As someone who used to run a watch blog, it was high time I visited the Beyer Clock & Watch Museum in Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. This is not one of the most visited museums in Zurich, but worth your time nonetheless (pun intended!)
It is one of Switzerland’s largest private watch collections, with over 250 pieces on display. There is a vast range of pieces here ranging from a water clock from 1400 BC to more modern wristwatches from Hamilton, Rolex, Patek Philippe and IWC.
You can spend hours here taking it all in. There are some crazy timepieces in here from 3-D magnetic pendulums and a Table Clock with Planetarium to lifesize clocks on the floor. In the cabinets in the center are painted enamel pocket watches that will blow you away with their detail.
There are also ancient marine measuring devices along the wall, as well as moving clocks with water and rolling balls that simulate a perpetual time machine.
The more modern timepieces, right next to the main desk, seem less impressive on first glance. But when you notice the small wristwatch in the world, which I guesstimate at about 5-7mm wide, your jaw drops. There are also very rare pieces such as a one-of-a-kind BBC demonstrations model, and the original Hamilton 1957 Ventura.
So, if you enjoy a mix of history, engineering and luxury, this is the museum for you!
General Information
The following is all the information you need to visit the Beyer museum in Zurich.
Location & Transport
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 31, 8001 Zürich, Schweiz
You can reach the Beyer museum on foot from Zurich HB or Paradeplatz, which is the nearest tram stop to the museum. It is in the basement of the watch shop itself, so just enter the shop and take the stairs down on the right-hand side. The shop staff will direct you when you enter.
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Opening Times
The Beyer watch museum is open:
- Monday – Friday: 2 pm – 6 pm
- Over Christmas, during the Sunday shopping season, the museum is on Sundays from 11 am til 6 pm
Prices
The following are the prices for entry to the Beyer museum:
- Adults: 10 CHF
- Pensioners (AHV/IV): 7 CHF
- Students: 5 CHF
- Children (0 – 12 years): Free
- Zurich Card: Free
