TIME TRAVEL

Eight Must-Visit Watch Museums in Switzerland


There are, of course, many reasons to visit Switzerland, but if you are into watches, a Swiss trip should feel a bit like Heaven on Earth (for you, that is; perhaps not for your fellow travelers who don’t share your passion equally). Along with the many great watch shopping (and window shopping) opportunities, Switzerland is also, as you would expect, home to many great watch museums. Unfortunately, some of the most fascinating collections are “by appointment only” and therefore require a bit of planning ahead (as with the museums of Longines, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, etc.). In this article, we introduce you primarily to some of the most interesting Swiss watch museums that all have regular visiting hours. Here are my top eight:

MIH Watch Museum - interior

MIH – The Musée international d’Horlogerie in La ChaMusée international d’Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fondsux-de-Fonds houses one of the world’s largest and diverse collections of watches and clocks. It is open six days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM (closed on Monday) and offers the perfect start to your Swiss watch museum pilgrimage: www.mih.ch

Museums Les Monts - exterior

Musée d’Horlogerie du Locle, Château des Monts – Not far from the MIH, you’ll find a smaller museum in a breathtaking building located in Le Locle. During winter, the museum is only open in the afternoon, so make sure to check out the website first. http://www.mhl-monts.ch/

Omega Museum in Bienne – On your way back from La Chaux-de-Fonds, a stop at the Omega museum is a must. Since October 2019, the brand’s museum is housed in a striking steel, glass and Swiss timber building designed by award-winning architect Shigeru Ban. Visitors can even unleash their inner Olympian on a 9m running track (make sure you visit the Swatch museum in the same building as well) and discover almost everything that is related to the brand. Plus, admission is free and it is even open on Saturdays and Sundays. http://www.omegamuseum.com/

Neues Museum in Bienne – While in Bienne, check out the incredible (and quite often overlooked) collection of the Neues Museum – this is a close as you can get to visiting a Rolex museum. And there is a lot to learn about the city’s watchmaking past. http://www.nmbiel.ch

Espace Horloger in Le Sentier – offering a modern approach to everything related to watchmaking, the Espace Horloger is located in the Vallée de Joux and open from Tuesday through Sunday (only in the afternoons). http://www.espacehorloger.ch/

Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva: Even though you are, unfortunately, not allowed to take pictures here, we still encourage you not to leave Switzerland before seeing this unforgettable collection. http://www.patekmuseum.com/

Beyer Watch Museum - interior

Beyer Clock and Watch Museum in Zurich (currently closed): Since you’ll most likely end up in Zurich earlier or later, make sure to visit Beyer’s small but exquisite collection in the basement of its retail store (it’s often described as the world’s leading private museums dedicated to horology). It is open in the afternoon only, and we recommend booking a guided tour or talking to the friendly staff: http://www.beyer-ch.com/en/museum/portrait/portrait-museum.html

IWC Museum in Schaffhausen: Only about 40 minutes from Zurich, you will find IWC’s own museum. It offers a unique collection of watches related to either the brand or the region. The museum tour is probably best combined with a tour of the manufacture (which requires a bit of planning). http://www.iwc.com/en/about/museum/

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No Responses to “Eight Must-Visit Watch Museums in Switzerland”

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  1. Deb Huguenin

    I have a picture of a watch factory in Switzerland that has Hamilton on front side of building and A. Huguenin FILS S. A. Can you tell me anything about it?

    Reply
  2. It’s my husbands 50th 2020 and he would love to visit all the museums as his knowledge is outstanding and would love too see them first hand

    Reply
  3. Bill Combs

    On a trip to Switzerland a few years ago I was fortunate to be able to tour the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. It was a high point point of my trip, the collection is is an inspiration to any fine watch collector. This museum should not be missed by anyone interested in fine workmanship, history, beauty or intricate design. I now need to return to Switzerland to visit the other museums on this list.

    Reply
  4. Anand G

    we are coming to Switzerland for a holiday in Sep. Will be arriving in Zurich, Where we can find a watch factory and a Museum,

    Reply
  5. MATT SPARKES

    Can anyone recommend the best place to see a comprehensive vintage Rolex collection on display?

    Reply
  6. ramakrishnan

    These are the great places to visit. Thanks for sharing this information.

    Reply
  7. Nice article. There is a typo for the name La Chaux-de-Fond above.

    Reply
  8. Joao Bosco, from @webRelogio

    My all times favorite, Patek Philippe Museum…But of course they are all “must-visit” indeed.

    Reply
  9. William Tsonis

    We will be traveling to Switzerland Dec 17 to Dec 28. Will musems be open then?

    Reply
  10. Joseph Aure

    Thank you so much for your insight Roger. I am travelling to Switzerland from Canada this fall with my family and you have helped me narrow my choices with your insider list. I always wondered which watch museums would the Warch Time Team recommend. Keep up the great work! Love my all access subscription.

    Reply
  11. Fernando

    You can also book a visit to the TAG Heuer museum at your local boutiques.

    Reply
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