If you’re struggling for the ultimate Christmas gift for your parents, husband or grandparents, how does a trip to Switzerland sound? And even better, an exclusive watch tour to see how some of the world’s finest time pieces are expertly crafted?
This unique opportunity is being offered by premier Neuchatel-based tour company Swiss Watch Tours (SWT), which has just released its gift certificates in time for Christmas and even Valentines Day.
Luxury brands
The tours will allow you to see the highly skilled and complex process behind watch making at its finest, as well as witness collections from luxury brands such as Jaeger Le-Coultre, Parmigiani, Girard-Perregaux, Tag Heure and many more.
Having been organising tours for many years, founder of the company Roy Slater-Hill believes that it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.
Commenting, Roy said: “In Switzerland there was a closed-doors policy among manufacturers for so long and which created somewhat of a pent-up demand amongst those wanting a truly unique experience.
“Now that the manufacturer’s doors have opened there has been a rapid growth in demand for the tours that we offer and we are often booked-up months in advance by those wanting an intimate gift for a loved one or simply a unique experience for a special occasion.”
The tours
After flying into either Geneva, Zurich or Bern, the Swiss Watch Tours experience begins with either a one or two day experience available. On a typical two-day tour, you can be collected from the airport and chauffeur-driven to a five-star hotel.
After settling in on the first night, a local watch historian gives an overview on the history of Swiss watches, and how many of today’s major worldwide brands evolved in farmsteads across the Jura Mountains during the winter months. A convivial dinner follows with beautiful food and wine served.
On day one you will leave Neuchatel and ascend the mountains to the often snowy city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, the true heart of Swiss watchmaking for an exclusive factory tour. The second part of the day includes a talk and demonstration of gemology by a qualified Swiss gemologist something which diamond-loving ladies particularly enjoy.
Day two gives you the opportunity to tour La Chaux de Fonds and realise just how many well-known watch manufactures live practically next door to each other. The afternoon is taken up with a visit to the International Time Museum and the irresistible opportunity to buy as many hand-made chocolates from the legendary Walders in Neuchatel.
Roy concludes: “Because the tours are such intimate experiences they are ideal for those who are looking for new and rare opportunity to learn how their watches are made and meet the skilled craftsmen and women behind each piece.”
Each gift certificate purchased can be for any amount in Swiss francs, bought via electronic banking or via credit card, and sent out in the post or as an e-gift.
Gift certificates and more information can be gained from info@swisswatchtours.com or see www.swisswatchtours.com
