A Grand Day Out - part 1

As you know, yesterday was a day off from Basel.  This year I wanted to try to visit one of my favorite watch manufacturers and thanks to Dimitra Frechelin - seen here at BaselWorld 2011

I was able to experience perhaps a little bit of  what visiting Wonka's chocolate factory 
must have been like - only for a watch lover!


So after a very scenic train journey, I found myself in the cradle of Swiss watch making - La Chaux-de-Fonds and visiting Girard-Perregaux!  I found my way to Xavier Markl's (Marketing Director) office for coffee with him, as well as Dimitra and Girard-Perregaux's Conservateur des Musees Willy Schweizer.  

Xavier Markl

Over coffee Xavier had a look at my "very vintage" Girard-Perregaux, and after a brief chat with Willy, he informed me that they would "borrow" my watch to see what their restoration department could do to bring it back to something more of its former self.  For the "before, check here:
http://www.tempusfugitwatch.com/2012/01/desire.html


And with that, Willy and I set off "down the hill" to Girard-Perregaux's manufacture area.  One thing to keep in mind, is that due to steady growth, GP now inhabits several buildings in the city.  

Willy Schweizer

And here is Willy in the manufacture building ready to lead me up.  


We move on up tomorrow - stay tuned!