Watchmaking Culture: the unique immersion of the Biennale

It was 2009. Fifteen years ago. An eternity in a world connected to the microsecond, but barely yesterday on the scale of watchmaking history. On June 27, 2009, the cities of La Chaux de Fonds and Le Locle were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their watchmaking urban planning. More than a consecration, it was a recognition of the historical and central role played by the two “manufacturing cities” in promoting a globalised watchmaking art, and in the construction of Swiss identity in the broadest sense.

It was in this wake that the Watchmaking Urban Planning Foundation was created. Objective: to embody this dynamic through the real estate assets of La Chaux de Fonds, Le Locle, and Saint Imier. To support it, the Foundation organises events and publishes guides and educational materials. The Watchmaking Heritage Biennale, which is holding its 12th edition in 2026, is part of this momentum.

See everything, know everything

The 2026 programme of the Biennale goes far beyond anything the informed enthusiast could absorb in four days. The overwhelming majority of activities are concentrated in brand visits. And they are particularly numerous in opening their doors during the 2026 edition: Tudor, Audemars Piguet, Jaquet Droz, Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, Corum, Girard Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin, Zenith, Cartier, Longines, Eberhard & Co., etc.

Alongside visits to watchmaking houses, several partners offer an immersion into their world. For the enthusiast, this is a unique opportunity to discover a little known behind the scenes, mainly for reasons of confidentiality that traditionally unite suppliers and clients. Taking advantage of the Biennale therefore constitutes a rare opportunity to enter behind the scenes of tool, machine, or bracelet manufacturers. Among the participants are Arcofil (machining), Quadroni (gem setting), Metalem and Fluckiger (dials), Brasport (straps), La Joux Perret (movements), Bergeon and Horotec (tools), among others.

Learn in order to understand

Finally, the final third of the Biennale can be summarised from an educational perspective, with visits to museums, such as the Château des Monts, the underground mills of Col des Roches, or the Museum of Rural and Craft Life imagined by Jacky Épitaux, who is also the founder of Rudis Sylva. For professionals, the unchanging International Watch Marketing Day will also take place, proudly celebrating its 30th edition.

10 CHF maximum!

Reservations will open on September 22 on the event website. Once again, we appreciate the pricing effort that will guarantee access to all audiences: 10 CHF for adults, free for those under 18. Unless otherwise stated, all company visits will be offered at 8 CHF. A democratic approach to achieving a volume of knowledge and a diversity of experiences that are unique during the year, and probably in the world.