Tokyo (SCCIJ) – The heart of Geneva is beating to the rhythms of luxury watchmaking this week. 48 watch brands and manufacturers are exhibiting their newest pieces and collections for business visitors of the “Watches and Wonders 2023” exhibition at Palexpo. The Salon also conquers the city itself and opens its doors to the general public.
Visitors during the Watches and Wonders in Geneva, Switzerland (© Keystone/Valentin Flauraud).
Industry celebration
Watches and Wonders Geneva is devoted to time: to the past, through objects crafted respecting a centuries-old tradition, then to the present, with timepieces that are revolutionizing this art, and finally, to the future, with an area dedicated to innovation and new technologies, and driven by future projects from the exhibiting watchmakers.
At the inauguration ceremony with the 48 CEOs of the exhibitors and high-ranking representatives of the cantonal and municipal authorities, twelve dancers from the Geneva Ballet performed a short excerpt from motifs of Japanese wood printing blocks (Ukiyo-e) readapted especially for the occasion.
Mr. Jean-Frédéric Dufour, President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation and organizer of the Salon, and Mr. Mauro Poggia, President of the State Council of Geneva, emphasized the dynamism and importance of the event for the watchmaking industry and for the Canton and City of Geneva. The fair was an opportunity for the industry to come together and speak with one voice, they said.
Watches and Wonders brings together many leading names of the watchmaking and luxury industry at Geneva Palexpo (Keystone/Cyril Zingaro).
Back to full strength
The big turnout at the start of the world’s largest luxury watch fair testifies to the recovery of an industry that has regained its full strength after the pandemic. The exhibition area is designed like a temple of luxury and features the atmosphere of a 5-star hotel. A few booths are rumored to cost up to 5 million Swiss francs each.
Some of the stands are still familiar from the time when “Baselworld” was the trade fair leader in the watch world. But the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), as the Geneva exhibition used to be called, seems to have replaced the Basel-based fair. However, Watches and Wonders still does not represent the full industry.
The Geneva fair is dominated by Rolex, Patek Philippe, and the Richemont group, which owns brands like Cartier, Piaget, IWC, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Independent makers like Chopard originally from Geneva, and A. Lange & Söhne from Germany, as well as Grand Seiko from Japan also showcase their new products. But the Swiss Swatch Group, whose brands include Omega, Breguet, Blancpain, Longines, and Glashütte Original, is absent.
Involving the public
More than just a trade show, Watches and Wonders wants to be a place where you can listen to and learn from professionals. An extensive program of talks has been specially organized for the general public on 1 and 2 April. Around six talks and discussion panels will be held each day. Renowned experts and speakers have been lined up to analyze watch trends, explain what makes a watch valuable, or how to start a vintage watch collection. Topical subjects will also be discussed, such as the metaverse, NFTs, blockchain, and circularity.
While the Salon is the highlight of this annual industry meeting, the luxury fair also conquers Geneva during this week. The major watch stores on Rue du Rhône and Rues Basses in Geneva have also opened their doors to unveil special designs, ornate pieces, and rare watch complications during a skillfully orchestrated rally. Each of the participating brands’ boutiques has prepared specific activities to welcome visitors and showcase their expertise.
If you cannot make it to Geneva, you can follow the daily events or watch videos from the fair events.
Text: Watches and Wonders (Editing by SCCIJ)
