The event comprising two parts, ‘In the Salon’ and ‘In the City’, is set to take over the Swiss city from March 27 to April 2
By Sony Thomas
Watches and Wonders Geneva, the world’s largest annual trade show and exhibition that showcases the latest innovations and trends in luxury watches, has opened its doors today at the Palexpo in Geneva. The event, featuring some of the world’s most prestigious brands, has become the biggest highlight of the year for watch enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals, offering them a unique opportunity to see the latest developments in watchmaking and to connect with others who share a passion for this timeless and elegant art form. This year, for the first time, the organizers have designed a two-part programme: ‘In the Salon’ at Palexpo and ‘In the City’ in central Geneva. This programme by day and by night is sure to further cement Geneva’s position as the capital of luxury watches.
On April 1 and 2, the event will be to the public, with tickets available at watchesandwonders.com.
This year’s event has 48 exhibiting Maisons, from historical watchmakers to independent workshops and artisans. A glimpse into the future of watchmaking is provided in the LAB area, while the exhibition ‘What time is it?’ by Karine Bauzin offers a preview of the Swiss photographer’s work on her artistic perception of time. The Auditorium will hold themed talks that will cover the key watchmaking news and trends throughout the weekend – in two languages. No registration is required for these sessions. The Salon will also run guided tours for small groups, throughout the day during the event.
Meanwhile, programmes as part of In the City will be free and open to everyone. Visitors can roam around freely through the Rues Basses of the city centre and spot the WandW display columns that indicate surprises in stores and boutiques including historical pieces, demonstration workshops, a chance to chat with the watchmakers, a preview of new pieces, etc. An interactive watch rally has also been organized, in which participants can use the QR codes scattered along a route to discover the participating boutiques and emblematic sites. On March 30, all the participating boutiques will stay open until 9 pm, with an evening of festivities planned with artists, dancers, and musicians over five stages along the streets, beginning at 5 pm. At the Pont de la Machine, a conference on “Geneva, Switzerland and Watchmaking” will be open to all who register. A collection of food trucks will be stationed at the city’s main crossroads to cater to those who participate in a free concert from DJ/Producer The Avener at Quai du Général Guisan, at 8pm.
To buy tickets and see the full programme, head to watchesandwonders.com.