54 November 2013 www.womanthismonth.com report | jewellery & watches by ELMA BARTHOLOMEW Time-travel might not be mastered just yet. Until then, setting on a journey in search of timekeeping leaders can be worthwhile for watch enthusiasts. Switzerland The only thing you will run out of in Switzerland is time. One of the many regions worth seeing is the Watch Valley. In a span of three days, you can cover this tour by going west from Zurich and arcing towards Geneva. The entire region is eye candy. Known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world, Zurich is a good place to try on some exclusive Swiss watch models. Bahnhofstrasse is a fine shopping street. Stop in at Beyer Chronometrie Clock and Watch Museum and see models of the first ‘portable watches’ and clocks from primeval Europe. Take a train to Schaffhausen. You will see the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, on the way. IWC, or the International Watch Company, has a detailed museum. Schaffhausen has plenty of dining options in and around the city. Known as the home of Omega watches, Biel is another train ride away. Although Rolex has a presence here, it is more importantly the home of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Not far way is La Chaux-deFonds, which is home to the esteemed watch companies Girard-Perregaux, Corum and Breitling. The Musee de l’Horlogerie and the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva boast amazing exhibits, like watches from the past 400 years. The United Nations building here is interesting, as is the Flower Clock. You will find the perfect Baume et Mercier or Tag Heuer at the Rue du Rhône. Not on the map: Switzerland’s Watch Valley bursts with wine. Taste the fine Chassela white wine and Pinot Noir reds. Travel in TIME
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