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 SeatBUILD YOUR STORY, ONE GEAR AT A TIME. EXCLUSIVELY OFFERED AT HAMPDEN'S CHICAGO HQ.
BUILD YOUR STORY, ONE GEAR AT A TIME. EXCLUSIVELY OFFERED AT HAMPDEN'S CHICAGO HQ.
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 beverage
- 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 weekends. 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
About the movement
About the movement
The Swiss 6498 is one of the most respected mechanical movements ever produced. Originally developed for pocket watches, it’s known for its oversized architecture, rugged reliability, and beautifully traditional layout, all of which make it ideal for first-time watchmakers and enthusiasts who want to build something meaningful and long-lasting.
"BEST WATCH CLASSES IN AMERICA"
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 six-hour watchmaking workshop in Chicago, hosted at our historic West Loop headquarters.
Guided by third-generation CEO Joseph Wein, you’ll explore the mechanics of a Swiss Made 6498 movement — learning to disassemble, rebuild, and regulate it yourself. After a chef-catered lunch, you’ll add the dial and hands, case your watch, and take home a 42mm Swiss mechanical timepiece engraved with your initials.
Watchmaking Workshop Gift Cards
GIFT THE EXPERIENCE
Give a gift that goes beyond the ordinary. With a Hampden Watchmaking Class Gift Card, your recipient can discover the art of watchmaking and build a piece they’ll treasure for years.
Simple to purchase. Easy to gift. Meaningful to receive.
