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Time Traveling
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Watch Valley
Keith W. Strandberg
03/01/2005
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Photography by Keith W. Strandberg
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 One of the best parts
of motorcycling in Switzerland is the plethora of free parking in every city,
right in the center of the towns. Parking for cars is always a challenge and
involves prepaying and getting a voucher, putting it on your dashboard and then
worrying about running overtime. With motorcycles, there are designated places
everywhere, and they are always free. (Click image to enlarge)
 Though many people think of Rolex first
when asked to name a fine watch, those in the know are aware of many other
companies. I decided to start with the crème de la crème of the crop, Patek
Philippe. A large company with an impeccable reputation, Patek automates the
processes that make sense and does things the traditional way when that is best.
For example, during my tour I watched a master craftsman file the closure of the
back cover of a watch by hand until it had just the right feel and sound. The
Patek Philippe factory is located in the suburbs of Geneva, so the ride there
was an interesting mix of back-country roads and highway. The factory combines
gleaming high-tech and traditional handiwork. Most of the important pieces are
finished by hand, just like it was done two centuries ago. This attention to
detail is one of the things that set Patek apart as one of the finest watch
brands in the world. (Click image to enlarge)
 Next up was Audemars Piguet in the beautiful small town
of Le Brassus. Famous for its Royal Oak line, this company has a beautiful
museum in the building where it started, as well as a workshop on the top floor
dedicated to handmade complications. In this workshop, one of the watchmakers
handed me a dish with what looked like specks of pepper in it. It turns out they
were screws for a tourbillion cage—so small they’re only recognizable under a
microscope. Audemars Piguet is solidly behind the idea of the Watch Valley tour,
and the company was by far the most prepared to take people through its museum
and factory. It was an impressive tour, making it easy to appreciate how the
company accomplishes the highest standard of quality. (Click image to enlarge)
 Afterward, I rode
through the Jura Mountains into France for a little bit, and then ascended a
pass back into Switzerland. The next day, I made the trek to La Chaux-de-Fonds,
which is up into the mountains from Neuchâtel, to see Girard-Perregaux (G-P).
The snows of winter often make it impossible to even reach the village,
something the watchmakers feel masochistically good about. (Click image to enlarge)
After touring the
recently renovated factory I had lunch with the head of G-P, Luigi “Gino”
Macaluso, and was impressed with the capabilities and excellence of one of the
last true independent manufacturers in Switzerland. G-P movements are so prized
by the watch industry that many companies buy them to put in their own watches.
 When I rolled up to the Jaeger-LeCoultre factory in Le Sentier, after a
great winding ride past belled cows and up into the clouds, there was a reserved
parking place waiting for me, my name emblazoned on a placard. It was a unique
and welcome touch. In addition, a photographer from the local newspaper was
there to record the breaking news: “American journalist visits local watch
company by motorcycle.” Front page stuff, for sure. (Click image to enlarge)
Luxurious in every sense
of the word, Jaeger-LeCoultre, located on the bank of Lake Jura, always
impresses with the quality and breadth of its product line. Visiting the
diamond-setting workshop was awe-inspiring, where every jewel is set in place by
hand like an expensive jigsaw puzzle.
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