The Watch Building Experience with Kartel Scotland in Edinburgh’s historic city center offers a unique opportunity to craft personalized timepieces. Under the guidance of a master watchmaker, participants can select from a variety of materials and customize their watch, including engraved details. With a maximum of four attendees per session, this intimate workshop provides insights into the city’s rich watchmaking heritage. Priced at €238.22, the experience includes a retail credit towards the creation of a bespoke watch. It’s a chance to explore one’s creativity and connect with Edinburgh’s watchmaking tradition.
Key Points
- Opportunity to create a bespoke watch under the guidance of a master watch builder in an intimate workshop setting in Edinburgh.
- Personalization options include selecting various strap materials and engraving the case back for a unique timepiece.
- Participants learn about Edinburgh’s rich watchmaking history while customizing their own watches.
- Retail credit of £245 included in the experience price of €238.22 per person.
- Maximum group size of 4 travelers per session for a personalized experience with alcoholic beverages and snacks provided.
Experience Overview
This unique opportunity in Edinburgh allows participants to create a bespoke watch under the guidance of a master watch builder.
Guests will learn about the local watchmaking history and have the chance to personalize their timepiece with various components, including leather, cashmere, and wool straps, as well as engraving options.
The experience offers a distinctive way to explore the city’s rich watchmaking traditions and craft a one-of-a-kind accessory to take home.
Looking for more options in Edinburgh? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Unique Opportunity

Participants in this one-of-a-kind experience are granted the rare opportunity to craft their own personalized timepiece under the tutelage of a master watchmaker in Edinburgh.
This bespoke workshop allows guests to learn about the local watchmaking history while customizing various components, including leather, cashmere, and wool straps, as well as engraving options.
The intimate setting, with a maximum of 4 travelers per session, ensures a personalized and immersive experience.
Attendees can also enjoy alcoholic beverages and snacks as they bring their unique vision to life, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind timepiece.
Local Watchmaking History

As participants learn about the rich history of watchmaking in Edinburgh, they discover a legacy rooted in the city’s past. Known for its skilled craftsmanship, Edinburgh’s watchmaking tradition dates back to the 18th century. During this time, the city became a hub for timepiece production, with watchmakers establishing workshops and passing down their expertise through generations. The table below highlights some key moments in Edinburgh’s watchmaking history:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1755 | First recorded watchmaker in Edinburgh |
| 1787 | Incorporation of Edinburgh Goldsmiths and Watchmakers |
| 1860s | Peak of Edinburgh’s watchmaking industry |
| 1900s | Decline due to industrialization and mass production |
| Today | Resurgence of independent watchmaking in the city |
Participants gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s watchmaking heritage as they create their own custom timepiece with the guidance of a master watchmaker.
Personalization Options
The custom watch-building experience allows participants to personalize their timepiece with a range of components and engraving options.
Customers can choose from various leather, cashmere, and wool strap materials to suit their personal style. They can also opt for customized engraving on the case back, adding a personal touch to their one-of-a-kind watch.
With a retail credit of £245 included, participants have the freedom to design their dream watch, creating a unique timepiece that reflects their individual preferences and taste.
Inclusions and Pricing
The watch-building experience is priced at €238.22 per person and includes a retail credit of £245 towards the custom-built watch.
Alcoholic beverages and snacks are also provided during the session. Plus, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity.
Participants can personalize their watch with various components like leather, cashmere, and wool straps, as well as engraving options.
The maximum group size is 4 travelers per session, and the meeting point is at Kartel in Saint James Square, Edinburgh.
Meeting Details
The watch-building experience takes place at Kartel, located in Saint James Square in Edinburgh, UK. Participants meet at this central location to begin the hands-on watch customization session.
After creating their bespoke timepiece, the activity ends back at the same meeting point.
The experience accommodates a maximum of 4 travelers per session, ensuring an intimate and personalized workshop.
Whether you’re an experienced watch enthusiast or a newcomer to horology, the Edinburgh location provides a convenient and accessible starting point for this unique crafting opportunity.
Accessibility and Additional Info
According to the information provided, the watch-building experience in Edinburgh is accessible to a wide range of travelers.
The activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
Additionally:
- The transportation to the meeting point is wheelchair accessible.
- Most travelers can participate in the experience.
- The activity takes place in a centrally located venue, Kartel, in Saint James Square, Edinburgh.
Reviews and Ratings
Reviewers have praised the watch-building experience in Edinburgh, awarding it an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 across 8 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Positive feedback highlights the unique opportunity to create a bespoke watch and the enjoyable atmosphere with whisky and informative staff. Customers noted the personalization options for leather, cashmere, and wool straps, as well as engraving.
The experience’s accessibility, with wheelchair and stroller access, has also been appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Experience Typically Last?
The experience typically lasts 2-3 hours. Participants will have the opportunity to personally design and build their own custom watch with guidance from the expert watchmaker.
Can I Bring My Own Materials for the Watch?
No, participants can’t bring their own materials for the watch. The experience includes all necessary components and tools to build the custom watch, allowing attendees to personalize it with the provided options like leather, cashmere, and wool straps as well as engraving.
Is Prior Watchmaking Experience Required?
No, prior watchmaking experience isn’t required. The experience is designed for beginners, and the expert staff will guide participants through the process of assembling and customizing their own unique watch.
Is the Experience Suitable for Children?
The experience is generally suitable for children, as it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, and allows service animals. However, the minimum age isn’t specified, so parents should check with the provider about age appropriateness and any restrictions.
Are Photo/Video Opportunities Available During the Session?
The experience allows participants to capture photos and videos throughout the session. Customers can document their personalized watch creation process and the informative discussions with the master watchmaker.
The Sum Up
The Watch Building Experience with Kartel Scotland in Edinburgh offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to craft personalized timepieces. Participants can learn about the city’s rich watchmaking history while customizing their creations with a variety of materials and engravings. Priced at €238.22, the experience includes a retail credit towards the final watch, making it an appealing option for those interested in a unique and hands-on horological adventure.
More Private Tours in Edinburgh
More Tour Reviews in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh: Arthur’s Seat Hiking Tour with Local Guide
- Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh Guided Walking Tour
- Edinburgh: Guided Hike to Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill
- From Edinburgh: Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour
- Edinburgh: Johnnie Walker Whisky Explorers Guided Tasting
- Hairy Coos & Highland Views: A Short Escape from Edinburgh
Still browsing? Here are more Edinburgh experiences we've covered recently
- Top 12 Tours In Edinburgh
- 3 Best Photography Experiences In Edinburgh (With Prices)
- Edinburgh’s 14 Best Walking Tours: Which To Choose?
- The Top 8 Workshops & Classes In Edinburgh
- 13 Must-Try Tours & Experiences In Edinburgh
- 3 Best Dining Experiences In Edinburgh
- Top 4 Private Driver Services In Edinburgh
- 8 Fantastic Hiking And Trekking Tours In Edinburgh
- Edinburgh’s 14 Best Historical Tours (With Prices & Reviews)
- The Top 5 Drinking Tours In Edinburgh
- 6 Best 3-Day Tours In Edinburgh (With Prices)
- Edinburgh’s 5 Best Full-Day Tours: Which To Choose?
