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SWISS WATCHMAKING
The ultimate collector's experience
PRIVILEGED ACCESS TO THE WORLD OF FINE HOROLOGY
To many, watches are endlessly fascinating, infinitely collectable and uniquely beautiful. Their fabrication is steeped in history and innovation – the intersection of design, function, and technology.
This experience takes collectors and enthusiasts alike on a journey through the home of fine horology – Switzerland. The itinerary includes a private and hands-on watchmaking masterclass at Jaeger-LeCoultre, a private tour of the Patek Philippe Museum, observing masters and exploring workshops, with 5* accommodation at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva.
DAY 1 - HOME OF HAUTE HORLOGERIE
If Switzerland is the home of horology, Geneva is its beating heart, and the site of prizes and fairs such as the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the Oscars of the watch world.
A private chauffeur transfer from Geneva Airport arrives at the magnificent Mandarin Oriental in the heart of the city, overlooking the River Rhône.
Wander the café-lined streets and perhaps try the Filet de Perche, the local fish speciality that the lake is famous for.
DAY 2 - THE HOROLOGICAL COLLECTIONS OF PATEK PHILIPPE
Following breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, join an expert guide on a journey through Geneva to explore the historic connections between the city and the watchmaking industry.
Starting in the Saint Gervais quarter, where watches were produced until the beginning of the 20th century, the expert introduces a variety of watchmaking houses, exploring not only the history behind various complications, but also the latest innovations coming from the city.
After lunch, a private tour begins at the Patek Philippe Museum with an expert in the renowned maison. The museum houses a unique and fascinating collection 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, as well as timepieces created by the brand since it was founded in Geneva in 1839.
Later, depart for the Vallée de Joux with a private, chauffeur-driven transfer, arriving at Hôtel des Horlogers, owned by Audemars Piguet.
DAY 3 - A PRIVATE WATCHMAKING MASTERCLASS
A first class train from Le Brassus arrives at Le Sentier, home to the Jaeger-LeCoultre headquarters.
The brand’s reputation for watchmaking is world-renowned. Their atelier opens its doors to you for a private masterclass, providing a unique opportunity to bring a timepiece to life and dive into the heart of time measurement.
In total privacy, assemble a mechanical movement under the expert guidance of Jaeger’s watchmakers, from the plate to the dial and hands. The tools used to assemble your movement have remained almost the same as those used more than five hundred years ago by the very first watchmakers.
After you’ve completed your watch, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the workshop where Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces are made.
DAY 4 - THE TOWN BUILT FOR WATCHMAKERS
Your driver will take you to La Chaux-de-Fonds, the town built around the watchmaking industry. A guided walk explores why UNESCO have declared the town a World Heritage Site. Following a fire which destroyed the town in 1794, it was rebuilt to follow a meticulous plan which suited the needs of its watchmakers, with buildings on an elongated grid pattern to let in sufficient light for their intricate work.
La Chaux-de-Fonds is also home to the International Museum d’Horlogerie. A specialised guide from the museum explores one of the most remarkable collections of clocks and watches in the world, taking guests through the history of watchmaking. Observe watchmakers at work in the Centre for the Restoration of Antique Timepieces.
A private departure transfer takes you to Geneva Airport.
THE STAY
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, GENEVA
This journey is available exclusively with a stay at the renowned Mandarin Oriental, Geneva.
With a setting that blends mountain backdrops and River Rhône vistas, the five-star hotel is home to dining experiences including an authentic Peruvian Cebicheria, and the intimacy of a live cooking, ten-seater Omakase Bar serving Japanese delicacies tailored to the preferences of each guest.
FROM £5,950 PER PERSON
For four days and three nights, based on two people sharing.
INCLUSIONS
One night in a Superior Room at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental, Geneva with breakfast.
Two nights in a Valley Guest Room, with breakfast at the Hôtel des Horlogers, owned by Audemars Piguet.
Private and hands-on watchmaking masterclass at the Jaeger-LeCoultre headquarters.
Private tour of the Patek Philippe Museum.
Geneva watchmaking walking tour.
Guided tour of the UNESCO-protected La Chaux-de-Fonds watchmaking town.
International Museum d’Horlogerie guided tour.
Private, chauffeured transfers and first-class train tickets where mentioned.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Magnificent in all seasons.
Experiences are subject to availability.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Geneva.
Excursions, meals and drinks other than those mentioned.
ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE
An immersive half-day watchmaking masterclass provides glimpses into the history of watchmaking and the opportunity to learn how to dismantle and reassemble a mechanical movement to better understand its components and their functions. By the end of the masterclass, you'll leave with the watch you've made - a lasting memento.
A guided visit to the Audemars Piguet Museum to explore the brand's past, present, and future. With its pioneering museography and contemporary architecture, this space showcases both its visionary and traditional know-how.
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 private tastings with legenedary winemakers at chateaux estates in Bordeaux, 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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START PERSONALISING YOUR EXPERIENCE
Image credit (introduction and day three): Copyright ©Jaeger-LeCoultre. All rights reserved.
All experiences featured are subject to availability.