Watchmaking
About us
Services & FAQ
What day can I do the workshop?
Workshops can be booked from Monday to Saturday, except for the Delta watchmaking workshop in Le Noirmont, which runs from Wednesday to Saturday.
Do I need to book the workshop?
Yes. Our workshops are exclusively by reservation, by telephone or e-mail.
How long do I have to wait to reserve my workshop?
On average, you should expect to wait three weeks to a month for a date. Please note that Saturdays are very popular and may mean a longer lead time.
I'd like to organize a private event. Is that also possible?
Yes, absolutely. Contact us and we’ll discuss the details of your idea.
How long does a workshop last?
Alpha workshops (introduction to watchmaking) last three hours and take place in the morning or afternoon: from 9am to 12pm or 1:30pm to 4:30pm respectively.
Gamma workshops (watch assembly) last four hours and take place in the morning or afternoon: respectively from 8am to 12pm in Le Noirmont (8:30am – 12:30pm in Geneva) or from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.
The Delta workshops (introduction to watchmaking + meal + watch assembly) last a full day and run from 8am to 5:30pm in Le Noirmont and from 8:45am to 5:30pm in Geneva.
Jewelry workshops (ring design), offered exclusively in Geneva, last three hours and take place in the morning or afternoon: 9am to 12pm or 1:30pm to 4:30pm respectively.
In what language can I take an Initium workshop?
All our workshops are available in English, French, German and Spanish. Italian
However, there are fewer dates for languages other than French and English.
It is also possible to follow a workshop in Chinese, Russian, Arabic, etc. with a translator, at an additional cost.
Where can I take my Initium workshop?
We currently have two workshops in Switzerland and one in France.
The first is based in Le Noirmont, with a breathtaking view over the pastures of the Swiss Jura.
The second is nestled in the historic Old Town of Geneva, the world capital of fine watchmaking.
The third is located in France, in the heart of the prestigious 8th arrondissement. This location will immerse you in the elegance of Paris, renowned for its art, fashion, gastronomy and culture.
All our workshops offer watchmaking courses (3-hour introduction to watchmaking, half-day watch creation, full-day creation of manual, automatic or tourbillon watches). As well as individual or duo jewelry-making courses.
Do I need any prior knowledge to take part in an Initium workshop?
Absolutely not! Our watchmaking and jewelry workshops have been designed with you in mind, so no prior knowledge is required.
I'm not a manual person, will I still be able to do the workshop?
Yes ! Our watchmakers and jewelers are renowned for their pedagogical skills, and adapt perfectly to participants’ profiles. We guarantee that you will leave with your watch or jewelry.
Is there an age limit for participation?
Is there an age limit for participation? We’ve already welcomed participants aged from 11 to 94! Our watchmakers and jewelers adapt perfectly to each participant’s abilities and accompany them throughout the initiation.
Can I cancel my workshop or move it? What are the costs to expect?
Depending on the time of cancellation or relocation of your workshop, there is no charge for this. For more information, please visit our terms and conditions.
What payment methods are available?
We accept the following methods of payment:
Are there special rates for groups?
Yes, absolutely! You can find information about our group offers here.
What warranty policy applies to watches and jewelry made in our workshops?
Each watch made in our workshops is guaranteed for 2 years from the date it is assembled in the workshop or ordered online (except for Kairos kits).
Each piece is guaranteed for 1 year.
Are there any Initium watch models?
No, we don’t have any predefined watch models. Our aim is to enable you to create an absolutely unique Swiss watch by giving free rein to your creativity!
I don't want to assemble my watch in a workshop, but would like to receive it directly at home. Is it possible?
Yes, you can configure your watch here using our online 3D configurator and have it delivered straight to your home!
Can I order an Initium watch online?
Yes, you can order your watch online via our website. Simply configure your watch here and choose the option you want:
What watch sizes are available?
For manually wound watches, we offer case diameters of 42 mm, 43.5 mm, 45 mm and 48 mm.
For automatic watches, we offer case diameters between 33 mm and 42 mm.
What is the quality of an Initium watch?
The movements we offer are among the most robust and reliable in the Swiss industry.
The components provided during a workshop are used by many Swiss watch brands, enabling you to create a high-quality watch.
For more information, click here.
How do I get the watch kit?
Simply configure your watch on our 3D configurator and select the “Kit Kairos” option when ordering.
Can I offer the Kairos watch kit to a loved one?
Yes, absolutely! It’s perfectly possible to give a Kairos kit to a third party. There are three options available.
Does the watch kit contain the watch components?
Of course! Our Kairos watch assembly kits include not only all the watchmaking materials needed for assembly, but also the precious watch components of your choice.
Can I design the watch myself and choose the components?
Yes. With the 3D configurator, you can choose each component of your watch online to create the watch of your dreams.
Can I buy a kit that includes disassembly and assembly of the watch movement?
No, not at the moment, but it’s planned!
If I order several watches, can I buy the tool bag once?
Yes, absolutely! It’s perfectly possible to buy a kit including tooling and components, then a second kit comprising only the watch components. Particularly when it comes to group orders, with family, friends or couples, but also for yourself!
Do I need any prior knowledge to make my watch with the kit?
Absolutely not! The Kairos watch kit requires no previous knowledge of watchmaking. It is aimed at both beginners and enthusiasts of all levels.
Can I assemble my watch?
Yes, absolutely! Watchmaking is a craft requiring patience and meticulousness, which is why every step has been thought through, adapted and optimized by our Master Watchmakers so that you can assemble your own watch from the comfort of your own home.
The video tutorials have been produced by a professional studio to ensure optimum quality.
As for the explanations, they are given by our Master Watchmaker with a rather impressive track record in the luxury watchmaking sector. It explains in great detail the steps to be taken, and the tools required for each.
In addition, our discussion forum allows you to chat with other enthusiasts, and our Master Watchmakers answer all your questions.
And if, after all that, you still have a few questions, our kit gives you access to 1 hour of contact with one of our Master Watchmakers, by video conference or by telephone, your choice!
In addition, if you encounter difficulties with parts or if your watch still does not work, you can send it back to us and we will draw up a quotation to correct the problem.
What should I do if I have a problem with parts during assembly of my watch?
In the event of a problem, we guarantee free customer service (contact and quotation) that meets your expectations.
The probability of encountering a technical defect in any object is not zero.
Should you notice any problem with the components or the watch once assembled, please contact us by telephone on +41 32 953 10 87 or by e-mail at [email protected]. We will then take your requests into consideration with the utmost care and process them efficiently.
How do I access the assembly instructions for my watch?
Instructions are provided in the form of video tutorials, in which our Master Watchmaker explains each step in clear detail.
As soon as you receive your kit, you can access our video platform and follow the instructions to assemble your Swiss mechanical watch.
Who gives the instructions in the video tutorials?
Kevin Nebel, our Master Watchmaker and workshop manager in Le Noirmont (a village in the Jura mountains of Switzerland), explains each step in the video tutorials.
A passionate explorer, Kevin has traveled the world in search of time. After working for major watch brands such as Piaget and Breitling in Switzerland, he moved to the Bahamas and then New York, where he was in charge of after-sales service at Breitling. A few years later, he returned to Switzerland and became a watchmaking teacher for Milus.
Kevin joined Initium during the development of the watch kit project to become the Master Watchmaker in the video tutorials. What’s more, as technical manager of the kits, he’ll have to develop them to constantly improve the customer experience!
Do I have to pay for after-sales service?
The oral or written exchange is free of charge.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact us by phone or e-mail.
The cost of after-sales service will depend on the source of the problem and the condition of your part.
In all cases, we guarantee to draw up an estimate before validating the service on your part with you. So there’s never a nasty surprise!
What is your warranty policy for watch kits?
We do not provide a warranty on watch kits, as the watch is assembled by you outside our premises.
That doesn’t mean we can’t listen to you and deal with your requests efficiently, honestly and transparently.
What’s more, we offer a fast, responsive after-sales service, including a free quotation and the cost of replacing or repairing components at cost price. In fact, we make no margin on after-sales service.
What payment methods do you accept?
What are the costs and delivery times for watch kits?
Delivery costs are included in the price of the watch kit.
Delivery times vary from country to country. In Europe, the delivery time is generally estimated at 4 days, and can take up to a fortnight for America or Asia.
If you have a specific deadline, please contact us beforehand.
What material are the rings made of?
The rings currently on offer are in silver and can be set with stones such as zircon and semi-precious stones. New offers with gold are coming soon.
If you have a special request, please contact us and we’ll look into it in-house.
What kind of stones should I use for my "set" ring?
Depending on the type of course you choose, you’ll have the choice between zirconium oxide and a semi-precious stone (amethyst, garnet, tanzanite, rose quartz, smoky quartz, citrine, peridot, topaz). The stones have a diameter of 4 or 5 mm and are essentially round. For the customized offer, you can choose stones with different diameters, as well as diamonds. As this is a made-to-measure offer, we have no “stock” of stones for this offer, since everything depends on demand.
I'd like to make my own contribution, is that possible?
In the case of a customized offer, it’s possible to bring in your own stone, provided it meets certain criteria and we can study it in-house. We recommend that you send us an e-mail.
What ring sizes are available?
All ring sizes are available, since you’ll be making the ring yourself and determining the size of your finger.
What is the quality of an Initium jewel?
We guarantee professional quality and durable materials. The jeweler’s setting allows the stone to remain fixed. All our jewelry is hallmarked according to the metal chosen.
Is it possible to bring in a predefined design?
Our workshops offer predefined designs for reasons of time and logistics, but these can be declined in a wide range of possible combinations.
For special requests such as grain setting or gold plating, please contact us for a special request that we can study in-house.
Can I recycle my jewelry?
For the moment, the workshops we offer at the prices shown do not include recycling. This requires extra time, new research in terms of design, and therefore a completely different kind of work.
However, if you have a special request, please do not hesitate to contact us, so that we can deal with it in-house.
Can I make a gold-plated jewel?
We can’t do gold plating in-house at the moment. In fact, the process takes longer than the 4 hours initially proposed.
However, if you have a special request, please do not hesitate to contact us, so that we can deal with it in-house. You can also take your silver jewelry home with you and consult a gold-plating specialist afterwards.
Can I make jewelry other than rings?
Rings are our first launch product. New ranges coming soon! We invite you to stay informed on our website.
What warranty policy applies to jewelry made in our workshops?
Each piece of Initium jewelry made in our workshops is guaranteed for one year in the event of damage to the metal or loss of the stone.
I want to give a gift voucher to a loved one but am not sure which experience they would prefer. Can I exchange the voucher after it has been ordered?
Yes, absolutely! For example, if you offer a voucher for a manual Delta workshop and your loved one prefers to make an automatic watch, it is possible to modify the voucher for an additional fee. The same applies if your loved one wishes to receive the Kairos kit instead of a workshop and vice versa. The aim is that your loved one is happy with the gift!
Which gift vouchers can I choose?
You can choose your gift voucher from 5 different packaging options.
What are the delivery times and costs?
Delivery time is 2 days for gift-wrapping and 2-4 days for the watch box and gifts. The PDF gift voucher can be printed at home.
Delivery time is approximately 9 days for shipments outside Switzerland.