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.
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 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-made ETA 6498 mechanical movement
- Personal engraving and dual-strap setup
- Chef-catered lunch and refreshments
- Certificate of completion + custom travel case
Each workshop is limited to just four guests, ensuring every participant receives individual guidance at the watchmaker’s bench.
Please note: deposits are nonrefundable, but may be applied to a future class within one year or converted to a Hampden Watch gift card.
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Watchmaking Workshop Gift Cards
GIFT THE EXPERIENCE
Our Watchmaking Class Gift Card invites your recipient to step into Hampden’s legacy of American craftsmanship. They’ll experience the precision, artistry, and heritage behind every movement as they assemble their own mechanical watch.
A thoughtful, immersive gift for milestone moments, or simply to make someone feel celebrated.
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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, engrave it with your initials, and leave wearing a 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
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.