Geneva Watch Days 2024: Geneva Becomes the Capital of Contemporary Watchmaking

Official Story

During Geneva Watch Days, the city itself turns into an open meeting place where brands, collectors, journalists and enthusiasts come together to discover the latest creations and the people behind them.

Now in its seventh edition, Geneva Watch Days welcomes 68 participating brands, from independent watchmakers to internationally established manufactures. Created in 2020 during the disruption of the global pandemic, the event has grown into one of the most important gatherings on the contemporary watchmaking calendar while keeping its original spirit: open, accessible and centred on genuine human connections.

Rather than concentrating everyone inside a traditional exhibition hall, Geneva Watch Days spreads across the city. Brand showrooms, lakeside pavilions and dedicated presentation spaces invite visitors to experience watchmaking in a relaxed atmosphere where conversations often become as memorable as the watches themselves.

Supported by the City and Canton of Geneva together with leading institutions from the Swiss watch industry, the event continues to strengthen its role as an international platform celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and innovation. For collectors, retailers, journalists and enthusiasts alike, Geneva Watch Days offers a unique opportunity to discover new collections while meeting the people who design, develop and build them.

My Editorial Experience

Walking into Geneva Watch Days 2024 for the first time felt different from any traditional watch fair. Rather than being confined to a single exhibition hall, the event unfolded across the city, with Geneva itself becoming part of the experience.

The Beau-Rivage Hotel quickly became one of my favourite places. Throughout the day it hosted exhibitions, presentations and informal meetings, while its terrace offered one of the most beautiful views of the Jet d’Eau. Between appointments, photographers, journalists, collectors and brand representatives naturally gathered there, creating an atmosphere that felt both relaxed and highly professional.

One of the highlights was attending several conferences where leading figures of the Swiss watch industry shared their vision of the future of independent watchmaking and innovation. Seeing Jean-Christophe Babin and other industry leaders speaking only a few metres away made the event feel remarkably accessible.

Beyond the exhibitions, Geneva Watch Days was also about people. I had the pleasure of meeting former professors, reconnecting with familiar faces from the luxury industry and discovering independent creators presenting remarkable new timepieces. Around every corner someone was filming an interview, photographing a new release or discussing the latest complications over a glass of champagne.

As the evening arrived, the atmosphere changed once again. Private receptions, live DJs and elegant cocktail parties transformed the event into a celebration of Swiss watchmaking. Yet despite the luxury surroundings, the feeling remained surprisingly open and welcoming. Collectors, journalists, executives, influencers and enthusiasts all shared the same passion.

I stayed until late into the night, camera in hand, documenting every moment. Looking back, what remains strongest in my memory is not only the extraordinary watches but the energy of the people who make this industry so fascinating.

For a first visit to Geneva Watch Days, it was an unforgettable experience!