain private access to the world’s first ever horological concept laboratory: the M.A.D.House. The brand was founded by Maximilian Büsser, grounded in his vision of creating 3D kinetic art by deconstructing traditional watchmaking. This miniature castle in the centre of Geneva is home to intriguing watchmaking equipment and past creations from MB&F’s archives.
Discover the groundbreaking machines designed at MB&F
The independent watchmaker who broke the chains and initiated a 'rebellion' in the industry, are the proud designers of a series of eclectic and unusual machines. Discover the masters behind these creative pieces and view the impressive and ever-evolving collection at the M.A.D.House.
THE JOURNEY
A 3-day itinerary across Geneva
DAY 1
Arrive at Geneva airport, take a private transfer to Mandarin Oriental, Geneva.
Explore the Patek Philippe Museum accompanied by a dedicated expert guide and see the world’s most important and prestigious horological collection.
Exclusive mixology experience at MO Bar followed by gastronomic dining at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva’s Modern Japanese SACHI restaurant.
DAY 2
Embark on an exclusive private watchmaking experience at the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, learning from an expert watchmaker while taking apart and reassembling a UNITAS 6497-1 (manual wind watch) movement.
The doors at MB&F’s M.A.D.House open for an exclusive tour of the world’s first ever horological laboratory. It's filled with watchmaking equipment and archives of clocks, music boxes and mechanical sculptures.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Geneva.
DAY 3
Private transfer to Geneva airport, or consider enhancing your experience with private experiences at Swiss watch boutiques and manufacturers.
THE JOURNEY
Price from £4,750 per person, for 2 nights, based on 2 people travelling
INCLUSIONS
2 nights at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva in a Superior room with breakfast included.
Expert-led guided visit at the Patek Philippe Museum.
Private watchmaking workshop at Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie.
Private access to MB&F’s M.A.D.House.
Exclusive mixology master class at MO Bar and gastronomy dinner at SACHI.
Private transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Geneva
Food and drink not mentioned in the itinerary
Gratuities
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Magnificent in all seasons.
Experiences are subject to availability.
Watches and Wonders runs from 1 - 7 April 2025.
WATCHES AND WONDERS 2025
Travel to Geneva in April 2025 for the biggest annual event in watches. Scheduled before or after this journey, The Luminaire can arrange privileged access to the professional days at Watches and Wonders, including access to the VIP lounge, and a watchmaking workshop. Speak to a Travel Designer to secure the remaining availability.
ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE
This journey was curated in collaboration with Fabienne, a seasoned leader with 22 years experience in luxury goods at Richemont Group. On request, Fabienne can join you on your journey as an expert guide.
For the most discerning watch collectors, The Luminaire can, by special arrangement, offer private experiences at almost any Swiss watch boutique and manufacturer.
Enjoy private Swiss wine tastings on the Montreux Riviera (Lavaux vineyards) and a Swiss alpine cheese tasting at the Cheese Grotto (Käsegrotte) in Gstaad.
Extend your watchmaking journey to the Vallée de Joux (Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre) and the UNESCO-listed watchmaking town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, home to the Musée international d’horlogerie – including staying overnight at Audemars Piguet’s Hotel des Horlogers in Le Chenit.
Continue your journey in Switzerland with stays at Mandarin Oriental hotels in Lucerne and Zurich.
EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
The Luminaire designs and operates luxury travel experiences for Mandarin Oriental guests and Fans that are rooted in culture and curiosity, with additional products launching each month in close collaboration with Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world.
From a private masterclass with one of the world’s finest watchmaking ateliers in Switzerland, to an immersive trip to the private site where Van Gogh painted his last canvas just outside Paris, each experience has been designed by experts in their field – art historians, conservationists, sommeliers. Discover exciting new ways to explore each Mandarin Oriental destination and enjoy the signature service for which each hotel is renowned.
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