The 2024 edition of the luxury watch fair “Watches and Wonders” in Geneva begins on Tuesday in its largest size ever with the arrival of eight new brands and a record number of 54 exhibiting Maisons.
Watches and Wonders 2024 in Geneva opens to the public from April 13 to 15 (© Watches and Wonders).
Three public days
Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, TAG Heuer, Vacheron Constantin, and many others will be there, but the Swatch Group brands are like before missing. Watches and Wonders Geneva is the most important event for the watchmaking industry, especially in times of the strong franc, the rising price of gold, and high geopolitical uncertainty.
“We are expecting around 45,000 visitors from all over the world: people who work in the watch industry, journalists, collectors and watch enthusiasts,” Jean-Frédéric Dufour, President of the Watches-and-Wonders-Foundation und General Director of Rolex, told the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung. While the first four days of the fair are reserved for professionals, the Salon will open its doors to the general public over three days for the first time this year, from April 13 to 15, 2024, at Palexpo-Geneva.
The 2024 program has been designed for all – those completely new to horology, along with watch enthusiasts and experienced collectors, Watches and Wonders stated in its press release. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to take a deep dive into the culture of watchmaking and get an inside look at the inner workings of an industry that is fueled by creativity, craft, and passion”.
The public at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 can see the newest timepieces up close (© Watches and Wonders).
Focus on the younger generation
Watches and Wonders takes place every spring in Geneva and is the world’s largest watch fair. It emerged in this form after the collapse of the Basel watch fair Baselworld during the pandemic. The emphasis this year will be on innovation, with a special focus on young people. “We have noticed a growing interest in our industry from the younger generation, with an average age of 35 on the public days, which is extremely encouraging,” comments Matthieu Humair, CEO of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation.
For the first time, the public will be able to register to see the newest timepieces up close and discover the secrets of their complications. Unique guided tours led by watchmaking experts will also be offered: there is something for everyone and every interest.
Open to all, the new Watchmaking Village, located in the heart of the City, will offer cultural and educational activities. It will be the starting point for guided tours that will raise awareness of the rich watchmaking heritage of Geneva. Everyone will be able to learn about the different specializations within the field of watchmaking and also have the opportunity to talk to apprentices and professionals. There will even be workshops and activities for children to take part in.
Text: Watches and Wonders (Editing by SCCIJ)
