The Geneva Watch Days 2024 concluded on a high note, smashing records and setting new benchmarks for the watchmaking world. This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular, drawing an impressive number of industry professionals, media representatives, and watch enthusiasts from around the globe. Let’s dive into the highlights and figures that made this year’s event a resounding success.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Participation
Geneva Watch Days 2024 hosted 52 prestigious brands and attracted nearly 1,500 watchmaking professionals. Among them were 650 media representatives and 250 retailers from every corner of the world, all gathered by the serene shores of Lake Geneva. Over five days, the pavilion at the “Rotonde du Mont Blanc” welcomed 13,800 visitors, marking a staggering 70% increase from last year.
Visitors had the unique opportunity to explore over 100 new timepieces displayed across 65 showcases, each crafted around four captivating themes. Guided tours led by experts from the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie attracted 650 visitors, who delved deep into the intricate art of watchmaking. Exclusive VIP programs catered to collectors, offering them an even more immersive experience.
Engaging Activities and Insights
This year’s event offered more than just watch displays. The Geneva Watch Days organized nine symposia, each addressing crucial topics for the watchmaking industry. Held in the newly introduced “Glass Box” venue, these sessions saw around 100 attendees per discussion, sparking insightful conversations.
On August 31, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie hosted a special brunch that drew 150 watch enthusiasts. They tested their knowledge with a fun quiz and attended three in-depth conferences. These sessions offered unique insights into each brand’s story, their latest innovations, and mankind’s evolving relationship with time.
Additionally, three informal breakfast meetings allowed students, collectors, and business executives to interact directly with CEOs from the participating brands. This initiative fostered meaningful exchanges and built strong community ties.
Cultural Highlights and Collaborations
The Culture Club, located in a wing of the Pavilion, was another highlight. Here, key partners like the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, and the Horological Society of New York hosted ongoing activities. The program was rich with cultural exchanges, workshops, and presentations, creating a vibrant and dynamic space for all attendees.
The charity auction on September 1, jointly organized by Geneva Watch Days and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, raised CHF 108,000 for the Pierre Amstutz Fund. This fund supports apprentices at the Geneva Watchmaking School, ensuring they complete their studies under favorable conditions. The generous contributions from this auction demonstrate the watch community’s commitment to nurturing future talent.
Celebrating the Unique Spirit of Geneva Watch Days
Beyond the figures, Geneva Watch Days 2024 captured a unique spirit that sets it apart from other watch events. Jean-Christophe Babin, President of the Geneva Watch Days Association and CEO of Bulgari Group, praised the collaborative effort: “This year’s success is due not only to the participating brands but also to our partners. We deeply appreciate the support from the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Geneva Tourism, and other vital organizations.”
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, highlighted the event’s evolution, stating,
“It’s a cultural moment, a unifying gathering, and a platform for exchange within the watchmaking industry. This year, Geneva Watch Days even expanded to German-speaking Switzerland for a day in June, boosting its profile.”
Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin, added,
“Informal yet professional, decentralized but friendly, this event perfectly showcases our 233-year history. Girard-Perregaux is proud to be a founding member.”
Maximilian Büsser, Founder and Director of MB&F, expressed his enthusiasm:
“Launching beautiful mechanical objects opposite the Jet d’Eau, in the heart of watchmaking, is nothing but a delight. In a digital age, it’s vital to share ideas with professionals and the public alike.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on this year’s unprecedented success, Geneva Watch Days is already gearing up for its sixth edition in 2025. The event is poised to remain a must-attend fixture in the watch industry calendar. There are hints that Geneva Watch Days may expand to other watchmaking capitals next year! A promising development as it would make an even broader impact.
About Geneva Watch Days
Geneva Watch Days, founded in 2020 by six renowned brands—Breitling, Bvlgari, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie, and MB&F—embodies a spirit of cooperation and innovation. The event offers a flexible, self-managed platform where brands showcase new products and iconic watches in decentralized venues. Supported by the State and City of Geneva and key industry players. Geneva Watch Days continues to redefine watchmaking events by fostering collaboration and community.
