The Premier Watchmaking Event of the Summer: Geneva Watch Days 2024
The most anticipated horological event of the summer is set to take place from August 29 to September 2, 2024, in Geneva.
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Maintaining its relaxed and casual ambiance, the event will welcome new participants this year, adding a fresh dimension to the gathering. For the first time, brands such as Beauregard, Cvstos, Daniel Roth, Edox, Favre Leuba, Fortis, Genus, Lederer, L’Epée, Micromilspec, Ming, and Speake-Marin will be joining.
They will be in good company with Breguet, Blancpain, and Glashütte Original, who are enhancing the event with special animations in their boutiques, signifying a united effort to highlight the excellence of fine watchmaking. Including the 36 returning brands, the event will boast participation from a total of 51 distinguished Maisons.
The Evolution of Geneva Watch Days
Launched during the pandemic as a temporary solution for the industry to come together, Geneva Watch Days has solidified its status as a key institution in the watchmaking world.
Initiated in 2020 by six founding members—Breitling, Bulgari, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie., and MB&F—the event has expanded significantly. It’s characterized by a common pavilion for displaying brands’ timepieces and hosting discussions on pertinent topics.
Additionally, decentralized locations such as boutiques or hotels allow each Maison to personally welcome watch enthusiasts. This format fosters a convivial and festive environment, underpinned by straightforward yet effective organization, all set against the backdrop of Geneva’s iconic Jet d’Eau in the late summer warmth.
A Promising 2024 Edition
Antoine Pin, President of the Geneva Watch Days Association and Director of Bulgari Watches, has highlighted the growing success of the event and said: “The increasing success of the Geneva Watch Days must be attributed to the participating brands, as well as the constant support from our partners, especially the State and the City of Geneva. The 2024 edition looks very promising”.
With the last edition attracting over 8,000 visitors, 600 media representatives, and 300 retailers globally, the inclusion of a full weekend in the 2024 edition, complete with a public program, indicates the potential for even greater success. A teaser event is also scheduled for June 4 in Zurich, offering a preview of the festivities and revealing the final list of participants.
Community Support and Solidarity
In a show of solidarity and commitment to preserving the craft, the Geneva Watch Days, in partnership with Phillips and Bacs & Russo, organized a charity auction on August 30, 2023, raising CHF 110,000. The proceeds went towards establishing the “Pierre Amstutz Fund” in honor of the late Director of the Geneva Watchmaking School.
This fund supports students in need, ensuring they can complete their training under better conditions. This initiative demonstrates the watchmaking community’s dedication to supporting its future artisans, setting the stage for another auction in 2024.