The world’s best watch museums, workshops and archives, from Panerai to Seiko
These locales, from museums to brands’ own premises, are hallowed grounds for watch fans, giving them insights and a peek into timekeeping history
German Watch Museum, Glashütte, Germany
The small town of Glashütte has been synonymous with German watchmaking since the mid-19th century, and its dedicated museum presents a thorough review of that legacy. The German Watch Museum contains more than 500 pieces spanning pocket watches, wristwatches and pendulum clocks, including pieces from brands such as Glashütte Original, a founding partner of the museum. Interactive stations allow visitors to explore how mechanical movements work, while a walk-in encyclopaedia and hands-on exhibits help demystify the craft. A highlight is the historic restoration workshop where visitors can observe trained watchmakers at work.
Musée International d’Horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Panerai Boutique, Florence, Italy
The historic headquarters of Panerai in Florence reopened in 2019 as both a flagship boutique and a museum space, celebrating the brand’s Italian roots and naval heritage. Located on Piazza San Giovanni, the space combines original furniture and archival materials with contemporary displays that highlight Panerai’s signature models – including the Radiomir and Luminor. Each display is rendered in Panerai’s distinctive visual language, drawing inspiration from the brand’s early ties to the Italian navy. Upstairs, visitors can view historical instruments and documents, along with a wax figure of founder Giuseppe Panerai seated at his desk, created by the Musée Grévin in Paris.