INTRODUCING FIRST HAND: A WATCHMAKING WORKSHOP BY HAMPDEN
Build your own Swiss mechanical watch in one unforgettable afternoon. Only 6 seats per class.
Reserve Your SpotBUILD YOUR STORY, ONE GEAR AT A TIME. COMING TO CHICAGO IN DECEMBER 2025.
BUILD YOUR STORY, ONE GEAR AT A TIME. COMING TO CHICAGO IN DECEMBER 2025.
Introducing the Hampden Watchmaking Experience: a hands-on class from America’s oldest family-owned watchmaker, held at our longtime Chicago headquarters.
Over one unforgettable half-day, you’ll take a fully disassembled Swiss mechanical movement and assemble it, gear by gear, under the microscope — with guidance from third-generation watchmaker and Hampden CEO Joseph Wein.
By the afternoon, you’ll be wearing home an exclusive Hampden watch model you built yourself — complete with your initials engraved on the ratchet wheel, visible through the sapphire caseback.
FIRST HAND WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
FIRST HAND WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
- INTRO: Learn how mechanical watches work
- ASSEMBLY: Build your Swiss movement under a microscope
- BRING YOUR MOVEMENT TO LIFE: Toast your first tick with a celebratory scotch
- HANDS-ON: Set the dial, hands, and regulate timing
- DINNER: Pause for a group lunch while we verify your work
- FINALE: Case, water-test, and wear your finished watch
Classes run from 10AM-4PM on Saturdays. No prior experience required — we’ll teach you everything.
EACH EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
- Swiss Made 6498 movement
- Movement engraved with your initials
- Choice between 2 dial colors
- Metal bracelet and strap
- Leather travel case
Model 1 - Foundry Grey
Choose Your Dial – Your Watch, Your Story
Model 1 - Foundry Grey
The beautiful Slate Grey Model 1 is powered by a Swiss Made 6498 style movement and assembled by you in the Hampden Workshop. Your watch will have a sapphire glass crystal and exhibition back with your initials and assembly date engraved on the ratchet wheel.
The Slate Grey Model 1 comes with a steel bracelet and leather strap with orange accent to match the Slate Grey dial.
Model 1 - Iron Lake
Choose Your Dial – Your Watch, Your Story
Model 1 - Iron Lake
The Iron Lake Model 1 channels the color of Lake Michigan in October. You will assemble this watch in the Hampden Workshop and features a Swiss Made 6498 style movement. Your watch will have a sapphire glass crystal and exhibition back with your initials and assembly date engraved on the ratchet wheel.
The Iron Lake Model 1 comes with a steel bracelet and a strap with red accent to match the Iron Lake dial.
Join First Hand — Hampden’s immersive watchmaking workshop — hosted at our historic Chicago headquarters. In this six-hour, hands-on experience, you’ll take a fully disassembled Swiss mechanical movement and, with a loupe at your eye and tweezers in hand, assemble it gear by gear under the guidance of third-generation Hampden CEO Joseph Wein.
You’ll set the dial and hands, regulate timing, and toast your first tick with a celebratory scotch. Then, after you case and water-test......
Learn About Hampden — America's Oldest Family Watch Business
