At the end of 2024, two emblematic players in Swiss watchmaking, Start And BeWatchmakerannounce an unprecedented partnership. Their ambition? Offer a unique immersive experience: allow everyone to assemble their own Swiss mechanical watch directly from home. This marriage of excellence between innovation and tradition marks a new stage in the democratization of watchmaking.
A Swiss Made collaboration for personalized watches
Based in the Franches-Montagneshistoric cradle of Swiss watchmaking, BeWatchmaker is recognized for its fully customizable Swiss Made watch kits. Founded by two watchmakers who earned their stripes at prestigious houses like 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 watchmaking kits, launched in 2021, are now available on the bewatchmaker.ch platform, offering even greater diversity to watch enthusiasts.
A watchmaking experience at your fingertips
This collaboration aims to make the art of watchmaking accessible to as many people as possible. Each kit includes components Swiss Made high quality, professional tools, as well as detailed explanatory videos. Users can thus discover and master the essential steps in creating a mechanical watch.
The experience is also highly customizable, with three templates to choose from. From the movement to the design of the bracelet, every detail is modular, allowing everyone to design a watch that suits them.
Initium: transmitting the Swiss watchmaking heritage
Founded in 2015 by Mathieu Gigandet and Gilles Frankfurt, Initium’s mission is to share the richness and history of Swiss watchmaking. Installed at Noirmontthe house offers tailor-made workshops in Geneva, Paris and the Swiss Jura, allowing enthusiasts to experience total immersion in the watchmaking world.
With the launch of its watchmaking kits in 2021, Initium has taken a new step by offering an at-home experience. This partnership with BeWatchmaker reinforces this commitment by making accessible an art formerly reserved for an elite.
A shared vision for the future of watchmaking
The union of Initium and BeWatchmaker illustrates a common desire: to democratize access to watchmaking while maintaining standards of excellence. While BeWatchmaker focuses on the at-home experience, Initium continues to offer immersive workshops at its premises. Together, they allow everyone, from novice to enthusiast, to discover the subtleties and beauty of Swiss watchmaking mechanics.
Characteristics of the Initium and BeWatchmaker kits
- Components: Swiss Made, guarantee of quality and durability.
- Personalization: choice of movement, dial and bracelet.
- Accompaniement : Detailed explanatory videos and professional tools included.
- Price : competitive, suitable for enthusiasts wishing to live a unique experience. From 1500 euros (1450 chf).
