Watches and Wonders Geneva goes beyond the trade

January 22, 2023

0 Views

SaveSavedRemoved 0

Watches and Wonders Geneva goes beyond the trade

Organisers of Watches and Wonders Geneva are anticipating the upcoming edition will be ‘more than a trade show’ following a successful restart in 2022.

This year’s fair begins on 27 March and will conclude on 2 April.

The first five days will be reserved for business visitors and the press, however, the final two days (1-2 April) will be open to the general public.

“Watches and Wonders will be inviting the inhabitants of Geneva, both novices and enthusiasts and all visitors to enjoy an immersive experience at the heart of a Salon, designed as a sumptuous village with its squares, alleys, restaurants and watchmaking worlds,” a Richemont statement reads.

“While the Salon is the highlight of this annual rendez-vous, the whole of Geneva will hum to the rhythm of watch movements for a whole week. The major watch stores on Rue du Rhône and Rues Basses will also open their doors In the City in order to unveil special designs, ornate pieces, and rare watch complications during a skilfully orchestrated rally.”

Once known as Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Watches and Wonders Geneva underwent a rebrand and name change prior to the COVID pandemic. Consecutive fairs were cancelled due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

The 2022 edition of the fair was a successful restart for the event, driven by Richemont brands such as Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Montblanc, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Organisers reported attendance of more than 22,000 visitors with 38 exhibiting brands, including 19 first-timers.

The upcoming fair has expanded to 48 exhibiting brands and manufacturers including Rolex, Chopard, Grand Seiko, Hublot, Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, and Zenith among others.

Online ticketing opens on 1 February.

Following the 2022 fair organisers also confirmed an expansion of the schedule in China.

There will be a fair in Shanghai from 23-27 November and an extended showcase running from 3 October to 31 December on Hainan Island sites Haikou and Sanya.