When you look at your watch, you’ve probably already asked yourself these questions. How was its movement developed? How were the decorations created? And what’s so complex about the dial? To unravel the secrets behind the manufacture of your watch, let’s go through the looking glass and enter a world of magic where artisanal gestures and cutting-edge techniques converse intimately. A fascinating adventure at the heart of the most prestigious watchmaking manufactures, where the Maison Lionel Meylan can accompany you on request.

Each manufacture cultivates its own specialties. At Hublot, the atmosphere is high-tech from start to finish. Particularly in the Research & Development department, where the engineers and watchmakers are hard at work developing innovative materials such as colored ceramics and Magic Gold.

A futuristic atmosphere also prevails at Omega, which is particularly impressive for the sophistication of its robotized processes, where everything has been designed to ensure that technical innovation and human expertise coexist in perfect harmony. A detached METAS office has even taken up residence here to streamline the logistics of the famous Master Chronometer certification.

Here again, Breitling‘s quest for precision takes advantage of the latest technological developments to optimize the spectacular assembly line for its Manufacture chronograph movement. An avant-garde manufacturing method where man and machine work together, where the most modern techniques are combined with traditional know-how.

The visit to theUlysse Nardin workshops is twofold. On the one hand, we discover the manufacture of movements by this House renowned for its silicon balance springs. Then we immerse ourselves in the precision work of the dial-makers at Donzé Cadrans and their striking mastery of “Grand feu” enamel.

Jaeger-LeCoultre is also home to this age-old craft, with 40 different professions housed under its roof. Here, as you pass by the workbenches of the watchmakers and craftsmen, the visit also takes a magical turn in the workshop dedicated to the manufacture of the Atmos clock.

A visit to a watch factory is a unique experience, not only about innovation and history, but also about dedication and passion. Those who visit the Zenith manufacture (photo header) will have the chance to stop for a few moments in the attic where Charles Vermot hid the stamps for the El Primero movement in the 1970s, in order to preserve his heritage. An unforgettable moment!

Practical aspects of the visit

How does a visit work in practice? All you need to do is contact a Maison Lionel Meylan advisor, who will work with you to arrange a date for your visit, according to your wishes and the availability of the factories. Please note that places are very limited. Depending on the factory, you should allow between half a day and a full day on site. Tours are conducted in groups of 8 to 14 people.