In winter, not everyone feels like spending the whole day outside. In Neuchâtel, there is a good option for staying warm while discovering something truly local: watchmaking activities. The region has been linked to mechanical watches for centuries, and today several workshops and visits make this know-how easy to explore indoors.
Spending a few winter days in Neuchâtel? You can already secure your stay at Hôtel Beaulac Neuchâtel.
Online reservations: beaulac.ch
Phone: +41 32 723 11 11
How a Mechanical Watch Works
A mechanical watch is more than a dial and two hands. Inside, dozens of components work together: spring, gear train, balance wheel, escapement… each part has a precise function. Their coordination allows the watch to keep time steadily.
Understanding these elements step by step is a practical and calm activity — ideal for winter days spent indoors, without needing any technical background.
Watchmaking Workshops Near Neuchâtel
In winter, several indoor activities allow visitors to learn about watchmaking in a hands-on way. All are reachable from Neuchâtel:
Watchmaking Initiation “Le monde est carré” – Le Locle
In a micromechanics workshop, participants learn how to case a pre-assembled movement, guided by a specialist. A lab coat, loupe and workstation are provided.
Address: Rue des Billodes 26, 2300 Le Locle
Duration: 1 hr 30
Price: CHF 250.– per group (1–5 people)
Minimum age: 14
Languages: FR / IT (DE / EN with translator, +CHF 75.–)
Schedule: Monday to Saturday, on request
A suitable choice for small groups looking for a calm, indoor activity in a professional setting.
Chronometry Workshop – Zenith Manufacture, Le Locle
Held inside the Zenith manufacture, this workshop teaches participants how to regulate a movement and dismantle and reassemble the balance spring, with guidance from a master watchmaker.
Address: Rue des Billodes 34, 2400 Le Locle
Duration: 3 hrs
Price: CHF 190.– per person
Minimum age: 14
Languages: FR / EN (depending on date)
Schedule: Last Friday afternoon of each month, booking required
A well-structured activity for those who enjoy understanding precise manual work.
Watchmaking Mystery Game “Les Barons” – La Chaux-de-Fonds
An indoor activity combining a city trail and heritage. The goal: solve a case involving a stolen watch, with stops in museums and key watchmaking sites.
Start point: Tourist Office, Espacité 1, 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Duration: approx. 2 hrs
Prices: CHF 10.– adult / CHF 5.– child / CHF 25.– family
Language: FR / DE
A simple, fun idea for colder days.
Manufacture Visits – Le Locle & Neuchâtel
For visitors who prefer observing rather than handling tools, several indoor tours are available:
Zenith (Le Locle): public, scenographic tour on Friday mornings (3 hrs)
Zenith (Le Locle): private visit on reservation, Monday–Thursday
Panerai (Neuchâtel): scenographic tour on Thursday afternoons (2 hrs 30)
These visits highlight production steps, specialist workshops and key professions in Swiss watchmaking.
Information & Contact
All activities are offered via Watch Explorer:
📞 +41 32 889 68 82
✉️ info@watchexplorer.swiss
A Comfortable Stay at Hôtel Beaulac
After a watchmaking activity, the lakeside offers a welcome break. Hôtel Beaulac is ideally located to enjoy winter in Neuchâtel — with on-site restaurant, covered bar and quiet rooms.
📍 Easy access: direct trains from Zurich, Geneva, Lyon and Paris
🚆 Simple travel: city centre and public transport close by
🍽️ Local cuisine within walking distance
👉 Book at beaulac.ch or +41 32 723 11 11
This winter, Neuchâtel offers an indoor way to explore a well-known craft — warm, accessible, and suitable for all.
