Vallée de Joux: Audemars Piguet and Hôtel des Horologers
Month & Year: April 2025
Room / Suite: Junior Suite
If you speak a little French, you can probably guess why we chose Hôtel des Horlogers for our stay in the Vallée de Joux. The name itself reveals the secret, an unmistakable nod to the world of watchmakers and the heritage of Haute Horlogerie that has shaped and still does shape this region for generations.
Staying here felt like the perfect choice. Just steps from the Audemars Piguet Museum and overlooking the peaceful Lac de Joux, the hotel blends modern design with warm colours and expansive panoramic windows. It’s a peaceful base to return to after a day immersed in the world of Haute Horlogerie, loupe in hand using delicate watchmaker tools to handle tiny screws and appreciate the micro-precision behind each masterpiece.
A major highlight was the Audemars Piguet Masterclass “Shaping Materials: 150 Years.” After almost six months of trying, we finally secured two spots. This intimate, highly sought-after experience began with a captivating journey through AP’s history, exploring selected pieces from the Heritage Collection and tracing the evolution of the mechanical calibre 4302.
From there, we were introduced to emblematic decoration techniques of haute horlogerie: Côtes de Genève (Geneva Stripe), Perlage (Circular Graining), and Anglage (Bevelling). Guided by AP artisans and experts, we practiced these finishing techniques ourselves on a personalised keychain we could take home as a lasting memory.
Held inside AP’s historic family house, the masterclass felt exclusive, inspiring, and deeply authentic, enriched by conversations with passionate AP team members. Thank you Christoph Guhl! The session ran long, and we didn’t make it to the museum this time, but that only gives us the perfect reason to return. With more masterclasses on offer, our next visit in 2026 is already calling.
Book your AP Masterclass here: https://museeatelier.audemarspiguet.com/en/articles/stories-exhibits/crack-history-s-code-masterclass.html
Discover the Hotel des Horologers: https://www.hoteldeshorlogers.com/en
