First Edition Workshop 6498 Harbor Blue
A full day, hands-on watchmaking experience at our Chicago headquarters. The First Edition is not sold finished. You build and personalize it yourself, and leave wearing it.
First Edition celebrates Chicago through eight distinctive dial colors, each inspired by the city's materials, industries, waterways, and architectural heritage. As the inaugural collection created for Hampden's watchmaking workshops, every dial tells a story of craftsmanship, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of a city built by makers.
Inspired by Lake Michigan and Chicago's working waterfront, Harbor Blue carries the city's maritime side. A rich, open blue.
BUILT, NEVER BOUGHT.
The First Edition is not for sale. It never has been. The only way to own one is to build it yourself at our Chicago bench, where you choose your dial, set the movement, and engrave it with your initials. Each exists only in the small number made at the workshop, and yours is signed by the hand that built it.
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BUILD YOUR STORY, ONE WHEEL AT A TIME. EXCLUSIVELY OFFERED AT HAMPDEN'S CHICAGO HQ.
The Ultimate Watch Lover's Experience
BUILD YOUR STORY, ONE WHEEL AT A TIME. EXCLUSIVELY OFFERED AT HAMPDEN'S CHICAGO HQ.
THE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
What You’ll Leave With
- Full day, hands-on instruction in our Chicago workshop
- Your own Swiss 6498 mechanical watch (42mm)
- Personal engraving and dual-strap setup
- Chef-catered gourmet lunch and refreshments
- Certificate of completion + custom travel case
Each workshop is limited to just six guests (1:2 teacher-student ratio), ensuring every participant receives individual guidance at the watchmaker’s bench.
"BEST WATCH CLASSES IN AMERICA"
"Tick, Tick, Boom! Students Flock to Hampden’s Watchmaking Workshop"
"Country's Oldest Watch Company Committed to Chicago"
- RBRyan B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 hours agoIncredible experience
This was an absolutely amazing experience from bringing to end. I cannot say enough about the staff, facilities, and equipment. Everything is the best.
- TGThomas G.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsYesterdayWatch nerds unite
Had a great time, super passionate ppl running this. Good mixture of lecture and action aka assembly. Food and drinks are also nice
- MRMichael R.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoA great workshop for watch lovers!
I thoroughly enjoyed Hampden's workshop where I built my own watch. Putting together the movement and then having the balance wheel come to life as you set it in place was fantastic. That is when you knew you had put it together correctly. The joy I have gotten wearing this watch surpasses all other watches I have historically owned. I am confident that when Hampden opens up a workshop on another watch, I will attend. What a fantastic way to engage in your love for watches.
- GKGary K.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoIncredible Watchmaking Opportunity
I’ve been deeply interested in watches for over a decade so when I saw that Hampden was offering a one-day watchmaking class I jumped at the opportunity. What a fabulous experience! You can watch all the videos and animations about how a watch works but you can’t truly understand and appreciate how intricate and finely wrought a watch mechanism is until you actually have the hands-on experience of grasping and assembling the gears and levers. The student-instructor ratio is 2-1 and all the instructors are friendly and ready to jump in with their expertise to lend a hand or an encouraging word. I left, not only with a beautiful watch, but with a deep appreciation for the time-telling machine on my wrist. No previous experience is necessary. I highly recommend the class whether you’re an enthusiast or first-timer.
- LKLonnie K.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoTime waits for but one...
This has been one of the best hands-on experiences I have attended! There is truly magic in that room that becomes an enchantment on your wrist. Taking a Swiss Movement and learning not just how it works but taking it apart all the way down to the Main Plate and then reconstructing the movement is very satisfying. Marc, Oscar, and Gian were wonderful instructors, never hesitating to jump in or ensure we were understanding not just the concept but the hands-on aspect. From the disassembly, assembly, time regulation and water resistance testing, their pleasant demeanor and patience really put everyone at ease and made the class even more enjoyable!
I would highly recommend taking this workshop! There's nothing like the satisfaction of making something uniquely your own, and "it" being a Swiss Watch is an experience not to be passed over.