Discover the Art of Swiss Watchmaking – Hands On

Founded in 2010, the Watch Academy by Cimier invites you to step into the world of traditional Swiss watchmaking through immersive, hands-on experiences. More than just a workshop, the Academy offers a rare opportunity to explore the art, precision, and heritage behind mechanical timepieces.Located in Biel/Bienne, at the heart of Switzerland’s renowned watchmaking region, the Watch Academy by Cimier offers a range of programs — from introductory sessions to full-day workshops where you can customize and assemble your very own Cimier watch.

BUILD Your Own WATCH

Guided by our Master watchmakers, the Full Day Workshop allows you to assemble a Swiss mechanical watch from start to finish. You’ll gain deep insight into the movement, construction, and meticulous craftsmanship that define Swiss horology — and leave with a timepiece you built yourself.

A Unique Horological Experience

Whether you're a passionate watch enthusiast or simply curious about what lies behind the dial, the Watch Academy offers an unforgettable journey into the mechanical heart of watchmaking. Each session is designed to be both educational and personal — a lasting memory and a legacy you can wear.

ABOUT CIMIER

CIMIER'S ORIGIN STORY

The origins of Cimier date back to 1924, when Swiss Watchmaker, Joseph Lapanouse, founded his company in Hölstein, Switzerland. At the time, the company specialized in manufacturing pin-pallet escapement watches, similar to the “Prolétaire” watch. This was a robust, accurate and affordable timepiece invented by Georges-Frédéric Roskopf, a famous German watchmaker.

A TRADITION OF MANUFACTURING ROBUST TIMEKEEPING

In 1929, Armand Lapanouse, who worked with his brother Joseph, submitted his patent for a movement frame for the Roskopf watch. This ingenuity allowed Lapanouse to continue manufacturing robust movements and by 1970, the company produced 1.5 million pieces every year. By that time, the company employed more than 500 people in its manufacture located in Bubendorf.

THE “CIMIER SPORT” A GROUND-BREAKING WATCH

In the 1960s, Cimier sent shockwaves through the watchmaking industry by being the first to industrialize the production of pin-pallet escapement chronographs. This simplified take on the chronograph only allowed users to measure short time intervals by starting and stopping the independent central second hand. The demand for chronograph-style watches at an affordable price made this model a commercial success: 20 million of these legendary calibers were sold.

REBIRTH FROM A TIME OF CRISIS

In the 1970s, the watch industry went through the Quartz crisis. The sales of mechanical watches fell considerably and Cimier made considerable investments to develop and manufacture its own quartz movement. In 1985, the Lapanouse family decided to pull Cimier out of the race. The Cimier brand was revived in 2003 and entered a period of vibrant activity. In 2011, Cimier developed an automatic module for the Unitas 6497-1 movement, the Big Matic 16 ½.

THE WATCH ACADEMY BY CIMIER: SHARING THE PASSION FOR SWISS WATCHMAKING

In 2010, the brand launched the Watch Academy by Cimier, an experience where watch enthusiasts learn about Swiss watchmaking and can personalize and assemble their own watch with the assistance of Cimier watchmakers. The Watch Academy by Cimier has since hosted hundreds of participants in its workshops in Biel, Switzerland.

CELEBRATING
100 YEARS OF HISTORY

In 2024, Cimier celebrated the 100th anniversary of the creation of the first watchmaking atelier of Joseph Lapanouse, Cimier’s founder. With this milestone in mind, the brand released the Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph that pays homage to its rich contribution to the Swiss watchmaking industry.