Geneva is abuzz with the latest edition of Watches & Wonders 2025, having kicked off today at Palexpo Convention Center. The much-awaited trade show for the watch enthusiasts will run from April 1 to 7, 2025. Gathered in an exceptional setting, 60 watch brands have opened the doors to their world and unveil their latest creations. This watchmaking industry’s flagship event will see professionals and journalists from around the world have arrived. Product presentations, hands-on workshops, educational experiences, meetings with experts, watchmakers and craftsmen. The brands are showcasing their creativity to welcome the public at their booths and boutiques in the city center.
Official Inauguration of Watches and Wonders GENEVA
The first three days are reserved for only professionals. For the third year running, the Salon will open its doors to the public, from Saturday April 5 to Monday April 7, where watch enthusiasts and collectors alike will be able to enjoy a program specifically designed for them. This year, ticketing has been adapted to suit different audiences and visitors; the main new feature is that everyone can now create a personalized schedule, thanks to an exclusive offer available online only with the purchase of a ticket.
Highlight of the week, the Thursday 3 April ‘Nocturne In The City’, as well as the Bon Entendeur concert taking place on the Quai Général-Guisan, at 8:30pm. By booking a slot for an exclusive presentation for new products, or by signing up for a guided tour with an expert to explore the secrets of the Maisons and their creations, visitors will enjoy a unique experience.
Discovery and experimentation continue at the LAB, a space dedicated to innovation and new technologies that explore the future of watchmaking training and professions. Brands, startups and students will present projects and prototypes in a new setting. The Auditorium’s program, consisting of Brand presentations and lectures given by experts, will provide insights on the latest developments in the watchmaking industry. At the Salon, through Geneva-based photographer Fred Merz’s exhibition Longitude 0° which will take visitors along the famous Greenwich Meridian to discover some of its physical markers and share unique anecdotes from those living nearby. At the Auditorium, a robust conference program will explore emerging talents and trades, the role of women in watchmaking, the challenges and perspectives of the second-hand watch market, or the efforts related to the inclusion of horological arts and mechanics in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.
In the City will bring watchmaking to the city center, with an entirely free program of events, discoveries and experiences, and the participation of many partner boutiques. Watchmaking professions will be in the spotlight all week, from the brand booths to the Watchmaking Village on the Pont de la Machine, where apprentices and trainers will be presenting initial training courses in the industry. Not to be missed: the SwissSkills 2025 qualifications for microtechnology professions, organized for the first time in conjunction with the Salon, as well as live coverage of the competition at the Watchmaking Village. Conferences, readings and film screenings, in partnership notably with the Payot Bookshop, will explore time in original and unexpected ways, rounding off this exceptional week of watchmaking.
Cyrille Vigneron, President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, said, “Everyone should be able to experience something unique. Watches and Wonders Geneva is all about contact and emotion, and we are committed to fostering this,”
Young People in the Spotlight – Whether looking for training, a career or simply interested in watchmaking, young people are a focus for this year’s event. They will be able to meet apprentices from different brands and discover student projects presented at the LAB. This dynamic space is dedicated to innovation and brings together a range of brands, start-ups and schools around projects presented by young people for young people. At the Watchmaking Village on the Pont de la Machine, younger visitors will be able to experience watchmaking and jewellery workshops, find out about training courses and follow the live broadcast from Palexpo of the SwissSkills 2025 qualifications for microtechnology professions.
