Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 begins marking beautiful time
Inaugurated in style at Palexpo
The highly anticipated Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 officially opened on April 1 at Palexpo in Geneva, with a star-studded inauguration ceremony.
Key dignitaries, including Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, who heads the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), were in attendance, alongside political and economic leaders from the City and Canton of Geneva. The event also welcomed the CEOs of the 60 prestigious watchmaking brands showcasing their innovations at this flagship watch industry event.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with a speech by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, who emphasised the crucial role of dual training in Switzerland’s economic success. “Dual training is part of Switzerland’s competitiveness,” Parmelin remarked. “It directly benefits the watchmaking industry, blends tradition with innovation.”
He further emphasised the importance of evolving Switzerland’s professional training system to maintain the country’s position as a hub of innovation and a dynamic economy.
Cyrille Vigneron, President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, echoed this sentiment, expressing the foundation’s commitment to sharing the passion for watchmaking with the world. “The salon is a wonderful expression of that passion, revealing the vibrant living tradition of Swiss watchmaking,” he stated.
Captivating artwork
A unique feature of the inauguration was the unveiling of a captivating artwork by Stéphane Galienni, co-founder of Balistik Art. This installation explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and the arts, highlighting the fusion of modern technology with traditional artisanal techniques. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolising the event’s official opening, as distinguished guests and the CEOs of the 60 exhibiting brands cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Watches and Wonders Geneva, a cornerstone of the luxury watchmaking industry, has gathered 60 iconic brands, offering a unique opportunity for professionals and journalists from across the globe to explore the latest innovations.
The event will be open to the public from April 5 to 7. It will feature an extensive programme of product presentations, interactive workshops, educational experiences, and opportunities to meet watchmakers, artisans, and industry experts. Attendees can expect to see a dazzling array of new timepieces and designs that reflect the creativity and expertise defining the watchmaking world.
One of the week’s highlights will be the ‘In The City’ evening on April 3. This special event invites visitors to explore Geneva’s watchmaking boutiques, which will remain open until 9 pm. In addition, a celebratory concert by French electronic duo Bon Entendeur will take place along the scenic Quai Général-Guisan, offering an unforgettable blend of music and watchmaking culture.
Young people focus
This year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva is placing a special emphasis on young people. The event aims to inspire the next generation of watchmakers, offering young visitors the chance to meet apprentices from various watchmaking brands and discover student projects at the LAB. This dynamic space celebrates innovation, bringing together start-ups, brands, and educational institutions to showcase projects that cater to young audiences.
At the Watchmaking Village on the Pont de la Machine, younger visitors can engage in hands-on watchmaking and jewellery workshops, explore training opportunities, and watch live broadcasts of the SwissSkills 2025 qualifications for microtechnology professions. These activities are designed to encourage young people to explore careers in the watchmaking industry and gain a deeper understanding of the craft.
In addition to the industry-focused events, Watches and Wonders Geneva offers a diverse cultural programme. One of the standout exhibitions is ‘Longitude 0°’, a photographic journey by Geneva-based photographer Fred Merz. The exhibition takes visitors along the famous Greenwich Meridian, unveiling its physical markers and sharing intriguing anecdotes from locals living nearby.
A series of conferences will delve into various aspects of the watchmaking world at the event’s auditorium, including emerging talent, the role of women in the industry, and the growing importance of the second-hand watch market. There will also be discussions on including horological arts and mechanics in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The ‘In The City’ programme further expands the cultural scope, offering events that blend watchmaking with literature, philosophy, and history. The Payot bookshop will host a series of talks featuring Geneva historian Gérard Duc, author Max Lobe, and Swiss crime fiction writers Nicolas Feuz and Marc Voltenaeur.
For film enthusiasts, the Bio Cinema will screen “Les Héritiers des Paysans-Horlogers,” a documentary by Swiss director Claude Schauli showcasing the fascinating journey of farmers who became passionate watchmakers.
As Watches and Wonders Geneva unfolds, it promises to be a week full of discoveries, celebrations, and innovations that will continue to inspire industry professionals and the public. With over 60 world-renowned watch brands participating, this event remains a pivotal moment in the global watchmaking calendar.
Watches and Wonders 2025 is being hosted by the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation (WWGF), a non-profit organisation whose primary mission is to organise and support high-profile watchmaking events. Geneva serves as its flagship.
Rolex, Richemont, and Patek Philippe spearhead the foundation, with key additions including Chanel, Hermès, and LVMH.
Hero image: Watches and Wonders 2025 got off to a ceremonial start on April 1, 2025. Credit: WWGF/Cyril Zingaro
