Neuchâtel: Where Imagination Meets Horological Precision

Neuchâtel is not just a picturesque town on the shores of an emerald lake; it is a crossroads where time stands still only to be more finely sculpted. For us at Elka Watch Co., being located at 16 Rue des Chavannes is not a coincidence. It is a choice of passion, situated at the heart of an ecosystem where creative imagination meets Swiss technical rigor.

A New Landmark: The "Tour du Fantastique" by John Howe

The city has recently unveiled a new symbol: the Tour du Fantastique (Tower of the Fantastic). Imagined by John Howe, the world-renowned conceptual designer for The Lord of the Rings, this architectural marvel transforms our urban landscape. It serves as a powerful reminder that Neuchâtel is a land of creators.

After exploring this dreamlike world, extend your journey into the pedestrian zone. In our boutique, our TimePeace collection echoes this magic with dials featuring Elvish characters—a true bridge between legend and mechanical artistry.

The Independent Heart of Watchmaking

While the large manufactures reign over the surrounding hills, the city center beats to the rhythm of independent houses. Strolling through the historic streets, you will discover a rare level of craftsmanship:

• Elka Watch Co. (16 Rue des Chavannes): Come and discover our heritage dating back to 1877. From the organic purity of the models (available in 36mm or 40.8mm) to the robustness of the Arinis—our diver’s watch inspired by the region’s Roman and lacustrine history—each piece tells a Neuchâtel story.
• Kerbedanz: A neighboring maison that embodies "the luxury of being unique," creating symbolic, bespoke timepieces of rare complexity.
• BA111OD: A bold brand redefining traditional distribution codes from its Neuchâtel headquarters.
• Krayon: Creators of poetic complications, such as the Everywhere universal sunrise/sunset mechanical display.

An Essential Stop in the "Watch Valley"

A visit to Neuchâtel is incomplete without immersing yourself in the wider Watch Valley. Just a short drive away, the mountains of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds house giants like Zenith, Tissot, and Girard-Perregaux.Why 

Visit Us in Person?

Unlike the large manufactures, which are often private facilities, the Elka boutique is a place for meeting and exchange. We love sharing the history of the brand and discussing the future of independent watchmaking over a workbench. Neuchâtel is waiting for you. 

Between a walk by the lake and an immersion into the fantastic, stop by 16 Rue des Chavannes to discover time from a different perspective.