Clock and watch museum

The Clock and Watch Museum in Mechelen (Horlogeriemuseum) is a small private museum dedicated to the craft of timekeeping, located at Lange Schipstraat 13 in the historic centre of Mechelen, Belgium. It is run by Jozef Op de Beeck and his daughter Elke, both professional restorers of antique clocks and watches, who have opened their personal collection, built up over many years, to visitors.

What is on display?

The collection holds more than a thousand timepieces spanning roughly four centuries, from around 1600 to the present day. Among the exhibits are a tower clock, hourglasses and sundials, so-called "mysterious" clocks whose hand-driving mechanism is deliberately hidden from view, elaborate pocket watches and high-end wristwatches. The collection is rounded out by grandfather clocks, table and wall clocks, travel alarm clocks, and the tools once used in watchmakers' workshops. Together, the pieces trace not just the objects themselves but the evolution of timekeeping technology over hundreds of years.

How does a visit work?

Unlike most museums, this one cannot be explored independently at any time of day. Visits are only possible for groups of 10 to 30 people, booked in advance, and are led by a working clockmaker. This format turns the visit into more of an encounter with a craftsman than a conventional walk through exhibition rooms — the guide explains how the various mechanisms work, shares the history behind individual pieces, and answers questions about the restoration and repair of clocks and watches.

Who is it for?

Because of its intimate, group-only format, the museum is best suited to visitors genuinely interested in horology and clockmaking craftsmanship, collectors, and organised groups looking for an unusual attraction in Mechelen beyond the city's standard sightseeing route. The private nature of the collection, together with the Op de Beeck family's personal involvement in running it, gives the place an authentic character that is rarely found in larger, institutional museums.

Frequently asked questions

Can the museum be visited individually? No — visits are only organised for groups of 10 to 30 people, guided by a professional clockmaker.

How many objects does the collection include? More than a thousand clocks and watches, dating from around 1600 to the present.

Where exactly is the museum located? At Lange Schipstraat 13 in Mechelen, Belgium.

Who runs the museum? Jozef Op de Beeck and his daughter Elke, both professional restorers of antique clocks and watches.

What types of clocks can visitors see? Among others, a tower clock, hourglasses, sundials, "mysterious" clocks, pocket and wristwatches, and grandfather, table and wall clocks.