Rather than relying on a central exhibition space, brands will once again hold presentations and product launches across hotels, boutiques, and manufacturing facilities in Geneva, with a ‘common area’ and meeting point located at the open-air landmark Rotonde du Mont-Blanc.
Evening networking celebrations are also planned for media representatives and selected members of the public “in strict compliance with prevailing public health measures,” the event’s organising association noted in a recent statement.
Approximately 20 watch manufacturers will be represented, including ‘founding brands’ Bulgari, Breitling, De Bethune, Gerald Genta, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie, MB7F, Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk.
In addition, Arnold & Son, Czapek, Doxa, Ferdinand Berthoud, Frederique Constant Group, Maurice Lacroix, Oris and Reuge are confirmed to be participating this year after joining the event’s non-profit organising association.
Given travel restrictions are likely to remain in place in many countries for the majority of 2021, organisers have also arranged digital components, including video-conferencing, to ensure the event has an international scope.
At the time of publication, HourUniverse – the replacement event for the now-defunct Baselworld – was still scheduled to proceed in the 2021 northern hemisphere summer after being postponed from its original April schedule.
Meanwhile, organisers have confirmed dates for the first physical Watches & Wonders Geneva show – formerly known as the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) – as 30 March–5 April 2022 at the Palexpo exhibition centre.
SIHH was rebranded as Watches & Wonders Geneva in late 2019; however, the event was forced into a digital-only format during 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement from Watches & Wonders organiser the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie noted, “Following two online editions, a physical event is very much anticipated by professionals, amateurs and those with a passion for fine watchmaking.
“[It is] an opportunity for the industry to come together and speak as one, combining the experience of a physical presence with the resonance of the digital aspect. The list of participating Maisons and the exact format will be communicated at a later date.”
The digital 2021 edition featured 38 exhibitors including Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chopard and Chanel, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Bulgari, Maurice Lacroix, TAG Heuer and Zenith.
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