Chronométrie A l'Emeraude’s Guide to Lausanne, Presented by Watchonista

When visiting Switzerland, most watch enthusiasts will likely find themselves in Geneva at some point, be it to visit a watchmaker, shop at a boutique, or attend a watch fair. But less than an hour away along the shores of Lake Geneva lies another city just as deserving of your attention: Lausanne.

Capital of the canton of Vaud and the Olympic Capital of the world, Lausanne has plenty to offer, like breathtaking lake and mountain views, a delightful old town, world-class museums and universities, rolling vineyards, and a vibrant café culture and nightlife.

The hilly city is also home to Chronométrie A l'Emeraude, a passionate haute horlogerie retailer offering one the most impressive selections of watch brands and independent watchmakers in Switzerland and, for that matter, Europe.

Owned and managed by the Cremers family – who are supported by their highly professional, knowledgeable team – Chronométrie A l'Emeraude operates out of a pair of stores at No. 12 on Lausanne’s Place Saint-François.
 

Few watch retail spaces in any country are able to offer creeations created by F.P.Journe, Voutilainen, Rexhep Rexhepi, De Bethune, Romain Gauthier, Sylvain Pinaud, Ludovic Ballouard and Raúl Pagès next to watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hublot, IWC Schaffhausen, Tudor, and Panerai. Even high-end mechanical music boxes made by Reuge are part of Chronométrie A l'Emeraude’s offering.

With their local knowledge on par with their expertise of watches and jewelry, Chronométrie A l'Emeraude’s Derek and Marina Cremers reveal their top spots not to be missed during an excursion to, or stay in, Lausanne.

Guests can enjoy spectacular views across Lake Geneva (known as Lac Léman to locals) and the Alps, a magnificent pool and spa, a choice of top restaurants, and impeccable customer service from the impressively attentive staff.
 

It is rare for a city guide to feature a florist, but it would be remiss of us if we didn’t suggest a visit to Meylan Flowers, a flower boutique like few others. Marinette Déglise and her talented, service-oriented team can propose colorful, creative, and thoroughly original bouquets and arrangements, whatever the occasion. This is floral art at its very best!
 

Lausanne boasts excellent museums and galleries to satisfy any culture vulture; however, our go-to spot for artistic sustenance is a less obvious venue: Galerie Syndrome Artistique, which hosts exhibitions exclusively featuring artists that are on the autistic spectrum, the first such gallery in Switzerland.

Its unique ethos is neatly summed up by a quote by French novelist André Malraux, who said: "Art is the shortest path from one human being to another.”
 

For dinner, you should definitely make a reservation at La Grappe d’Or, a veritable Lausanne institution that serves traditional, hearty Italian fare – tasty antipasti, pasta, meat, and fish, accompanied by an absolutely fantastic wine list. Even cultural icons like David Bowie and Grace Kelly are said to have enjoyed dining here in their time.

Plus, as a result of La Grappe d’Or’s cozy and convivial atmosphere – cultivated by manager Laurent Bigler – it is not uncommon for customers to spontaneously strike up a conversation with adjacent diners.