Chicago isn’t just a city of bold architecture, jazz and Lake Michigan. It’s also a place of discovery for watch enthusiasts. Between museums, iconic boutiques and unusual experiences, the Midwestern city offers many valuable stops for timepiece enthusiasts. Here is a selection of five not-to-be-missed watchmaking activities during a visit to Chicago.
1. Discover the Art Institute of Chicago’s historic timepieces
TheArt Institute of Chicago is one of the most famous museums in the United States, renowned for its impressive collections of Impressionist and modern paintings. But in the galleries devoted to the decorative arts, you can also admire superb timepieces. Pocket watches, table clocks and refined mechanisms bear witness to the skills of 18th and 19th century European and American craftsmen.
Each showcase tells its own story, from technical innovation to aesthetic prowess. We become aware of the importance of time in the daily life of yesteryear, but also of the way it was perceived and materialized. It’s an interlude that will appeal as much to watchmaking enthusiasts as to visitors interested in the history of the decorative arts.
2. Explore the Museum of Science and Industry’s scientific collection
For fans of mechanical engineering, the Museum of Science and Industry is a must-see. This immense museum, dedicated to science and technology, features a section devoted to time-measuring instruments. Monumental clocks, educational mechanisms and interactive exhibits help visitors to better understand the evolution of time measurement, from the sundial to modern systems.
We are struck by the diversity of the exhibits, ranging from the most rudimentary instruments to sophisticated devices. Clear, visual explanations make complex concepts such as regulation and astronomical cycles accessible. This enriching visit proves that watchmaking is not just a craft, but also a scientific and universal quest.
3. Stroll through the watchmaking boutiques of Michigan Avenue
Nicknamed the “Magnificent Mile”, Michigan Avenue is Chicago’s major shopping thoroughfare. It is home to many prestigious watchmaking boutiques, from Swiss houses to specialty retailers. Whether you want to admire the windows of the major brands or try on a timepiece in the boutique, this stroll will immerse you in the world of luxury watchmaking, in the heart of a lively neighborhood.
Enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to handle recent models and talk to specialist advisors. Even without a purchase, it’s a pleasant stroll, as the displays are designed like real art galleries. It’s a way to feel the pulse of the contemporary watch market, in a vibrant and elegant atmosphere.
4. Take part in an introductory workshop with Objectif Horlogerie
To go beyond mere discovery, nothing beats hands-on experience. Objectif Horlogerie offers introductory workshops that allow you to get your hands dirty with the movement and gain a concrete understanding of the watchmaker’s work. Dismantling, cleaning, handling components and reassembling a caliber: each participant experiences the essential gestures that bring a mechanical watch to life.
These workshops offer an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on participants. You realize the meticulousness and patience required to assemble a movement, while discovering the secrets of how it works. It’s a unique way to feel the passion of watchmaking, far more alive than a simple visit to a museum or boutique.
Next available workshops: Saturdays, November 15 and 22, 2025
5. Admire the Marshall Field and Company Building clock
A symbol of Chicago’s heritage, the Marshall Field and Company Building clock is a true icon. Installed in 1897 on the façade of this historic department store, it has been a downtown landmark for over a century. Carefully restored, it continues to punctuate the daily lives of passers-by, while embodying the architectural elegance of the early 20th century.
This monumental clock illustrates the desire of the great names of the time to combine commercial prestige with technical innovation. Its imposing silhouette and ornate style still attract visitors’ attention today. Observing it reveals the extent to which the measurement of time has always been a social and cultural marker in urban life.
Chicago may not be the watchmaking capital of the world, but it’s full of surprises for those who take the time to explore it. From museums and boutiques to introductory workshops and monuments, the city offers a rich and varied watchmaking journey. An original way to discover Chicago from an unexpected angle, where the art of time talks to history, science and architecture.
By following this itinerary, every enthusiast will find an experience to suit his or her taste: contemplation, discovery, practice or simple wonder. Chicago reveals a discreet but fascinating watchmaking face that deserves the attention of enthusiasts. Here, time becomes heritage, know-how and a shared emotion.
