Custom Watch Building Experience

What Can I Expect

Create something truly unique on this watch making experience - a custom wristwatch hand built by you! You'll join the watchmaking team at Scottish brand Kartel at one of their workshop and flagship stores, learning how to make a watch to your own specification.

Kartel is built on over 250 years of local watchmaking history. Being in the heart of Fife, Scotland's industrial heritage and landscape plays a huge part in the inspiration for Kartel watches. From the precision assembling, to the watch straps made from Harris Tweed or Johnston and Elgin's cashmere blends, each watch proudly displays its Scottish roots.

After introductions and a brief history of watchmaking at Kartel, you will set about building your timepiece. The first decision to make is which case design to choose, exploring a multitude of case and dial colour combinations. Then you'll pick a watch strap. With the face, the hands and the other moving parts all ready, it's time to assemble your customised Kartel watch.

Under the watchful eye of the master watchmaker, you'll put together all the elements you've selected to build your watch. Once complete, there's a chance to further personalise it with an engraving. You'll be shown how to do this yourself on the engraving machine - so if you've got a special message, date or meaningful phrase you'd like to engrave onto the caseback of the watch, this is your chance.

You can also upgrade components and materials you choose for your watch, with the extra cost incurred payable on the day.

To accompany your horology workshop, you'll be treated to some classic Scottish refreshments, such as a wee dram of whiskey or a beer, with local produce such as berries and shortbread. Of course, tea and coffee is available for those not wishing to indulge in a tipple.

We think these watchmaking experiences, available at the flagship Kartel stores in St Andrews and Edinburgh, are a wonderful opportunity to see how watches are made. You'll learn that this long-established Scottish watch brand prides itself on making modern classic timepieces, inspired by the land and the industry of Scotland. And every time you check the time, it'll be on your personally built Kartel wrist watch!

Availability

• Weekdays and Saturdays throughout the year
• Sessions are generally available at 11:00 and 14:00 on weekdays and 11:00 on Saturdays
• Dates are subject to availability

Suitable For

• Minimum age 18
• Experiences can be booked for a maximum of 4 people

Spectators

• Not suitable for spectators

Anything Else

• Vouchers include £155 retail credit to use against your finished watch
• Optional upgrades on watch models or components can be purchased on the day