From Elvis' Diamond Omega to Watchmaking Classes: The Timeless Joys of Switzerland's Watch Valley
The timeless joys of Switzerland's legendary 'Watch Valley', from touring Elvis' $1 million diamond-encrusted Omega to assembling a watch under the watchful eye of a master watchmakerAdrian Baker launches in a four-day tour of Switzerland, home to some of the biggest watch brandsHe sees Elvis' one-of-a-kind Omega on display at the Cité du Temps, which traces the very history of timeHe writes: "Being in Switzerland, where the greatest watch brands, is a pilgrimage for any watch lover"
AdvertisementThe streets of Geneva's old town are bustling with tourists enjoying the early winter sunshine. autumn. In the Grand Rue, one of the most prestigious of these streets, is the Initium workshop where Fabiano Périclès is about to introduce me to his craft.
The master watchmaker with an infectious passion for watchmaking sets himself an arduous task. On the well-lit workbench in front of me is a complicated mechanical watch movement - an ETA 6497, to be precise. With only tweezers and a small screwdriver, it has to be taken apart.
You need steady hands. Piece by complex piece, I slowly remove the tiny screws that hold the first bridge in place, the lever, the fragile wheels, the hairspring. Nothing should be touched by hand…and this is where the nerves start to fray.
The streets of Geneva's old town are bustling with tourists enjoying the early winter sunshine. autumn. In the Grand Rue, one of the most prestigious of these streets, is the Initium workshop where Fabiano Périclès is about to introduce me to his craft.
The master watchmaker with an infectious passion for watchmaking sets himself an arduous task. On the well-lit workbench in front of me is a complicated mechanical watch movement - an ETA 6497, to be precise. With only tweezers and a small screwdriver, it has to be taken apart.
You need steady hands. Piece by complex piece, I slowly remove the tiny screws that hold the first bridge in place, the lever, the fragile wheels, the hairspring. Nothing should be touched by hand…and this is where the nerves start to fray.
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