With no less than twelve starred establishments, Geneva has turned into a true destination for haute cuisine and features exceptional restaurants, whose fame has now spread beyond our borders. Come and meet uniquely talented chefs and let yourself be surprised by their ever more innovative cuisine. Enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience during your stay in Geneva!

A magical season for some, nostalgic for others, autumn replaces summer, and Geneva impresses everyone with its magnificent golden colors that surround the blue of the lake.

Capital of fine watchmaking

GENEVA. A MUST WATCH.

In Geneva, watchmaking isn’t just tradition, it’s part of the vibe. From giant city clocks to sleek boutiques, from hands-on workshops to inspiring museums, time is something you can touch, feel, live… and even taste.

Geneva watchmaking at a glance

500 years of watchmaking heritage

Since 1886 The Geneva Seal

World capital of fine watchmaking

Iconic Maisons & independent watchmakers

Museums · Workshops · Boutiques · Experiences

Visitor discovering Geneva's watchmaking heritage in a museum

Discover Geneva’s watchmaking heritage Step into Geneva’s watchmaking museums and discover the stories, masterpieces and centuries of savoir-faire that shaped the city.

Visitor discovering watchmaking boutiques and Maisons in Geneva

Discover Geneva’s legendary Maisons Stroll through Geneva and discover prestigious watchmaking Maisons, independent creators and exceptional timepieces.

Visitor trying watchmaking at a workbench in Geneva

Try watchmaking yourself Take a seat at the watchmaker’s bench, handle intricate components and experience the precision behind a mechanical timepiece.

Geneva Flower Clock and historic watchmaking landmarks in the city

Follow time through the city Explore Geneva through its historic clocks and watchmaking landmarks, including the iconic Flower Clock by the lake.

More activities and experiences

Why is Geneva the cradle of watchmaking?

From the first goldsmiths who turned to watchmaking to the cabinotiers of Saint-Gervais and the creation of the Geneva Seal, discover how the city built a tradition of excellence that has earned worldwide recognition over the centuries.

Mid-16th century
Geneva’s watchmaking tradition began to flourish in the mid-16th century, when many Protestant artisans found refuge in the city. According to tradition, the austere rules of the Reformation encouraged goldsmiths to turn their talents away from ornamental jewellery and towards the decoration of watches and clocks, helping give rise to Geneva’s fine watchmaking industry.
18th century
Watchmakers, engravers, jewellers and gem-cutters worked in small workshops known as cabinets. To benefit from the natural light required for their meticulous work, these artisans settled beneath the rooftops of the Saint-Gervais district. The distinctive rows of windows they used can still be seen today, quietly preserving the memory of Geneva’s watchmaking past.
Since 1886
Created by the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the Geneva Seal distinguishes timepieces that meet particularly demanding standards. It certifies their Geneva origin, craftsmanship and reliability. Every component must be manufactured, finished and decorated with exceptional care, making each certified watch both a precision instrument and a work of art.

Explore watchmaking history

How to explore Geneva’s watchmaking heritage in one day?

Experience Geneva to the rhythm of time. From the iconic Flower Clock to the masterpieces of the Patek Philippe Museum, follow a one-day itinerary through the city’s living watchmaking heritage. Along the way, discover historic districts, renowned maisons, independent craftsmanship and gourmet addresses inspired by the world of watches.