A Triumph Of Timekeeping Excellence And Unity
That Was Watches And Wonders Geneva 2024
Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 has left a legacy of broken records, lifted spirits, and industry optimism soaring to new heights.
The premier event on the global high-end watchmaking calendar witnessed an uptick in exhibitors, visitors, and ticket sales. It symbolised a collective commitment within the watchmaking fraternity to celebrate excellence and savoir-faire.
With its inclusive approach to welcoming the general public and the extension of its reach through the In The City programme, Watches and Wonders Geneva has cemented its status as a beacon of inspiration for the high-end watchmaking and luxury industry.
The theme ‘Together, we go further’ epitomised the essence of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, culminating in unprecedented success.
Throughout April 9-15, a vibrant community of over 49,000 high-end watchmaking enthusiasts, including 5,700 retailers and 1,500 journalists, united to explore the offerings of 54 esteemed high-end watchmaking brands spanning two expansive levels.
The shared passion and enthusiasm were palpable, with all programme activities, from product presentations to guided tours, booked out well before the event’s commencement.
Young Generation
Of significant note was the inspiring interest among younger generations, with educational institutions actively participating and students comprising a substantial portion of attendees.
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Notably, 25% of the 19,000 tickets sold were snapped up by those under 25, maintaining an average attendee age of 35, mirroring figures from the previous year. This influx of youthful energy and curiosity bodes well for the future of the watchmaking industry.
Watches and Wonders Geneva set the tone for the year’s trends. The event showcased a nostalgic return to classical and unisex designs, bold colour palettes, and the rising popularity of interchangeable bracelets.
This renaissance of timeless aesthetics, the continued fascination with grand complications, and the integration of métiers d’art underscored the harmonious fusion of horological engineering and decorative artisanry.
Social Engagement
Social media platforms were ablaze with the hashtag #watchesandwonders2024, embodying a spirit of sharing that reached an estimated audience of over 600 million individuals by the event’s conclusion.
The presence of global personalities like supermodel Gisele Bündchen, tennis champion Coco Gauff, and soccer icon Kylian Mbappé further ignited online fervour.
However, beyond the statistical milestones, the soul of Watches and Wonders Geneva resonated most profoundly. The weeklong extravaganza showcased the high-end watchmaking industry’s rich tapestry of diversity while underscoring its commitment to core values such as innovation, artisanry, excellence, and knowledge sharing.
Exploring the entire event at Geneva Palexpo required 3,500 steps, but the experience extended far beyond the exhibition halls.
The In The City programme and new Watchmaking Village activities opened doors to an even wider audience, striking a delicate balance between inclusivity and exclusivity within an industry that is now more inspiring than ever.
The festivities culminated in an unforgettable evening in Geneva’s city centre, where boutiques remained bustling late into the night.
A concert by Lost Frequencies transformed the quayside into an open-air festival, encapsulating the spirit of Watches and Wonders Geneva—a celebration of artisanry, innovation, and the timeless allure of horology.
The Exhibitors
A. Lange & Söhne, Alpina Watches, Angelus, Arnold & Son, Artya Watches, Baume & Mercier, Beauregard, Bell & Ross, Bremont, Cartier, Chanel, Charriol, Chopard, Chronoswiss, Cyrus Genève, Czapek & Cie, Eberhard & Co., Ferdinand Berthoud, Frederique Constant, Gerald Charles, Grand Seiko, Grönefeld, H. Moser & Cie., Hautlence, Hermès, Hublot, Hysek, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Moinet, Montblanc, Nomos Glashütte, Norqain, Oris, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Patek Philippe, Pequignet, Piaget, Raymond Weil, Ressence, Roger Dubuis, Rolex, Rudis Sylva, Speake Marin, TAG Heuer, Trilobe, Tudor, U-Boat, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Zenith.
Featured image: Jaeger-LeCoultre booth at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024. Credit: WWGF/Keystone/Cyril Zingaro
