This exceeded my expectations in literally every way. The class was intentionally small, with two instructors, three technicians, and an incredible setup that made the experience feel personal and immersive. The group included hobbyists, collectors, and complete beginners like me, but the course was approachable and engaging for every skill level.

The technical information was presented exceptionally well through videos, step-by-step tablets, instructor demos with a projected microscope, and plenty of individual support. What I expected to be overwhelming was actually fascinating and easy to follow. Joe and his team were knowledgeable, engaging, and entertaining throughout.

The experience itself was thoughtfully considered from start to finish. The building is stunning, and the historical tour featuring hand-engraved pocket watches and Russian military-issued watches was one of my favorite parts. Even the food served was exceptional.

The class walks you through the entire watchmaking process, including setting the hands and water testing the watch. They laser engrave your initials on the movement, provide both a strap and bracelet, and let you choose the color combination.

This was one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve taken, and I’ve recommended it to anyone who will listen. I would sign up for another one in a heartbeat.

From start to finish this experience was amazing! The team was super approachable and nice, full of knowledge, patience and most importantly the one to one attention that each student, this definitely was the best part of the experience.

Would do again, thanks team!

For any watch lover/collector out there, I can't recommend this great class enough. We enrolled our our 13 year old son in the class, who is a watch collector and budding watchmaker, for his spring break adventure. He (and we) truly enjoyed the class, talking with Joe Wein and his amazing colleagues. Joe, thank you for creating such a memorable experience for our son. We hope to be back another time; maybe for Jay to join your team!?

My watchmaking experience was one of the best spent days. We started with a new movement, and the team walks us through removing and reinstalling all the parts (wheels, screws, springs, etc.). The team walked us through how each part functions, and they helped us when needed with any tougher parts. In the end, we get a quality mechanical watch that we personally assembled. One of the wheels was engraved with our initials and the year as a personal touch visible through the exhibition back. We used the tools of the trade, including getting up-close work through microscopes. I’m a total novice and worked through the entire class - don’t let your ability level hold you back.

It was quite experience being able to learn about the 6498 ETA wind movement as well as how it all comes together to make a Fun in customize timepiece. The CEO came out and provided us a great history and knowledge about the Hamden brand and how it’s the oldest watch manufacturer in the United States. We were provided a tour of the facility and learn more about the history from the CEO.

To the watch making, we learned how to identify the different aspects of a mechanical movement, disassemble and reassemble the ETA 6498 movement and create our own custom monogrammed timepiece.

We had an amazing meal created by a private chef and a bottle of wine while the class got to know each other. Marc was an amazing host and I look forward to future classes.