A Kit to Assemble Your Swiss Mechanical Watch at Home
As 2024 draws to a close, two emblematic names in Swiss watchmaking, Initium and BeWatchmaker, are announcing an unprecedented partnership. Their ambition? To offer a unique immersive experience: enabling anyone to assemble their own Swiss mechanical watch directly from home. For those looking to take their passion for watchmaking further, these initiatives follow in the footsteps of workshops on disassembly of mechanical movements, offering total immersion in this fascinating world. This union of excellence—between innovation and tradition—marks a new step in the democratisation of watchmaking.
A Swiss Made collaboration for personalised watches
Based in the Franches-Montagnes, the historic cradle of Swiss watchmaking, BeWatchmaker is renowned for its fully customisable Swiss Made watch kits. Founded by two watchmakers who cut their teeth at prestigious houses such as Rolex and Breitling, the brand combines artisanal know-how with a modern approach.
By teaming up with Initium, a specialist in immersive watchmaking workshops, BeWatchmaker is expanding its offering. Initium’s Initium watchmaking kits, launched in 2021, are now available on the bewatchmaker.ch platform, giving watch enthusiasts an even broader range of options.
A watchmaking experience within reach
This collaboration aims to make the art of watchmaking accessible to as many people as possible. Each kit includes high-quality Swiss Made components, professional tools, and detailed explanatory videos. Users can discover and master the essential steps involved in creating a mechanical watch.
The experience is also highly customisable, with three models to choose from. From the movement to the strap design, every detail can be tailored, allowing each person to create a watch that reflects their own style.
Initium: passing on Switzerland’s watchmaking heritage
Founded in 2015 by Mathieu Gigandet and Gilles Francfort, Initium’s mission is to share the richness and history of Swiss watchmaking. Based in Le Noirmont, the company offers bespoke workshops in Geneva, Paris and the Swiss Jura, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy total immersion in the world of watchmaking.
With the launch of its watchmaking kits in 2021, Initium reached a new milestone by bringing the experience into the home. This partnership with BeWatchmaker strengthens that commitment by making accessible an art once reserved for an elite.
The union of Initium and BeWatchmaker illustrates a shared ambition: to democratise access to watchmaking while maintaining exacting standards of excellence. While BeWatchmaker focuses on the at-home experience, Initium continues to offer immersive workshops at its own premises. Together, they enable everyone—from novices to seasoned enthusiasts—to discover the subtleties and beauty of Swiss watchmaking mechanics.
Features of the Initium and BeWatchmaker kits
- Components: Swiss Made, a guarantee of quality and durability.
- Personalisation: choice of movement, dial and strap.
- Support: detailed explanatory videos and professional tools included.
- Price: competitive, designed for enthusiasts looking for a unique experience. From €1,500 (CHF 1,450).
