These watchmaking experiences in Singapore offer a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship, precision and expertise behind every masterfully made watch
For many watch enthusiasts, collecting fine timepieces is a celebration of a centuries-old craft. Yet a deeper appreciation comes from understanding the intricate engineering beneath the dial, the precision required to assemble microscopic components into a functioning movement, and the rich traditions of watchmaking that have evolved over more than 500 years.
Here are four watchmaking experiences in Singapore where you can learn about the art and science of horology, develop hands-on skills, and even take home a timepiece of your own.
1. FutureGrail Museum
For a different perspective on watchmaking, the FutureGrail Museum, founded by its namesake watch investment advisory firm, offers a fascinating look at the history of horology through its collection of rare and significant timepieces.
The highlights
Boasting a collection of more than 200 of the world’s rarest vintage timepieces, the museum showcases the result of years of acquisitions by founder Ali Nael and head of curation Arnaud Tellier, the former director of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
The collection spans European watchmaking from the 17th to the 20th century, featuring everything from pocket watches and wristwatches – both simple and highly complicated – to clocks, musical objects and rare horological curiosities.
Visitors can expect pieces from renowned maisons such as Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe, including exceptionally rare examples alongside works by independent master watchmakers.
What else
The exhibition offers a deep dive into the history of the world’s great manufacturers and the development of horological complications, chronometry, and the inner workings of tourbillons and carousels. Formal tours are available and visitors can talk to in-house experts.
Price: free. Register online to visit the museum.
Address: 100E Pasir Panjang Road, #04-02 Singapore 118521
2. Atelier d’Antoine
Named after its founder Antoine LeCoultre, luxury brand Jaeger-LeCoultre hosts two workshops at its Marina Bay Sands boutique every month.
The highlights
The complimentary Reverso Discovery Workshop explores the origins of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic Reverso, renowned for its Art Deco styling and reversible case. Participants will assemble more than 50 components to construct a Reverso case while learning about the history behind one of watchmaking’s most recognisable designs.
What else
For a deeper dive into the craft, the Introduction to Watchmaking MasterClass offers a glimpse into a tradition that spans more than 500 years. Guided by expert instructors, participants assemble intricate components – from the main plate to the dial and hands – to bring a mechanical movement to life.
Classes are held twice monthly through August 2026, with future dates available upon enquiry.
Price: free. More information here.
Address: Marina Bay Sands – 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2M-231 & 231A, Casino Level, Singapore 018972
3. IHT Swiss Watch Atelier
A boutique watchmaking studio that focuses on preserving the tradition of Swiss mechanical watchmaking, IHT Swiss Watch Atelier’s vision includes the preservation and passing on of the craft of fine mechanical watchmaking.
The highlights
Led by Michael Dubs, licensed Swiss federal trainer and accredited trainer with the Fondation Haute Horlogerie Academy in Geneva, the studio runs six types of classes and can also customise classes for groups.
Those new to the craft can take the Introduction to Watchmaking, a three-hour hands-on class that guides participants with the disassembly and re-assembly of a watch movement.
There is also a Build Your Own IHT Watch class, a full-day session where participants decorate two watch movement parts, assemble, case up, complete and take home their own IHT mechanical watch.
What else
Beyond its introductory courses, IHT offers a range of experiences designed to bring people together through the shared appreciation of watchmaking, from intimate talks to hands-on workshops.
For dedicated enthusiasts, the three-day Build Your Own Paul Gerber-IHT Watch programme is the first workshop of its kind outside Switzerland. Guided by techniques developed by renowned master watchmaker Paul Gerber, participants gain a deeper understanding of the craft while building a watch of their own. All classes are suitable for beginners and hobbyists.
Prices start from $95. More information here.
Address: 61 Ubi Rd 1, #03-08 Oxley Bizhub, Singapore 408727
4. Red Army Watches
This independent watch boutique and authorised retailer offers a curated selection of timepieces from brands including SEVENFRIDAY, CIGA Design, Baltic Watches, Horizon Watches and Shanghai Watches.
Red Army Watches also operates The Watch Academy, which provides educational programmes and workshops for watch enthusiasts.
The highlights
The Watch Academy’s Level 1 class is open to all enthusiasts, including beginners, and introduces the fundamentals of mechanical watchmaking, including watch disassembly and assembly.
The one-day course is led by senior watchmaking instructor Vincent Goh, who trained in the United States and China, has restored more than 1,000 watches and has trained over 500 students. It covers the key components of a mechanical watch, how to assess its performance, how it functions, and basic troubleshooting techniques.
Participants will gain hands-on experience opening a watch, dismantling the hands, dial and movement, as well as cleaning, inspecting and reassembling the components.
What else
Those who complete the course and continue practising independently for at least six months may progress to the Level 2 class. Level 1 classes are held twice monthly in June and July. Enquire directly for additional dates.
Price: $620. More information here.
Address: RAW Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-464, Singapore 038983
