An interesting studio set-up for the event.
The Geneva Watch Days 2025 saw record attendance and standout launches, not to mention a gamut of horlogerie events.
But it was the conversations, felicitous encounters and shared passions that truly brought some 200 enthusiasts together at the fair last month.
At the heart of it all, the Culture Club became a vibrant hub where heritage met innovation.
Tucked inside one wing of the Pavilion at the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc, it gathered institutions such as the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the Geneva Watchmaking School, the Horological Society of New York, Horopedia, and The Watch Library, in a slew of activities.
The opening press conference was held for the first time at Geneva’s landmark Palais Eynard.
Attendees took part in the brand presentations and guided tours led by FHH experts, while collectors indulged in exclusive Special Guest Experiences.
Adding a lighthearted yet technical twist, the Calibership contest invited 40 participants − industry professionals and amateurs alike − to test their hand at regulating a watch.
The official results, certified by COSC after having completed rigorous tests on each Sellita movement, will be revealed later.
The GlassBox, a 250sq metre space adjacent to the Pavilion where press conferences and symposia to brand presentations were held, became the most popular hangout.
Over 25 events unfolded there, including four Power Breakfasts that saw CEOs and Geneva business leaders engaging directly with guests, while animated panel discussions spilled into themed luncheons, extending to congenial dialogue.
In total, more than 1,000 participants took part in these sessions, cementing Geneva Watch Days’ reputation as a space for exchange and reflection.
Now in its sixth year, the Geneva Watch Days achieved a milestone in every aspect, attracting 66 brands (up from 52 last year) that drew nearly 1,900 professionals, including 300 retailers and 500 journalists, major news agencies and television networks.
The expanded Pavilion welcomed more than 17,000 visitors over four days.
Watching the masters at work.
Enthusiasts visited the Prowess exhibition that featured 150 timepieces showcased in themed displays, from the latest launches to iconic models.
The charity auction, organised by Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, raised nearly CHF186,000 (RM982,597) for the Geneva Watchmaking School and the Pierre Amstutz Foundation – almost double the amount from 2024.
The star lot, an MB&F case with 32 miniature figurines, fetched CHF80,000 (RM422,622) after spirited bidding.
Since its inception in 2023, the auction has raised over CHF400,000 (RM2.1mil) to nurture the next generation of watchmakers.
The evening’s gala event saw nearly 1,000 people in party mood.
Saturday’s traditional FHH brunch kept spirits high with a lively horological quiz for nearly 150 guests, while four deep-dive conferences − led by the GPHG, FHH, Dominique Renaud Foundation and The Watch Library − offered fresh insights into the culture of time.
Networking evenings were just as memorable: the festive opening night alone drew more than 1,200 guests.
Beyond the physical event itself, the official website drew more than 159,000 visits and nearly 29,800 unique visitors, with more than 32,000 homepage views.
At the same time, the organisers doubled down on sustainable mobility, offering 210 cycle-taxi rides that carried over 317 passengers across 338km – a 30% increase from last year.
The charity auction was a runaway success.
The opening press conference, held for the first time at Geneva’s landmark Palais Eynard before a packed audience, underscored the strong support of the city’s authorities, with state councillor Delphine Bachmann (economy and employment) and city councilor Christina Kitsos in attendance.
Numbers aside, what stood out was the spirit of the event: open, inclusive and effortlessly creative.
“While the broader context might have suggested a challenging start to the season for the industry, the opposite proved true in Geneva during this first week of September.
“Geneva Watch Days truly showcased its vitality, appeal and unifying power.
“Thanks to the support of the participating brands, this sixth edition has exceeded all expectations and confirmed Geneva Watch Days’ unique place on the global watchmaking stage,” said president of the Geneva Watch Days Association and CEO of Bulgari Group, Jean-Christophe Babin.
More than just a watch fair, the Geneva Watch Days 2025 was a true celebration of creativity, community and culture.
