Watchmaking heritage biennial ends with nearly 5,000 visits in its first paid edition
The 12th Biennale du patrimoine horloger, which opened Swiss workshops and manufactures to the public from 29 October to 1 November, ended with nearly 5,000 visits, the figure the organisers had aimed for. It was the first edition with paid admission.
According to the Fondation Urbanisme Horloger, the foundation that runs the event, many visits sold out soon after tickets went on sale on 22 September. Some companies also held open days with no booking. As one person can make several visits over the four days, the figure counts visits rather than visitors.
The foundation considers that the new pass, priced at 10 francs and free for under-18s, and the visit prices were well received. Ticket revenue covers about 10% of the budget. The foundation is funded by banks and local organisations, not by the participating brands.
This edition featured 37 companies, including Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Tudor and Zenith, with Corum and La Joux-Perret taking part for the first time. It takes place in La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle, whose watchmaking town planning has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, and in Saint-Imier.
The cultural programme included a demonstration by watchmakers Bonniksen and Sekiguchi at the historic workbench of the Musée paysan et artisanal in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a guided tour of the watchmaking frescoes at the Exomusée in Le Locle, and film screenings with discussions at Espace Noir in Saint-Imier.
Find out more on the organisation's website.
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