The countdown is on for timepiece experts and enthusiasts.
The must-see watchmaking event "Geneva Watch Days"is back at the end of summer, and promises an unprecedented event, from August 29 to September 2, 2023.
Initiated in 2020 (a year marked by the health crisis that led to the cancellation of the Watch and Wonders and Baselworld) the Geneva Watch Days have been founded by eight companies The main objective is to bring together and offer a common exhibition space to watch brands, from the most famous to the most recent, all in a friendly, festive and relaxed atmosphere, taking advantage of the key period of the autumn season.
Following the success of its three previous editions, no less than 40 watch brands who are meeting this year on the southern tip of Lake Geneva, to present their latest innovations. Present will be: Angelus, Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, Artime, Bausele, Bianchet, Breitling, Bulgari, Byrne, Konstantin Chaykin, Claude Meylan, Corum, Czapek & Cie, De Bethune, Doxa, Frederique Constant Group, Girard-Perregaux, Greubel Forsey, Hautlence, HYT, Jacob & Co, Krayon, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Erard, Massena LAB, Maurice Lacroix, MB&F, H. Moser & Cie, Oris, Perrelet, Phillips in association with Bacs et Russo, Raketa, Reservoir, Ressence, Singer, Trilobe, Urwerk and Ulysse Nardin.
The Geneva boutiques of the associated brands will also be opening their doors to visitors, with showrooms for Bulgari, Jacob & Co, Ulysse Nardin and the Armin Strom boat open to all from 9am to 6pm. It's an opportunity to take full advantage of downtown Geneva, and why not stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva between two stages of this watchmaking exploration.
Visit Geneva Watch Days are offering a rich program of events this year, starting with the official inauguration in the show pavilion on Tuesday August 29, hosted by the Canton of Geneva. The event will then be open to the general public from Wednesday August 30 until Saturday September 2, on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, where the precious timepieces will be on display in some fifty showcases divided by theme.
Also at the pavilion, a watch symposium is scheduled throughout the week, featuring a series of talks by Wei Kohfounder of the famous Revolution and Grail Watch, who will be inviting watch industry experts to share their views on a wide range of topics.
Here is the schedule and the topics to be discussed:
August 29, 4pm : The watch industry's greatest brand creators
August 30, 1:30 p.m. : International stars of independent watchmaking
August 30, 4:30 p.m. : Legends of independent watchmaking
August 31, 1:30 p.m. : The most innovative banners
August 31, 4:30 p.m. : Influencers, innovators and disrupters
September 1, 4pm : Rising stars in watchmaking
For enthusiasts wishing to learn even more about the world of Haute Horlogerie and its fine mechanics, free guided tours in the company of experts are also offered, upon registration, from Wednesday to Friday afternoons, with three departures scheduled between 1pm and 4pm. These tours will start at the pavilion and continue through the various showrooms, where guests are sure to receive a warm welcome.
Finally, the day of Saturday September 2 will be entirely dedicated to the general public, who can enjoy free admission to the show and take part in a range of fun and educational activities celebrating watchmaking culture and its jewels.
Another first for this year's event, as with the number of exhibitors, is the fact that for the first time the prestigious institutions of the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix (GPHG) and the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH).
Their presence is no coincidence, since it was the official inauguration, the first highlight of this watchmaking event, that was chosen by the GPHG to announce the nomination of the 90 watch models, selected by its Academy, to compete in the 15 categories of the competition for this year 2023.
The show is therefore an opportunity for enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of some of the 20 timepieces that will be honored at the official Grand Prix Ceremony on November 9 at Geneva's Théâtre du Léman, where the coveted Aiguille d'Or will be awarded.
To coincide with the FHH's presence, a photography exhibition entitled "What Time is it?" organized as part of its "Watches and Culture" department is also open to the general public. Visitors to the Pont de la Machine will be able to admire the work of Swiss artist Karine Bauzin and her series of photographs questioning the notion of time, until September 10.
The Foundation's second initiative, which should also appeal to pilgrims to the show, is the brunch for the general public, to be held on Saturday September 2 from 11am, at the Rotonde du Mont Blanc pavilion. A moment synonymous with conviviality and festivity, punctuated by technical and cultural watchmaking questions with prizes to be won, for all participants gathered around the love of time, without however risking seeing it go by.
Despite a period marked by the return of inflation, falling stock markets, the after-effects of the health crisis and a generally unoptimistic outlook for economic growth, the watchmaking industry is in good spirits. In fact, Swiss watch exports had already reached a new record in 2022, topping the 24 billion franc mark, and have continued to accelerate in 2023, thanks in particular to the awakening of the Chinese market.
This reunion of the Swiss watchmaking industry is therefore an opportunity for industry players to congratulate themselves on this progress, while not losing sight of their objectives for the future.operation seduction to customers, the media and watch enthusiasts, especially just a few months before the festive season.
Now well beyond the 17 watchmakers present at its first edition in 2020, the Geneva Watch Days have become a must-attend event for all watch enthusiasts, and are no match for the giants of the watchmaking world. Relaxed and open to all, they breathe a breath of modernity into sometimes conservative customs, thanks in particular to their decentralization process, the spotlight on a generation of emerging independent brands, and the gathering of the general public, retailers and media from all over the world.
A real opportunity for all those wishing to preview the new timepiece models that will mark the start of the 2023 academic year, the GWD combines professionalism and entertainment. A trend-setter with a strong reputation, the show invites visitors to discuss the current state of the watchmaking industry in a convivial atmosphere. It's a great opportunity to look forward to the end of the summer season.
When was Omega founded?
Omega was founded in 1848.
How deep can an Omega watch go?
The water resistance of Omega watches varies from model to model. The Omega Ultra Deep, for example, is water-resistant to a depth of 6,000 meters.
In what year was the Omega Seamaster collection created?
The Seamaster collection arrived at Omega in 1948.
What models make up the new Summer Blue collection?
The Seamaster Summer Blue collection comprises 7 new models: Seamaster 300, Diver 300M, Planet Ocean 600M, Ploprof, Aqua Terra, Aqua Terra Worldtimer and Ultra Deep.
At what price can you indulge in watchmaking?
Watches come in all budgets, from a few dozen euros to several hundred thousand, but it is possible to find satisfactory quality watches in a wide range of prices.
Discover our selection of watches and watchmaking accessories for the festive season. You'll find models with a wide range of budgets, designs and features, enough to satisfy your fellow enthusiasts.
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