Once again, OHLALA was present at one of the largest watch exhibitions in the world: Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024.
As watch and jewellery enthusiasts, Watches and Wonders Geneva is always on our radar. This year, again, we had the opportunity to walk the corridors, visit the booths and participate at In The City and Watchmaking Village events to bring you the latest launches.
The Salon was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from April 9 to 15, and the most desirable brands in the field showcased their coveted and latest designs. This edition saw the arrival of eight new brands and a record of 54 exhibiting maisons. The initial four days were reserved for professionals only, but the last three days were open for the general public for the first time.
The 2024 programme was designed for all – those starting in the industry, watch aficionados or experienced collectors. The fair is well-known for allowing visitors to explore the culture of watchmaking in depth and take an inside look at the inner workings of an industry that is fuelled by creativity, craft and passion.
The key element was innovation with a focus on young people. “We have noticed a growing interest in our industry from the younger generation, with an average age of 35 on the public days, which is extremely encouraging,” commented Matthieu Humair, CEO of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation. In the new LAB, schools, start-ups and exhibiting brands presented their vision for tomorrow’s watchmaking. The auditorium hosted a series of conferences on various themes and visitors were invited to reflect on the passing moment through Luc Debraine’s photo exhibition Timekeepers.
Watches and Wonders Geneva is also the hub for setting trends for the year in the watchmaking universe. Some of them are the return to more classic and unisex proportions, an exploration of bold colours and the use of interchangeable bracelets. Grand complications continue to command prominence, while the use of métiers d’art (ornamental techniques in watchmaking) exemplifies the intersection of engineering and decorative art.
In terms of numbers, the 2024 edition had record-breaking figures. The event welcomed more than 49,000 visitors over the entire week (+14% compared to 2023). The activities, which could be reserved by the public, including product presentations, guided tours, workshops and more, were fully booked before the first day of the event. The hashtag #watchesandwonders2024 shot to the top of social networks, with an estimated reach of over 600 million people at closing time. The arrival of several celebrities also created a buzz on social media. Among them were the supermodel Gisele Bündchen, the tennis champion Coco Gauff and football idol Kylian Mbappé. The business also reached new heights, with over 10,000 retailer appointments (+25% vs 2023), 1,800 Touch & Feel press sessions and a significant increase in end-clients placing orders.
We’ve selected exciting launches to feature in our Haute Horlogerie spread direct from Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024. From jewellery-inspired pieces from Cartier and Dolce&Gabbana to twists on classics such as pieces from Bvlgari and Parmigiani Fleurier. Even if you are not a watch admirer, these timepieces will catch your attention.
For more information, please visit www.watchesandwonders.com
@watchesandwonders