FAQ

The Experience

What is a Swiss watchmaking workshop experience?

A Swiss watchmaking workshop is a hands-on session where participants assemble a real mechanical Swiss watch from individual components, guided by a professional watchmaker. At Watch Academy by Cimier, you spend a full day in Biel/Bienne — the historic capital of Swiss watchmaking — building your own watch from movement to complete watch assembly. You leave wearing it. No experience required.

What happens during a “Full Day” Watch Academy by Cimier workshop in Biel, Switzerland?

You arrive at our Biel/Bienne workshop in the morning and spend approximately 7 to 8 hours customizing and assembling a genuine Swiss mechanical watch under the guidance of a master watchmaker. Every component passes through your hands — from the mainspring and escapement to the case and crown. Breaks and lunch are included. By the end of the day, the watch on your wrist is one you built yourself.

Is the Watch Academy by Cimier a real watchmaking experience or a simplified kit? The Watch Academy by Cimier is a genuine Swiss watchmaking experience, not a simplified kit or pre-assembled module. You work with real mechanical movement components — the same types used in Swiss watchmaking tradition — and assemble them with professional tools under expert supervision. The finished watch is a functional Swiss timepiece you keep.

Pricing & What's Included

How much does a Swiss watchmaking workshop cost?

Watch Academy workshops to build your own watch start at CHF 1400 per person. This is an all-inclusive price: all movement and case components, expert watchmaker guidance, lunch, and refreshments are included. The final price varies based on the watch you would like to build, made during booking.

What is included in the Watch Academy workshop price? Your session includes everything needed for the full experience: use of professional watchmaking tools, all mechanical movement and watch components, one-on-one guidance from a master watchmaker throughout the day, lunch, and refreshments. There are no hidden fees. The watch itself is yours to keep.

Are there any additional costs beyond the booking price?

None. The price shown at booking is the total price. Your completed Swiss watch is included and leaves on your wrist.

What happens if I make a mistake assembling my watch?

Mistakes are a normal part of the learning process. Your watchmaker guides every step, and we have the components and expertise to correct any error without additional charge. No previous experience is expected, and no error is unrecoverable.

Skill Level & Who It's For

Do I need watchmaking or technical experience to attend?

No experience is required. Watch Academy is specifically designed for complete beginners. If you can follow careful instructions and work with patience, you have everything needed to successfully build your Swiss watch.

Is a watchmaking workshop suitable for non-technical people?

Yes. Watch Academy welcomes participants regardless of professional background or manual dexterity. Our master watchmakers have guided surgeons, artists, teachers, and people who had never held a pair of tweezers. Patience and curiosity are the only prerequisites.

What is the minimum age for the Watch Academy by Cimier workshop?

Participants must be at least 16 years old. Younger participants with a demonstrated interest may attend alongside a parent or guardian — contact us directly to discuss.

Is the Watch Academy suitable for couples?

Yes, and it's one of our most popular formats for couples. Each person builds their own individual watch. It's an intimate shared experience in the world capital of Swiss watchmaking, and one that tends to become a lasting memory.

Is this experience suitable as a corporate team-building activity in Switzerland?

The Watch Academy by Cimier is one of Switzerland's most distinctive corporate team-building experiences. Building a precision mechanical object with your hands — guided by a master craftsman in Biel/Bienne — creates a different kind of shared memory. We offer adapted group programs for corporate teams on request.

Languages & Scheduling

In which languages is the watchmaking workshop offered?

Watch Academy sessions are available in French, English, German and Italian. Please indicate your preferred language when booking. We will confirm availability and assign a watchmaker accordingly.

Where is Watch Academy located?

Watch Academy by Cimier is based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland — the historical heart of the Swiss watch industry. Biel is easily reachable from Bern (30 minutes), Basel (60 minutes), and Geneva (90 minutes) by direct train.

When do Watch Academy sessions take place?

Sessions are held on selected weekdays and occasional Saturdays. Available dates are shown in real time during the booking process. If you don't find a suitable date, contact us — new slots are opened regularly, and priority is given to those who have expressed interest.

How far in advance should I book a watchmaking workshop?

We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for weekend sessions and peak periods. Each session is limited to a small number of participants to ensure individual attention, and spots fill consistently.

Can I reschedule my Watch Academy booking?
Yes. Rescheduling is possible with sufficient advance notice. Please refer to our booking conditions for the specific rescheduling window. We will always do our best to accommodate a new date.

Gifting & Group Bookings

Can I offer a Swiss watchmaking experience as a gift?
Yes. Watch Academy gift certificates are available directly on the website. The recipient selects their own session date, language, and case at the time of booking. It is consistently rated as one of Switzerland's most original luxury gift experiences.

Is there a physical or printed gift certificate option?
A premium printed certificate can be arranged upon request. Contact us after purchase and we will coordinate the presentation details.

Do you offer private group watchmaking sessions?
Yes. Private group sessions are available for corporate teams, family celebrations, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and other occasions. Sessions can be adapted to your schedule, group size, and goals. Contact us via the form for a custom quote.

What is the maximum group size for a private Watch Academy session?

Private sessions can accommodate up to 25 participants. For larger groups, we can discuss multi-session or modular formats.

Does Watch Academy offer corporate watchmaking workshops in Switzerland?

Yes. Corporate watchmaking workshops at Watch Academy are available in Biel/Bienne and can be adapted for professional groups. This format combines Swiss craft heritage with a meaningful team experience. Custom programs are available — reach us via the contact form for availability and pricing.

Still Have Questions?

Watch Academy by Cimier is based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Contact us!