Uhrenmuseum Beyer

About the museum

The Watch Museum belongs to the traditional Zurich business Beyer Chronometrie, which traces its origins to a family of watchmakers from Donaueschingen and has been based at Bahnhofstrasse 31 in the Orell-Füssli-Hof since 1927. In the course of a complete renovation of the shop, the "Museum of Timekeeping" opened in 1971 and was later renamed Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich. In 1982 an extension and a further renovation of the shop and museum followed.

The collection is regarded as one of the most important publicly accessible private collections in the world and tells the history of timekeeping from around 1400 BC to the present day. About ten timepieces are added each year, partly through purchases and partly through donations; many have a connection to the family and company history.

The exhibition shows over 250 objects in six alcoves and numerous display cases: from the Egyptian water clock through sundials, table clocks and pocket watches to marine chronometers, automata and complicated wristwatches. For 2015 the museum reports around 8,500 visitors, three quarters of them from abroad. The museum remains open until 30 October 2026; after that the collection will be packed up, and reopening is planned at the new location in the Mühle Tiefenbrunnen cultural area.

Highlights

• Over 250 objects from the Egyptian water clock (around 1400 BC) to the quartz watch
• Automata, curiosities and record-breakingly small watches
• Rare table clocks with planetaria and porcelain clocks
• Numerous marine chronometers and complicated wristwatches
• Information on iPads in six languages

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung Zeitmessung – Over 250 objects show the history of timekeeping from the Egyptian water clock to the modern quartz watch, plus automata, table clocks, pocket watches and marine chronometers.

Founded

1971

Operated by

Beyer Chronometrie AG

Visitors per year

approx. 8,500 (2015)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free with the ZürichCARD. School classes pay a reduced admission, accompanying teachers are free (visit by advance booking, in the morning). There are no discounts on guided tours. Tickets can be bought online; group tickets for 8 or more people by e-mail.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The museum describes a visit as exciting for young and old; children up to 12 years have free admission, and school classes are welcome.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the middle of Zurich, under the same roof as the Beyer shop at Bahnhofstrasse 31.

Amenities & dining

The museum is located in the basement of the Beyer watch shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit