The pulse of the watchmaking world quickened as Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 unfolded, breaking records and setting new standards. With a surge in exhibitors, attendees, and ticket sales, the event underscored an industry united by a shared commitment to excellence and savoir-faire. The inclusion of the general public and the expansion with the In The City extension emerged as pivotal elements in its resounding success.
“Together, we go further” resonated more profoundly than ever during the 2024 edition of Watches and Wonders Geneva, which concluded with unprecedented figures. The event attracted over 49,000 unique visitors throughout the week, marking a notable increase of 14% compared to 2023. Among them were 5,700 retailers and 1,500 journalists, all eager to immerse themselves in the latest innovations showcased by 54 esteemed watchmaking brands across two levels this year.
The public program, offering product presentations, guided tours, workshops, and more, was fully booked even before the event’s commencement.
The hashtag #watchesandwonders2024, dedicated to sharing the event’s highlights, surged to the top of social networks, reaching an estimated audience of over 600 million people by the event’s close. The presence of several celebrities, including supermodel Gisele Bündchen, tennis champion Coco Gauff, and football superstar Kylian Mbappé, further ignited social media engagement.
Business activities also soared to unprecedented levels, with over 10,000 retailer appointments (a 25% increase compared to 2023), 1,800 Touch & Feel press sessions, and a significant rise in end-clients placing orders.
However, beyond the statistics, it was the spirit of Watches and Wonders Geneva that truly captivated audiences. Throughout the week, the watchmaking industry showcased its diversity while rallying around its core values: innovation, craftsmanship, excellence, and collaboration.
Of particular note was the growing interest among the younger generation, with numerous schools participating and strong attendance by students. Of the 19,000 tickets sold (compared to 12,000 in 2023), 25% were purchased by individuals under 25, with an average age of 35, mirroring the demographics of the previous year.
Watches and Wonders Geneva set the tone for the year ahead, heralding a return to classic and unisex proportions, vibrant colors, and interchangeable bracelets. Grand complications continued to command attention, while the integration of métiers d’art showcased the fusion of watchmaking engineering and decorative artistry.
Exploring the entire Salon required 3,500 steps, but experiencing the full breadth of the event, including the In The City program and new Watchmaking Village activities, was an even richer endeavor. This year, Watches and Wonders Geneva opened its doors to an even broader audience, welcoming all generations while maintaining a delicate balance of inclusivity and exclusivity in an industry more inspiring than ever before. The celebration culminated in an unforgettable evening party in the city center, with boutiques bustling late into the night and a mesmerizing Lost Frequencies concert transforming Geneva’s quayside into an open-air festival for all to revel in.
Watches and Wonders Geneva remains the annual must-attend event for the watchmaking community, a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and the enduring allure of timekeeping.
