Build Your Own Watch in St Andrews: Custom Timepiece

You operate the engraving machine and watch your timepiece come to life.

Build a custom watch at a St Andrews workshop in a one-hour hands-on class with a master watch builder, selecting case designs and straps from over 900 combinations, assembling the movement yourself, and engraving a personal message on the caseback. The experience includes £195 store credit toward your finished watch, Scottish whisky, beer, wine and nibbles, and a brief history of local watch manufacturing.

The experience

What does it take to build a watch you'll actually wear? You'll find out in the St Andrews workshop, where a master builder walks you through the full Kartel range and hands you the tools. The hour begins with a warm welcome and a selection of local Scottish produce (whisky, beer, wine and tablet) followed by the story of watch manufacturing in the region and the brand itself. Then you move to the cases: case designs first, then straps in metals, leathers, cashmere, wool from Johnston's of Elgin, and Harris Tweed. Over 900 combinations sit in front of you, and you choose the one that becomes yours.

The assembly happens next, guided step by step by the master builder as you fit the movement into your chosen case. This is not a demonstration. Your hands do the work. Once the watch is together, you move to the engraving station and operate the machine yourself, adding text or a handwritten message to the caseback. The timepiece that leaves with you is one you designed and made, not one you watched someone else build.

The £195 store credit covers the cost of your components, so you walk out with a finished watch. The experience suits anyone marking an occasion (a birthday, an anniversary, a retirement), or anyone who wants a memento they actually built. Minimum age is 12, and the workshop is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• One-hour hands-on watch building class with a master builder.
• selection of local Scottish whisky, beer, wine and tablet.
• £195 store credit toward your custom-built watch.
• engraving of a personal message on the caseback.
• access to over 900 case and strap combinations.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDepartures at 11:00 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kartel Scotland

Is this one for you?Book this experience if you want to give (or keep) a gift that you actually made: the hour in the workshop and the engraving machine in your hands are what turn a watch into a memory.

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Top questions

How many different watch combinations can I choose from?

Over 900 combinations are available, starting with case designs, then moving through straps in metals, leathers, cashmere, wool and Harris Tweed, so the options for personalizing your watch are extensive.

Do I actually assemble the watch myself, or does the builder do it?

You assemble it yourself, guided by the master builder through each step of fitting the movement into your chosen case.

Can I add a personal message to my finished watch?

Yes, you operate the engraving machine yourself and add text or a handwritten message to the caseback as the final step.

What's included in the £195 store credit?

The credit covers the cost of the components you select (case, movement, strap and any extras), so your finished watch is included in the price.

Is there a minimum age for the watch building experience?

Yes, the minimum age is 12 years old.