Esquire's First-Ever Watch Lover's Tour

The Esquire Editors

29 May 2024 at 8:07 pm·4-min read

a collage of a kitchen — Esquire's First-Ever Watch Lover's Tourcourtesy of brand

You’re invited to join Esquire’s Creative Director, Nick Sullivan, for an eight-day, seven-night journey into the world of haute horlogerie in Switzerland. Your tour starts and ends in vibrant Geneva, with overnights in the charming city of Neuchâtel. Explore the inner workings and fascinating history of renowned watch companies like Audemars Piguet, Breitling, JaegerLeCoultre, OMEGA, Tag Heuer, and Patek Philippe, igniting your passion for precision and craftsmanship. Learn how Switzerland grew, refined, and developed the industry and find out firsthand why it continues to be the seat for precision manufacturing. Meet with the craftsmen and historians who wind the gears of the industry. Enjoy exclusive access and private receptions in showrooms and guided tours of some of the world’s finest watch collections.Indulge in Swiss delights–from delectable chocolates to savory fondues–on walking tours and during indulgent meals on lakeside terraces. Explore the breathtaking landscape alongLake Geneva, the picturesque Lavaux wine region, and the historic Château de Chillon–one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.

This bespoke tour features special access and a behind-the-scenes view of Switzerland’s timeless watch industry, which will provide a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship behind Swiss Watchmaking.

Dates: May 11-18, 2025
Pricing: From $11,500/person
BOOK HERE
Questions? Call 877-298-9677

ITINERARY

Sunday May 11, 2025:

Grüezi Geneva!

- Independent transfers to the hotel
- Take a customized guided tour of the Patek Philippe Museum, home to one of the world’s most important and prestigious watch collections
- Welcome reception and dinner at Windows Restaurant, with panoramic views of the lake and Mont Blanc

Included Meals: Dinner, Reception
Accommodations: Hotel D’Angleterre

Monday, May 12, 2025:

Getting to Know Geneva

- Join a local guide for a walking tour of Geneva
- Cartier visit (on request)
- Enjoy lunch as a group at a local restaurant
- Indulge in a walking tour with visits to six chocolateries, including a blind chocolate tasting and opportunities to sample the favorite treats of Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly, and John F. Kennedy, Jr.
- Explore Geneva’s charming lakefront on your own this evening

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel D’Angleterre

Tuesday May 13, 2025:

Into La Vallée

- Spend the day in Vallée du Joux, home to some of the world’s most famous watchmakers
- Experience a behind-the scenes visit to the various ateliers at Jaeger LeCoultre, with presentations about the history of watch manufacturing in the region, an opportunity to see the historic collection, examine the different processes of watchmaking, and to meet with key members of the team
- Dine on site at Jaeger LeCoultre
- Continue to Audemars Piguet for a tailored factory visit to include a welcome drink and guided visit of the striking Musée Atelier
- Return to Geneva for an evening at leisure to continue exploring the lakeside promenade and restaurants

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel D’Angleterre

Wednesday May 14, 2025:

From Chillon to Cheese

- Start the day with a scenic drive through beautiful lakeside scenery to Château de Chillon, a stunning medieval castle surrounded by water
- Take a private factory tour and tasting with a traditional fondue lunch at the eponymous La Maison Du Gruyere
- Continue to the lakeside town of Neuchâtel, Switzerland’s horological capital
- Enjoy dinner at Restaurant O’terroirs at your hotel, with views of the lake and surrounding Alps

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Beau Rivage

Thursday May 15, 2025:

Watch Wonders: Panerai and Tag Heuer

- Your day begins at the new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of Panerai, high in the hills above Lake Neuchâtel, and learn about this luxury brand, which prides itself on durability
- Indulge in an Italian lunch at Panerai
- Continue to La Chaux-de-Fonds for a bespoke visit to Tag Heuer, and an opportunity to visit the ateliers and learn about the meticulous craftsmanship of this leading brand
- Return to Neuchâtel this evening for dinner on your own

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Beau Rivage

Friday May 16, 2025:

Legendary Timekeepers: Breitling and OMEGA Odyssey

- Drive along the lakes of Neuchâtel and Bienne to Grenchen for a hosted visit to the Breitling manufacturing facility, to include a unique “touch and try” experience with pieces from Breitling’s newest collection
- Gather for a traditional lunch at a farmhouse on the Breitling property
Experience a private visit and reception at the OMEGA manufacturing headquarters and Museum in Bienne with members of the company’s senior management
- Return to Neuchâtel for dinner as a group

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Beau Rivage

Saturday May 17, 2025:

A Toast to Time

- Journey along Lake Geneva through the Lavaux wine region
- Delight in a tour, tasting, and light bites at Domaine de la Crausaz, a historic winery founded in 1515 in the heart of Lavaux’s UNESCO heritage
- Return to Geneva with time to refresh and explore the town before a final reception at the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH), a nonprofit organization created by the Richemont group, Audemars Piguet, and Girard Perregauxto disseminate the international influence of watchmaking culture, located on a bridge spanning Lac Léman
- Celebrate your journey with a festive final traditional meal atan iconic local restaurant, featuring live Swiss folk music

Included Meals: Breakfast, Wine Tasting, Reception, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel D’Angleterre

Sunday May 18, 2025:

Departure

- Independent transfers to the airport

Included Meal: Breakfast

PRICING

Deposit: $1,000
Double Occupancy: $11,500/person
Single Occupancy: $13,850

BOOK HERE

Questions? Call 877-298-9677

Notes: Space is limited to 25 travelers. Esquire Escapes are hosted by a third party. All itinerary details subject to change.

For more information, check out the full brochure.

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