Jaeger-LeCoultre is known for being a true manufacture, a characteristic that has owed it great respect in the watchmaking community over the decades; as you may know, JLC is often referred to as "the watchmaker's watch". Here, you will get to see behind the scenes how the tradition has been preserved, and continues to perpetuate itself. From traditional watches to great complications and of course the famous Atmos clocks, the visit will offer you a true journey into the heart of Swiss watchmaking.

Location

Rue de la Golisse 8, 1247 Sentier (Google Maps)

Offering, Dates & Cost

There are 4 different types of tours offered:

• "Welcome Home". This is the basic tour. It lasts 1.5h, and will give you an overview of the manufacture. Takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 10 am an 2 pm. Cost: 40 CHF. Website for further details and booking. 

• "Home of Watchmaking". More advanced but still accessible to "novices", a 3h tour that will show you the manufacture as well as the Atmos and high complications ateliers. Takes place on Thursdays at 9 am. Cost: 80 CHF. Website for further details and booking. 

• "Home of Inventions". This one is for a more advanced audience, "connoisseurs" as described on the JLC website. In this 3h visit, you will go further in depth around horological technical innovations, such as the Millionomètre and Grande Sonnerie. Takes place on Thursdays at 9 am. Cost: 80 CHF. Website for further details and booking. 

• "Home of Crafts". Accessible to beginners, this 3h tour is focused on the "métiers d'art", such as engraving, gemsetting, enamelling or guillochage. It may be particularly suited to couples or groups where some enjoy art more than watchmaking. Cost: 80 CHF. 

How to book

Visit the website 

SWE rating: Excellent

SWE tips: 

• There is strong demand and limited availability for those experiences. I strongly recommend booking as much in advance as possible in order to match the date that works for you.

• The Hotel des Horlogers not far, owned by Audemars Piguet, is an excellent hotel that blends very well in the local decorum. It can be a good idea to book lunch there, or go to the bar to chill out before and / or after your visit. Of course you can also book a stay there for a longer, more immersive time, especially if you combine with other visits such as AP.

• The JLC website is beautiful and very complete but has so much information, with such a variety of possible experiences, that it can almost be confusing. Be sure to choose the workshop you really want!