FIRST HAND: A WATCHMAKING WORKSHOP BY HAMPDEN
Build your own Swiss mechanical watch in one unforgettable day. Only 6 seats per class. Sold out through Summer 2026. See press, reviews, and what the day looks like.
Join Priority AccessGift First Hand. Book First.
Gift First Hand. Book First.
Sold out dates make great gifts, but tough planning. The First Hand Gift Card lets the recipient choose their preferred date later, with First Access booking before new sessions go live to the public.
- First Access booking: gift card holders select dates before public sale
- Price protection: covers one full seat in the Caliber 6498 course even if pricing increases
- Instant delivery: emailed and printable. No expiration and transferable
Priority Access Alerts (free) = email heads-up for new dates.
First Access Booking (gift card) = pre-sale seat selection.
BUILD 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.
- Build a Swiss mechanical 6498 movement under a microscope
- Only 6 seats per class (2:1 teacher-student ratio) at Chicago HQ
- Wear home the watch you built — engraving included
The Story Behind First Hand
The Story Behind First Hand
We built First Hand to make watchmaking feel approachable, precise, and personal. Read the behind-the-scenes of how the day works, why we teach with microscopes, and what it feels like when your movement takes its first tick.
"BEST WATCH CLASSES IN AMERICA"
"Tick, Tick, Boom! Students Flock to Hampden’s Watchmaking Workshop"
"Country's Oldest Watch Company Committed to Chicago"
