Charles-Henri Meylan (1842–1916): From the Vallée de Joux to the American Dream
From May, 9 to September, 20, 2026
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Charles-Henri Meylan established himself as one of the most brilliant watchmakers of his time. Trained in Europe and active in the United States, he created timepieces of remarkable complexity before founding his own manufacture in Le Brassus in 1888. Although his name gradually faded into obscurity as the major watchmaking houses rose to prominence, his career embodies that of an entire generation of master craftsmen. This exhibition aims to shed new light on his work and his major contribution to the history of watchmaking.
Past exhibitions
Comix Mécanix
A story of comic books and watchmaking — that’s what the “Comix Mécanix” exhibition will offer to the visitors of Espace Horloger. The title, a playful nod to the well-known world of Asterix, brings together the two key elements of a dialogue based on creativity and craftsmanship: the art of comics and the art of mechanical watchmaking.
When times comes to life
The EPFL – Watchmakers association is a student organization at EPFL bringing together watchmaking enthusiasts from various fields in science and engineering. It explores the intersection of precision mechanics, watchmaking expertise, and innovation through concrete, collaborative projects.
The exhibition will showcase the key stages in the creation of this association and the result of their work: a modular clock, accompanied by interactive displays allowing the public to discover their approach and achievements.
The Quest
In 1755, in Geneva, a quest begins.
A quest for excellence in high watchmaking.
A quest of passion, perseverance, and mastery.
A quest to “ do better if possible, and that is always possible ”.
Vacheron constantin celebrates seeking excellence for 270 years
Come and discover some of the gems of our heritage collection attesting this never ending quest.
Hâte-toi lentement : Time in questions
“Hâte-toi lentement: Time in questions” invites visitors to reflect on their relationship with time through four major themes that illustrate their relationship with time through the ages: Natural time, Personified time, Free time and Modern time. Made up of animated and theatrical showcases and interactive stations, “Haste-toi lentement” is an exhibition for families and the general public that looks at the commonplace and imaginary places that mark out our perception and conception of time.
The Reverso Stories
“The Reverso Stories” maps the creative and cultural universe of this exceptional model according to four themes, taking visitors on a journey through more than 90 years of timeless modernity. These four chapters are complemented by a presentation detailing the extent to which the Grande Maison has embodied the spirit of the Vallée de Joux for 190 years, nurtured by boundless creativity and tirelessly focused on innovation, with deep respect for the traditional values of Haute Horlogerie.
Merci
Through this exhibition, the Espace Horloger aims to pay tribute to and express gratitude to the numerous donors who have contributed over the past 25 years. Since 1996, the collection of the Espace Horloger has been enriched with hundreds of timepieces and objects, including many donations and legacies from individuals. This is an opportunity to come and discover these treasures !
Top Chrono!
On the occasion of the 3rd edition of the Youth Olympic Games, which will take place in Lausanne, the Espace Horloger, in partnership with the prestigious brands Omega and Dubois Dépraz, presents a temporary exhibition based on the historical journey of the Olympic Games and the emergence of timing in sports events.
Sur les ailes du Temps
As part of its annual exhibition, the Espace Horloger invites Joanne Besse and her artworks straight out of an imaginary world : insects adorned with magnificent timepieces. The artist takes us on an exploratory journey, a true tale that leads us through space and time into the universe of the most beautiful horological insects !
James Bond Time
For its 20th anniversary, the Espace Horloger of the Vallée de Joux has decided to create a unique exhibition in Switzerland on the theme of the famous secret agent 007 and his watches titled “James Bond Time”. This exceptional exhibition will delve into the history of James Bond watches throughout his 24 films.
Star Watch
The upcoming temporary exhibition at the Espace Horloger will focus on the history of 9 artisans, masters of grand complications, and the mechanical art of the Vallée de Joux, which in 1933 gave birth to the “Henry Graves” by Patek Philippe. Known to be the most complicated watch ever made entirely by hand, it features 24 watch complications.
Design moi une montre
The Espace Horloger of the Vallée de Joux presents a unique exhibition on watch design and mechanical watch design. The fashion and artistic movements that have influenced watchmaking and later fostered the emergence of watch designers are explained and presented in a contemporary setting. Iconic timepieces are displayed, along with Swiss and international designers.
Montre icône
The Espace Horloger welcomes its latest temporary exhibition, an “iconic watch”: the Royal Oak. Let’s take a closer look at this timepiece with a DNA from the Vallée de Joux but an international reputation – the first luxury watch made of steel, and a necessary gamble for the survival of a company and an entire industry. We delve into the visionary creator Gérald Genta, who offered luxury a new definition and thereby elevated the artisanal crafts and their craftsmanship to a new dimension of prestige.