From the salon to the city: Watches and Wonders 2023

From 27 March to 2 April 2023, one of world’s biggest watch salons is back in Geneva’s Palexpo: Watches and Wonders 2023. During this week, a total of 48 Maisons will unveil their latest creations and innovations in an immersive environment designed as a watchmaking village with squares, alleys, and restaurants. While some brands such as those from the Richemont group have a special “Watches and Wonders aesthetic”, others keep their colours and logos as distinction.

The first edition in 2022, welcoming 38 brands and nearly 22,000 visitors from around the world, became the largest watchmaking summit ever held in Geneva. This year, 13 new brands will be present at the event. Bell & Ross is the biggest new addition to the list of major watchmaking Maisons, and a new space called “La Place” will welcome 9 brands including Alpina, Beauregard, and Frederique Constant. La Place will face the Carré des Horlogers and is presented in the same way. Only Armin Strom and H. Moser & Cie. have left the show after joining last year’s edition. The decor of the fair will remain the same but in a completely revamped space. In September 2022, the creation of Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation (WWGF) was announced by Rolex, Richemont and Patek Philippe. This organisation represents a non-profit foundation based in Geneva.

In 2023, the wonders of watchmaking will not only be available at the salon. Indeed, the trade fair has launched “In the City”, allowing the whole city of Geneva to be a part of the watchmaking week. Watch stores from participating brands have planned exclusive activities to welcome visitors and showcase their expertise by unveiling special designs and rare watch complications. Additionally, an evening event dedicated to watchmaking will be held in the Rues Basses on 30 March.

The first days of the fair are reserved for business visitors, while the general public is invited on the 1 and 2 April, unlike last year. An extensive programme has been organised for those two days, including around six talks and discussion panels each day, allowing watch enthusiasts to listen and learn from industry professionals. The experts and speakers will cover topics ranging from watch trends, to tips on starting a vintage watch collection. Discussions on subjects such as the metaverse, NFTs, blockchain and circularity are also on the programme. Driven by projects from exhibiting brands which are looking to introduce the future into the heart of watch movements, future orientated topics will be analysed in the LAB, an area dedicated to innovation and new technologies. The public day pass to attend one of the last two days sells for 70CHF on the Watches and Wonders website.

A photographic exhibition by Karine Bauzin entitled ‘What time is it?’ will also be available for visitors to explore.