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Yes, it’s that time of year again, and Watch Advice will be on the ground in Geneva for Watches & Wonder 2025 for all the fun and craziness that is the industry’s biggest event.

Come April 1, all eyes on will be on Geneva when the watch world’s largest fair – Watches & Wonder Geneva kicks off in Switzerland for the week. As always, Watch Advice will be there with Champs and Matt on the ground, braving the crowds and bringing you all the coverage from the fair. This year, 60 brands (up from 54 last year) will be showcasing their latest pieces and creations for the press, major retailers and other who’s who in the watch world.

For those new to watches, or who haven’t been exposed to it before, let us explain what it is. In a nutshell, it’s the world’s largest trade fair for watches, and each year is growing. After the collapse of Baselworld in 2020, Watches & Wonders – took its place, and after COVID, it was back in 2021. Over the past few years has become bigger each year and seems to go from strength to strength.

This year, 60 brands are exhibiting at the Palexpo (Geneva’s convention centre) which includes brands from all the major groups like LVMH Group and Richemont, plus a whole host of independent brands large and small. From the powerhouses of Rolex, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, to the likes of smaller indies like Czpek, Meistersinger and Speake Marin. In 2023, there were two public days, whereas last year in 2024, it opened the doors to the public for three out of the seven days, and this year will be no different with public days running over Saturday 5th, Sunday 6th, and Monday 7th April. Guest now have to option of getting a VIP pass as well as general admission, meaning they are able to get a lot more up close and personal with the brands, in a similar way we’re able to as press.

Who Will Be There?

As mentioned, 60 brands will be showcasing their latest releases to the world, from A. Lange & Söhne through to Zenith and everyone in between. The full list is below:

A. LANGE & SÖHNE | ALPINA WATCHES | ANGELUS | ARMIN STROM | ARNOLD & SON | ARTYA WATCHES |
BAUME & MERCIER | BEAUREGARD | BELL & ROSS | BREMONT | BVLGARI | CARTIER | CHANEL |
CHARRIOL | CHOPARD | CHRONOSWISS | CHRISTIAAN VAN DER KLAAUW | CYRUS GENÈVE | CZAPEK & CIE | EBERHARD & CO. | FERDINAND BERTHOUD | FREDERIQUE CONSTANT | GENUS | GERALD CHARLES | GRAND SEIKO |
GRÖNEFELD | H. MOSER & CIE. | HAUTLENCE | HERMÈS | HUBLOT | HYSEK | HYT |
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN | JAEGER-LECOULTRE | KROSS STUDIO | LAURENT FERRIER | LOUIS MOINET |
MIESTERSINGER | MONTBLANC | NOMOS GLASHÜTTE | NORQAIN | ORIS | PANERAI | PARMIGIANI FLEURIER |
PATEK PHILIPPE | PEQUIGNET | PIAGET | RAYMOND WEIL | RESSENCE | ROGER DUBUIS |
ROLEX | RUDIS SYLVA | SPEAKE MARIN | TAG HEUER | TRILOBE | TUDOR | U-BOAT |
ULYSSE NARDIN | VACHERON CONSTANTIN | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS | ZENITH

With so many brands to see, we are going to be flat out getting around the Palexpo to see them all, but will try. I for one am excited to see all these brands and their pieces in the metal, and of course, bring these to you each day. We’ve got loads of coverage coming out over the course of the week, so don’t forget to head to the site’s homepage where we will have dedicated sections running all the new pieces each and every day of the fair.

Outside the fair, there is plenty going on in the heart of Geneva through the In The City program. This is a whole celebration of watches that brings the entire city together, and wandering around in the afternoon and into the evening, the atmosphere is electric. We stopped by the concept down by the river and you could not move thanks to the crowd.

The Public Days

Watches & Wonders is open to the public from Saturday 5th April to Monday 7th April, and the program looks like it’s a great way for watch enthusiasts to spend a few days.

Daily Tours

Each day will have guided tours of the brand booths running across the exhibition and people will have the choice of choosing one of 5 guided tours with experts and each tour will focus on a range of different brands. Tours kick off at 9:00am and run every couple of hours. For the full tour schedule, click here.

Conferences

Each day, see a range of watch industry experts, journalists and brand representatives talk in the Auditorium on a range of topics:

Saturday, April 6th

10:00am – Mike Horn: A Journey of Adventure with Panerai – From Bhutan and beyond (Duration 30 mins)

An exclusive keynote by Panerai Brand Ambassador Mike Horn, where he’ll share how Panerai has accompanied him on his extraordinary adventures. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable experience.

11:00am – HUBLOT CELEBRATES THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIG BANG, THE FIRST ICONIC WATCH OF THE 21ST CENTURY (Duration 30 mins)

The Hublot conference will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Big Bang watch, reflecting on its revolutionary impact on the watchmaking industry. The talk will explore Hublot’s history of innovation, from the original fusion of gold and rubber in 1980 to the groundbreaking Big Bang introduced in 2005. Attendees will learn about the distinctive design elements that define the Big Bang, as well as the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries with new materials, mechanisms, and collaborations. The conference will also highlight exceptional timepieces, including limited editions and innovative models, while offering a glimpse into Hublot’s future vision of maintaining its unique approach and expanding its manufacturing.

Speakers

• Julien Tornare, CEO
• Mathias Buttet, R&D Director

12:00pm – What’s trending in terms of new products? (Duration 30 mins)

The Watches and Wonders Salon keeps getting bigger and bigger! Discover what our experts have experienced during their week and what is to be seen! Different specialists walk us through the novelties and the 2025 trends in terms of new products: designs, materials, complications, colors…

Speakers:

• Robin Swithinbank, International journalist and author (moderator)
• Austen Chu, Founder and CEO of Wristcheck
• Kristian Haagen, Journalist and founder of TimeGeeks
• Lily Templeton, Watches, jewelry and fashion editor, WWD

2pm – Ulysse Nardin Keynote (Duration 30 mins) More information to come

3:00pm – A journey through auction houses (Duration 40 mins)

Are you curious to know more about the inside work of Auction Houses? Discover the amazing journey of a watch. From the original collector parting ways with the watch, to the work of the auctioneer and the expertise required, leading to the auction sale, you will experience the passion beneath each step of the process.

Speakers:

• Eléonor Picciotto, Journalist and founder of the Eye of Jewelry (moderator)
• Aurel Bacs, Co-founder and senior consultant of PHILLIPS in association with Bacs & Russo
• Nicholas Biebuyck, Heritage Director of TAG Heuer
• William Rohr, International watchmaking expert and founder of Massena LAB

4:00pm – Hidden watchmaking talents and the quest for transmission (Duration 40 mins)

Watchmaking is an industry rich with know-how and techniques. A multitude of professions remain widely unknown yet play an important role in enhancing the value and beauty of timepieces. Talented craftspeople will share their passion and the specificities of their rare, or simply lesser-known, crafts, while highlighting the importance of transmission and its relevance for the next generation.

Speakers:

• Nicole Segundo, FirstSecond (moderator)
• Nathalie Jean-Louis, Watch movement decorator, Décoration Horlogère
• Justine Jouanneau, Case finisher, Les Artisans Boîtiers
• Tânia Martins Aires, Case finisher trainee, Les Artisans Boîtiers
• Eddy Vuille, Traditional hand-guilloché Master Artisan, Horylne
• Théo Jérôme, Hand-Guilloché Trainee, Horlyne

5pm – Live Quiz: test your watchmaking knowledge! (Duration 60 mins)

Animated and conceived by the FHH, this unique and interactive watchmaking quiz consists of some thirty questions focused on the exhibiting brands and revolves around four themes: technical knowledge, market players, materials and finishes, culture and history.

You will be immersed in a friendly and competitive atmosphere, so don’t miss this exceptional experience that will see a champion emerge… ready to make history?

Speakers:

• Pascal Ravessoud, FHH Vice president
• Clio Godrèche, FHH Senior project manager

Sunday, April 7th

10:00am – What’s trending among the independent brands? (Duration 40 mins)

The Watches and Wonders Salon keeps getting bigger and bigger! Especially the “indies” brands, who are now representing more than half of the exhibiting brands. Discover what our experts have experienced during their week and what is to be seen! Different specialists walk us through the novelties and the 2025 trends in terms of new products: designs, materials, complications, colors…

Speakers: 

• Ming Liu, International journalist and author (moderator)
• Paul Blandford, Dubai-based watch collector
• Elizabeth Doerr, International journalist and author
• Marko Koncina, Founder of Swiss Watch Gang

11:00am #IWCRacing (Duration 30 mins)

Join CEO Chris Grainger-Herr for a high-speed session about how engineering and technical excellence connect IWC Schaffhausen to the world of motorsport. Gain an inside look into IWC’s 12-year “Official Engineering Partnership” with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team and learn how this collaboration extends to Apple Original Films’ highly anticipated “F1® THE MOVIE”. Releasing in cinemas this summer, filmmakers Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer take cinematic engineering to a new level to bring Grand Prix racing to the big screen like never before.

12:00pm – Tool Watches (Duration 40 mins)

“Tool watches” are often born in response to certain milestone events and major technological advances. From pilot’s watches to diving watches, come and discover the rich history of these timepieces, their symbols, and, above all, the icons that make this category among the most sought-after and admired watches today.

Speaker: Pascal Ravessoud, FHH Vice president

2:00pm – Reverso: timeless stories since 1931 (Duration 30 mins)

The Reverso was created in 1931 to withstand the rigours of polo matches. Its subtle Art Deco lines and unique, pioneering reversible case have made it one of the world’s most recognisable watches. The Reverso has housed more than 50 different calibres and has been an exceptional canvas for creativity.

Speaker: Stéphane Belmont, Patrimony Director

3:00pm – How is the pre-owned watch market influencing the primary market? (Duration 40 mins)

The pre-owned watch industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. How is this trend impacting the primary market, and how are brands regaining control of this flourishing sector?

Speakers:

• Karine Szegedi, Managing Partner, consumer industry lead and fashion & luxury lead, Deloitte Switzerland (moderator)
• David Jones, Chief Client & Digital Officer at Vacheron Constantin
• Josh Pullan, Head of the Global Luxury Division at Sotheby’s
• Quaid Walker, Co-founder & CEO of Bezel

4:00pm – A glimpse into the rich technical watchmaking professions (Duration 40 mins)

Watchmaking is an industry rich with know-how and techniques. A multitude of professions are lesser known yet they are essential in the production process and value of timepieces. Trainers and apprentices will share their passion and let the audience know more about what makes their jobs interesting and appealing with the hope of inspiring younger generations to explore the rich variety of technical watchmaking professions.

Speakers:

• Nicole Segundo, FirstSecond (moderator)
• Fatima Dias, Responsible for watch finishing atelier, Hublot
• Quentin Cogulet, Micromechanic apprentice, Bvlgari
• Florimond Cristin, Manufacture trainees supervisor, Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Cyril Forestier, Quality controller apprentice, Jaeger-LeCoultre

5pm – Live Quiz: test your watchmaking knowledge! (Duration 60 mins)

Animated and conceived by the FHH, this unique and interactive watchmaking quiz consists of some thirty questions focused on the exhibiting brands and revolves around four themes: technical knowledge, market players, materials and finishes, culture and history.

You will be immersed in a friendly and competitive atmosphere, so don’t miss this exceptional experience that will see a champion emerge… ready to make history?

Speakers:

• Pascal Ravessoud, FHH Vice president
• Clio Godrèche, FHH Senior project manager

Monday April 7th

10:00am – What’s trending in terms of new products? (Duration 40 mins)

The Watches and Wonders Salon keeps getting bigger and bigger! Discover what our experts have experienced during their week and what is to be seen! Different specialists walk us through the novelties and the 2025 trends in terms of new products: designs, materials, complications, colors…

Speakers:

• Andrea Machalova, Associate editor of Bilan Magazine and publication manager of Bilan Luxe (moderator)
• Marco Gabella, Watchonista publisher
• Camille Guille, Sales director GMT
• Julien Meylan, Watch retailer

11:00am – Watchmaking and the UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list (Duration 40 mins)

Did you know that the arts and mechanics of watchmaking are on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage? What is this international recognition, what does it mean for the watchmaking industry, and how does it apply?

Speakers:

• Benjamin Teisseire, Watch journalist (moderator)
• Nathalie Marielloni, Deputy curator of the Musée International d’Horlogerie (MIH)
• Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva
• Richard Vaucher, President of the ARC HORLOGER association

12:00pm – Women in fine watchmaking: crafting excellence and shaping the future (Duration 40 mins)

Celebrating and highlighting the influential role women play in the fine watchmaking industry, this conference will explore their contribution throughout history, showcase modern female leaders and artisans in the field, and discuss the future of women in horology.

Speaker:Joanna Lange, Watch expert and FHH trainer

2pm – Live Quiz: test your watchmaking knowledge! (Duration 60 mins)

Animated and conceived by the FHH, this unique and interactive watchmaking quiz consists of some thirty questions focused on the exhibiting brands and revolves around four themes: technical knowledge, market players, materials and finishes, culture and history.

You will be immersed in a friendly and competitive atmosphere, so don’t miss this exceptional experience that will see a champion emerge… ready to make history?

Speakers:

• Pascal Ravessoud, FHH Vice president
• Clio Godrèche, FHH Senior project manager

In addition to all these, there are plenty of other things that guests will see and experience, such as The Lab – an immersive, sensory area where start-ups, schools, and engineers unveil the professions, sectors, and new technologies of tomorrow’s watchmaking.

Product Presentations – Feel the experience of fine watchmaking by discovering the products in some of the exhibiting brands’ booths. Suspended moments between new products and flagship models. Last but not least, Brand Booth Animations – where guests can enter their privileged booth area, where singular activities will amaze and delight you. Experience the unique sensation of a special connection between you and the watchmaking marvels unveiled in a memorable setting.

Stay tuned on our site, and to keep up to date with live coverage, we’ll be showcasing so much more on our Instagram and Facebook accounts! Also, don’t forget to check out both my Instagram account – @digital_escapement and Champs’s – @champsg for additional coverage and our own perspectives. Watches & Wonders 2025, here we come!