Watches and Wonders announces a host of new experiences for its third, three-day public edition that will take place between April 5th to 7th at Geneva’s Palexpo exhibition and convention centre.
The prestigious Geneva watch fair is pulling out all the stops for an interactive horological experience that will be bigger and better than ever before. This year will see 60 brands, including six newcomers (Bulgari, Christiaan van der Klaauw, Genus, Kross Studio, MeisterSinger, Armin Strom and HYT), who will unite for a week of watchmaking celebrations.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect.
New Show Features
Firstly, once in possession of your ticket, you will be able to book appointments with your favourite brands, via the Watches and Wonders website. This will allow you to join small-group presentations where you can see and try on the latest watches as well as talk to representatives from the brands (places are on a first come first served basis).
For those who want to maximize their day, there will be the possibility to book a guided tour of the show so you can see all the highlights and get all the information without ever having to open a Watches & Wonders floorplan! This is a luxury, believe me, because even after years of attending the show, I still go the wrong way!
For those who want to take their Watches and Wonders experience to the next level, there is a new Premium Experience that gives you priority access to activities, exclusive product presentations, conferences, luxury hospitality, VIP parking, and more.
Longitude Zero Exhibition
This year’s edition will include a thought-provoking photographic exhibition by award-winning Geneva photographer Fred Merz. Entitled Longitude Zero, the exhibition will be searching for the markers of time on the Greenwich Meridian, from the North of England right down to Ghana, crossing eight countries and three continents. Visitors will be able to discover 32 photos and 16 diptychs all taken in the same time zone.
Under 25s
Last year, the post-show statistics revealed that 20% of the visitors in 2024 were under the age of 25. This surprising yet inspiring information has led the organizers to present a selection of careers associated with watchmaking for young people who are perhaps entertaining a career in horology. There will be a host of potential professions to discover at the LAB, a space dedicated to innovation and new technologies that explores the future of watchmaking training and professions.
The LAB will show 13 different projects, including a presentation by l’ECAL, the world-famous design school from Lausanne and will include a culinary experience from Top Chef Danny Khezzar.
In the City
Watchmaking professions will also be on the agenda in Geneva’s city centre as part of the Watches and Wonders “In the City” program. A Watchmaking Village at the Pont de la Machine will be hosting apprentices and trainees who will be presenting their different training courses.
The Watchmaking Village will also be hosting the SwissSkills 2025 qualifications for microtechnology professions, organized for the first time in conjunction with the Salon, as well as providing live coverage of the competition from April 1st to 4th.
The “In the City” part of Watches and Wonders will continue to be an important part of the Watches and Wonders experience. A free concert will take place on the night of Thursday 3rd April and the city’s watch boutiques will be open for visitors to enjoy extended shopping hours, with many of the brands organizing special events and activations for the occasion.
Additional Watch Culture
Another feature this year can be found at the Payot bookstore, which will be joining the “In the City” celebrations for the first time with a series of activities based on the theme of time. Conferences, book readings, literary suggestions, films, and more will be on the program, adding to the horological fun.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets today and get ready for the best Watches and Wonders yet!
