The watch world looks forward to the next edition of Geneva Watch Days, which will be held in Geneva from August 29 to September 2, 2024. Launched in 2020 by Breitling, Bvlgari, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie. and MB&F, the event showcases participating brands’ novelties to industry professionals, media, retailers, and the public at decentralised locations (boutiques or hotels). Entrance is free.
A press conference and official inauguration, in partnership with the State and City of Geneva, opens the programme on Thursday, August 29. The Pavilion at Rotonde du MontBlanc will be open to the public daily. Visitors can discover the brands’ latest timepieces, all arranged by theme, and join free guided tours every afternoon to gain insight into the fine watchmaking world. These tours will extend into the showrooms of several brands, ending at the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) headquarters, Pont de la Machine where the Watches and Talents exhibition is staged.
The programme includes afternoon panel discussions among watch experts on various topics at the new Glass Box, next to the Pavilion, at the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc. Watch Reviews sessions will feature the latest offerings from brands on August 29 and 30, while a Quizz & Brunch by FHH will invite everyone to test their watchmaking knowledge on August 31. For the second consecutive year, a charity auction will be held on Sunday, 1 September, jointly organised by Geneva Watch Days and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo at the Pavilion at 5pm.
Last year, CHF 110 000 was raised and fully paid into the Pierre Amstutz Fund, established in memory of the former director of the Geneva Watchmaking School. This non-profit organisation supports students in need, enabling them to complete their training in better conditions. Under auctioneer Aurel Bacs, unique objects or experiences will be auctioned off. Lots could include a ball and jersey signed by a famous NBA player, a unique hand-carved and hand-polished pendant, miniature F1 helmets, a limited-edition Fender Stratocaster guitar or VIP tickets for a French football championship match.
“The labour market in our industry is tight today: finding a good watchmaker is sometimes a challenge. We felt it was important to make a concrete effort to ensure that this profession continues to exist and is enriched,” explained Antoine Pin, President of the Geneva Watch Days Association. “Phillips, in Association with Bacs & Russo, is delighted and honoured to organise this auction on a voluntary basis for the second year in a row. This joint initiative illustrates the dedication of the watch community to the art of watchmaking. We look forward to joining the generosity of the participating brands and Geneva Watch Days partners in supporting the Geneva Watchmaking School. Aspiring watchmakers can thus embark on their first journey to excellence,” added Bacs.
The event is organised under the patronage of the State and City of Geneva and with the support of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG). The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) and Genève Tourisme support the project, while GMT is the historical media partner.
The following brands will take part in the 2024 edition: Alpina, Alto, Angelus, Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, Bausele, Beauregard, Behrens, Bianchet, Blancpain, Breguet, Breitling, Bvlgari, Konstantin Chaykin, Claude Meylan, Corum, Cvstos, Czapek & Cie, Daniel Roth, De Bethune, Doxa, Edox, FavreLeuba, Fortis, Frédérique Constant Group, Genus, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte Original, Greubel Forsey, Hautlence, HYT, Jacob & Co, Krayon, Laurent Ferrier, Lederer, L’Epée, Louis Erard, Massena Lab, Maurice Lacroix, MB&F, Micromilspec, Ming, H. Moser & Co, Oris, Perrelet, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, Raketa, Ressence, Singer, Speake Marin, Trilobe, Tutima Glashütte.
