One of the occasional perks of being Esquire’s resident watch nerd is getting to tour inside the hallowed manufactures of Switzerland’s better watchmakers. This rare gift affords an unparalleled understanding of the work behind luxury watches. But honestly, such visits aren’t even that common for watch writers like me. These top security, temperature-controlled silos tend to be carefully guarded operations. Developing a new watch can take several years, so keeping a lid on things until the right moment is paramount. And only a handful of watch collectors – usually the biggest spenders – get the privilege of visiting these places to see and understand what goes on in the heart of the fascinating business of Swiss watchmaking. This is, after all, a very exclusive business. Which is precisely why we hit on the idea of changing all that.
Next year, in May 2025, a select few Esquire readers will get a unique opportunity, in a totally new bespoke experience that we’re calling Esquire Escapes, to go where very few watch fans have gone before, right to the heart of the Swiss watchmaking industry.
From May 11, I’ll be hosting up to 25 guests for a week-long tour of an impressive roster of the best watchmaking brands in Switzerland. Beginning and ending in the city of Geneva, the trip will include forays into the Vallée de Joux – the mountain home of Swiss watchmaking, where many of the most storied brands are still based, as well to the towns of Neuchâtel and Bienne. Explore the meticulous testing labs, see watchmakers at work, and get an understanding of the sheer amount of effort that goes into watchmaking at the highest levels.
The Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa.
Esquire’s itinerary* includes rarely granted behind-the-scenes access to Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Jaeger LeCoultre, TagHeuer, Omega, Breitling, and Panerai. As well as factory tours, the trip encompasses museum visits and shopping amongst the high-end boutiques of Geneva. All of this will be set against the majestic back drop of the Swiss lakes and the Jura mountain range.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture in the Vallée de Joux.
Of course, even watch nerds get hungry, so you’ll be relieved to know that the trip also includes fine dining experiences and visits to sample those other two great Swiss exports, cheese and chocolate.
To find out more, bag your place on the first ever Esquire Escape, and sample the wonders of Swiss watchmaking, click here.
*Itinerary details subject to change.