First Hand: A Watchmaking Workshop by Hampden
A six-hour, hands-on watchmaking experience where you’ll assemble and personalize your own Swiss mechanical watch at our historic Chicago headquarters.
Status: Sold Out Through Summer 2026.
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.
THE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
What’s Included
- Six-hour, hands-on instruction in our Chicago workshop
- Your own Swiss 6498 mechanical movement in a 42mm watch
- 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, ensuring every participant receives individual guidance at the watchmaker’s bench.
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- ONOmayr N.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoAn unparalleled experience!
I have been into watches for a year and a half. I have bracelets and straps down pat. But that’s it. I wanted to delve deeper: get into the movement, learn how watches work, familiarize myself with the parts and functions. I was too scared to do anything, even though I had a bunch of cheap, Chinese movements. When I learned about this class, I jumped at the opportunity and registered. I was so happy to be able to learn from professionals and even put together my own watch! That was a major plus.
I was really nervous the day of the class. I am notoriously clumsy. I always lose parts. I am also a bit socially inept. But the watch professionals were absolutely amazing. The class went on at a steady pace. We were told what to do, showed how to do it (along with plenty of tips and warnings about what we might encounter), and then did it ourselves. The watch professionals kept a close eye on what we were doing. They swept in to help when we needed, but not too much coddling.
In the course of the class, we disassembled a movement, then put it back. Then we started putting together the watch. I expressed these in just a few words, but this was a very involved process with detailed instructions. Fortunately, we had an instruction book with very clearly labeled pictures to show what we were to do and where to put parts or from where to pick them up. I enjoyed the anecdotes and hearing about the instructors’ experiences. Every single step was explained, including the technique.…
- BFBrent F.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars3 weeks agoWatchmaking Workshop=Awesome Experience
This watch workshop was simply awesome. A ton of fun and informative.
Joe Wein does a great job teaching the class and Marc is perfect in helping each participant with questions and problem solving along the way. Technical yet achievable for all.
I’m happy to travel to Chicago again for round two! Maybe even three. Dare I say four?!
Leaving with a watch that you build is a gratifying experience.
Sign up! Bring a few friends. You won’t regret it.
BF
Denver CO
- JBJon B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoA truly unique experience
From the expert instruction to the home-cooked food, the level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail from Joe and the entire Hampden team creates an unforgettable memory. Whether you’re looking to build a foundation in practical watchmaking skills or just experience a new side of a beloved hobby, I cannot recommend this workshop highly enough. Beyond the workshop experience itself, the gorgeous watch you take home is a treasure in its own right, and one that will forever hold a very special place in my collection.
- JFJared F.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoHighlight Of Our Trip!
We traveled from Utah to Chicago for the weekend, and this class was truly the highlight of our trip—we were treated first class from start to finish. Thank you to Joe, Mark, and Sy for the incredible hospitality and for making the experience so memorable. We’re beyond excited to share our experience and our new Hampden timepiece with others, and we genuinely appreciate the time, energy, and care you put into this workshop; it’s a fantastic idea and a huge congratulations to everyone involved.
- LVLarry V. I.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 months agoFantastic Workshop
Took the Hampden Watch workshop conducted by Joe Wein, CEO and learned so much. Dissassembled and reassembled a movement, selected a dial, affixed hands, and cased the movement to result in a gorgeous watch that I could take home. What could be better? Nothing could be better than the full experience provided by Hampden!
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Questions? We've got answers.
The Experience
Not at all. This workshop is designed for both collectors and complete beginners. We’ll teach you everything, step by step — no prior skills required.
You’ll assemble a Swiss Made 6498 mechanical movement by hand, engraved with your initials, and leave wearing a 42mm Hampden timepiece you built yourself — complete with two straps, a leather travel case, and a certificate of completion.
The experience runs approximately six hours, from 10AM–4PM. Your day includes instruction, hands-on assembly, engraving, lunch, and final casing — and you’ll head home wearing your finished watch.
Yes. From gear train to timing, you’ll build the full movement using real watchmaking tools under a microscope. Our team will guide you through every step to ensure you leave with a fully functioning mechanical watch.
Planning & Logistics
Workshops take place at Hampden’s Chicago headquarters in the West Loop. You’ll receive the exact address, parking, and arrival details after registration.
We anticipate taking the workshop on the road in 2026 - signup for our email list to be alerted to new dates and locations.
We’ve designed First Hand as a destination-worthy experience. If you’d like hotel or dining recommendations, our team will gladly help make your visit — and your new watch — the centerpiece of your Chicago getaway.
Join the waitlist to be the first to know when seats open or new sessions are added.
Yes. You can reschedule once, up to 14 days before your class, by emailing hello@hampdenwatch.com. After that, we’ll do our best to accommodate you based on availability.
We recommend selecting a date to reserve your seat. If you’re gifting the experience or need flexibility, join the waitlist or email us — we’ll work with you.
Everything. Your watch, all tools, instruction, lunch, engraving, straps, and travel case — no upsells or surprises. Just bring yourself (and your curiosity).
Gifting & Guests
Yes — simply select “This is a gift” at checkout. We’ll send you a personalized digital certificate you can forward or print.
The deposit is nonrefundable but fully transferable to another date or guest up to 30 days before the class. If you need flexibility, just reach out — we’ll work with you.
Yes — we host private and corporate workshops for groups of 6–10. Email hello@hampdenwatch.com to customize your experience.
Email us at hello@hampdenwatch.com and we'll take care of you.
Your Watch
Currently the watch for the workshop is 42mm. We will be offering other sizes and experiences at a later time.
Yes. You’ll select your dial color and strap style during the class. Both designs are exclusive to First Hand and not available for general sale. Each watch includes a stainless-steel bracelet and a matching leather strap.
Absolutely. Every finished watch is water-tested on-site. You’ll leave with a timepiece built to wear — not just admire.