From August 29 to September 2, the city of Geneva was abuzz with the world’s most prestigious timepieces during the 2024 edition of the Geneva Watch Days. This event, now a must-attend in the watchmaking world, brought together 52 renowned brands, attracting nearly 1,500 industry professionals. Among them, 650 journalists and 250 retailers made the trip, highlighting the growing importance and appeal of this event.
A Platform for Networking and Collaboration
The idyllic setting of Lake Geneva provided the perfect backdrop for an edition marked by new product launches, unique collaborations, and passionate discussions. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere, a hallmark of the Geneva Watch Days, once again fostered an environment conducive to networking and exchanges between creators, enthusiasts, and journalists.
Another highlight of these days was the symposiums, which were a great success. Held in a new space, the Glass Box, located next to the Pavilion, these conferences tackled key topics for the watch industry, drawing around a hundred participants eager to share ideas and broaden their knowledge.
A Charity Auction to Remember
One of the most memorable moments of this 2024 edition was undoubtedly the charity auction held on September 1 in collaboration with Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. This auction raised 108,000 CHF for the Pierre Amstutz Fund, which supports apprentices in financial difficulty at the Geneva School of Watchmaking. Thanks to this amount, these young talents will be able to continue their studies in more secure conditions, ensuring the future of Swiss watchmaking excellence.
Challenges Ahead for the Geneva Watch Days
Despite this brilliant success, the future of the Geneva Watch Days in Geneva is not without questions. The event, which owes much of its charm to its “friendly” atmosphere and proximity to luxury hotels, may soon face logistical challenges. The Beau-Rivage Hotel, which hosts several brands each year, will soon undergo renovations that will reduce the available space. Additionally, the Fairmont, another key venue for the event, will also be closed for refurbishment.
These changes could force organizers to rethink the event’s logistics. The fear of repeating the BaselWorld scenario, where rising accommodation prices contributed to the event’s decline, is on everyone’s mind. Some are even suggesting a potential relocation to Zurich, a project that, while speculative, illustrates the uncertainty surrounding the future of this Geneva-based event.
The Geneva Watch Days 2024 undoubtedly left a lasting impression with the quality of exchanges, the innovations presented, and the unique atmosphere of the event. However, the organization will need to quickly find solutions to the upcoming logistical challenges to keep the event at the height of its success. One thing is certain: the 2025 edition will be eagerly anticipated, both for the watchmaking innovations and the decisions that will be made regarding the future of this event.
