Museum of Watchmaking and Bar Turning

Discover the museum, a true treasure trove of the industrial and social history of the Arve Valley. Trace the evolution of the watchmaking skills of 18th-century farmers through to the emergence of precision turning during the Industrial Revolution.

Minimum age: 7 years old

A guide is always on hand to answer any questions you may have. Reservations are required for groups Rates for groups of more than 10 people for guided tours: 1 guide package for €35 (1 guide for up to 25 people; for larger groups, 2 guides are required, totaling €70) + the museum admission fee of €2 per person. The tour is free for the bus driver and one chaperone. Tours last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (this can be adjusted depending on your schedule). Tours must be reserved in advance, by email or by phone at 04 50 96 43 00. The museum welcomes groups starting at 9:15 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from Tuesday through Thursday, and on Friday mornings (Friday afternoons are reserved for individual visitors). Groups of up to approximately 60–65 people. Groups are welcome on Saturdays, but they must not exceed 30 people, as there is only one tour guide at the museum on that day. There are two bus parking spaces in the lot in front of the museum.

With its unique history and collections, the Museum of Watchmaking and Bar Turning is well worth a visit. Founded at the dawn of the 20th century by the National School of Watchmaking in Cluses, the museum had a dual purpose: to collect antique timepieces (the oldest piece dates back to the 16th century) and to preserve the legacy of the local industry. Now located in the Espace Carpano & Pons, a former industrial site, the museum also traces the history of the School of Watchmaking, notably by showcasing a unique collection of escapement models manufactured in Cluses. Themed guided tours, dramatized tours, educational workshops, and temporary exhibitions are offered regularly, allowing everyone to discover, learn, and marvel at the masterpieces housed in this museum. For school groups, from preschool through high school, we offer customized activities in small groups. We recommend dividing your classes beforehand to create smaller groups, making it easier to explore our workshops and collections. Adapted workshops are also available for school groups with students who have disabilities. The museum holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” certification, and our team is fully trained to accommodate visitors with disabilities.