Virgin Experience Days Build Your Own Watch & History of Watchmaking at the British Horological Institute with 1 Overnight Stay (18 Years +)

There aren’t many things more personal than a watch, and with this incredible watch making course, you can build one that’s completely personal to you.

You’ll spend the weekend at the British Horological Institute based in Upton Hall, Nottinghamshire, where you’ll create your own fully operational mechanical wristwatch with genuine manual-wind Swiss movement, stainless steel case and leather strap.

Set in the Institute’s state-of-the-art workshop, you’ll learn some history and theory of watchmaking as your master watchmaker guides you through the intricate processes involved in building your own watch. With accommodation and breakfast included at Upton Hall, you can focus on producing your perfect timepiece to take home and treasure.

What's Included?

• Hands-on experience of building your own working watch, for you to take home with you
• Expert guidance from a master watchmaker
• Knowledge regarding the history and theory of watchmaking
• A presentation box and framed certificate to go with your new watch
• Use of a fully equipped, state-of-the-art watch workshop
• Accommodation and breakfast on-site 
• Experience gift voucher

Covid Update

We’re working with our experience partners to ensure we’re adhering to government advice as it updates. Please check with the supplier at time of booking for their individual recommendations.

What happens on the day?

Upon arrival, you’ll be able to get checked in and settled in Upton Hall, where you’ll be spending the night.

From there, you’ll meet your expert tutor for the weekend, who’ll brief you and talk you through the equipment and state-of-the-art workshop. You’ll get to work on your watch, guided every step of the way to create something just as you’d like.

You’ll take home your watch in a presentation box along with a framed certificate to commemorate your experience.

Participant guidelines

• Minimum age: 18
• The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary

Availability

The experience is available on selected weekends throughout the year. 

We recommend you book at least six weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available. All bookings are subject to availability.

Please allow two days for the full experience. You are asked to arrive at 09.00 at the Student Entrance. The end of the course depends in some part on how long it takes to ensure the watches are working. (normally between 16.00 and 17.00 on the Sunday.

Please note if the number on the course drops below 3 participants they reserve the right to cancel and rearrange.

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable casual clothing.

Additional information

You will become a temporary member for the weekend and will need to sign a visitors sheet on arrival.

Please let the Institute know of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so they can help accommodate your needs.

Lunch is available from the on-site café and will need to be paid for separately.

What about insurance?

The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.

A cancellation indemnity, subject to terms, is included with every voucher.

Location:

Nottinghamshire – Newark

Voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue

If you have any queries regarding Virgin Experience Days, please contact our customer service team at the following email address; RetailQueries@virginexperiencedays.co.uk

Full terms & conditions for Virgin Experience Days vouchers can be found here: www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/terms-and-conditions