4 Hours in Bern: Business, Watches, and a Little Swiss Magic

The real highlight of the day came earlier: Swiss watches.

In between meetings, we visited several contact manufacturers- the skilled artisans behind some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. What was truly fascinating to learn was that no single manufacturer makes the entire watch. Instead, the process is a delicate relay- one factory specialises in a particular part, like the intricate movement, another focuses solely on dials, another on the case, and so on. Each piece passes from one expert set of hands to the next, until finally, it all comes together in a finished masterpiece.

There’s something beautiful about that- how Swiss watchmaking isn’t just about precision, but about trust, tradition, and collaboration across generations of craftsmen. You can feel the pride in every tiny gear and polished surface.

Switzerland’s love affair with horology stretches back to the 16th century, when French Huguenots brought the art of watchmaking to Geneva. Today, whether you're holding a simple timepiece or a grand complication, you’re holding centuries of history, innovation, and passion.

Before leaving Bern, we made sure to circle the iconic Zytglogge- the medieval clock tower at the heart of the Old Town. Built in the 13th century and transformed into an astronomical clock in the 15th century, it’s a place where time doesn’t just tick by; it tells stories. Watching its mechanical figures parade at the top of the hour felt like the perfect nod to everything we’d seen that day- the marriage of art and time.

The crisp March air sharpened every colour- the green copper roofs, the golden sandstone, the bright little pops of early spring blooms. Bern doesn’t need a full day to charm you. Even in a few hours, it leaves an impression that lingers long after you’ve gone.

Four hours wasn’t long enough... but sometimes, a few stolen moments are the ones that stay with you longest. ღ

This story first appeared on my old website and is now shared here.

After an intensive few hours of meetings, Bern greeted us like a deep breath we didn’t know we needed. Switzerland’s capital isn’t loud or flashy...it carries itself with the quiet confidence of a place that knows its worth.

We had just about four hours to spare, and we were determined to make every minute count. Bern, with its medieval charm and relaxed pace, was the perfect backdrop for a quick escape after the buzz of business.

The heart of Bern... its Old Town- is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it doesn’t take long to see why. Cobbled streets curve under covered arcades, sandstone buildings glow in the afternoon light, and the Aare River hugs the city like a slow-moving ribbon of blue. Even in a rush, Bern makes you want to slow your steps just to take it all in.

Most of the places I get to see are because of business... planned meetings, factory visits, partnerships. More often than not, I only have a few hours to explore, lucky if there’s a spare day or two. But honestly, that’s part of what makes work trips interesting. They open doors to experiences I never would have planned myself. It’s always a bonus when someone local shows you around too. There’s nothing quite like seeing a place through the eyes of someone who calls it home- the shortcuts, the favourite coffee spots, the stories you won't find in any guidebook.

We’ve been lucky that many of our customers and partners take the time to show us around, knowing the journey we’ve made- travelling more than 30 hours just to shake their hands and see their world firsthand. There’s a quiet kindness in that, and it’s something I never take for granted.

SHOP MY COLD-WEATHER LOOKS FOR SWITZERLAND