My training was split between three watch companies. My first week was in Geneva with Chopard. The middle 5 weeks were spent with Breitling in Grenchen and the final week was with Tag Heuer in La Chaux-de-Fonds. It was a training marathon and an amazing adventure. I had forgotten how much I love Switzerland. The culture, people, countryside, small cities, there is something about the way of life there. It rarely feels chaotic; the country is built around living a balanced life. The shops close early most days. Public transportation is everywhere and clean. Small cars and bikes flow together through the city streets. Switzerland is the most diverse country in Europe, which is something I really like. I love hearing and seeing so many different cultures mingle together. (That was one of the things that I loved most about Brooklyn.) And during this trip I really got to see so much of the country. The training was intense. The amount of information I had to take in and carry with me seemed endless. By the end of the trip, I had to buy an extra duffle bag.
Chopard Training in Geneva
The Chopard factory is located on the outskirts of Geneva. The buildings and grounds are lovely. There is an outdoor garden terrace next to the company restaurant, of course. I love that so many of the Swiss watch companies have restaurants for their employees. And the food is always very good. The week I was there, 2 men made their way through the parking lot and terrace and entered the factory. They dined in the restaurant and meandered the halls. Once they were noticed as uninvited guests, they split but came back the next day to try again. Not very bright. The police were waiting for them. Needless to say, security has been tightened.
1 comment:
Thank you for writing your blog! It’s very insightful. I am a business major considering watch making/Horology school. Fortunately, I live near one of the accredited schools in the US; located in Seattle. Your writing inspires me to seriously consider the craft. Thanks
Post a Comment