Geneva Watch Week is set to take place from April 14th – 20th, seeing watch brands, collectors and enthusiasts from around the world head to Geneva for a week-long celebration of all things horology. Over the past few years what started as a couple of press and b2b events has become a city-wide showcase with multiple major conventions and independent events. It can all be a bit overwhelming so here’s what you need to know. If you do plan to attend in person, take some advice from a team that’s been to a combined 60+ events across more than a decade – the best tip is to simply enjoy.
Watches & Wonders: April 14 – 20
The biggest watch event in the world, Watches & Wonders began in 2020 as a rebrand of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH). It takes place in the Palexpo, Geneva’s largest convention centre, located conveniently close to the airport. It was originally a press and b2b event that gave journalists and retailers a chance to discover the annual releases of attending brands including heavy hitters like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and beyond. Across the past few years the event has expanded to include ticketed public days for collectors and enthusiasts – an aspect of the show that is continually growing.
Peruse the halls of the Palexpo at your leisure but do make sure to get out to the other events, which will feel a lot less business-focused – much fewer suits.
Time to Watches: April 14 – 19
Time to Watches is the second largest of the Geneva watch shows. Last year they took up a new venue at Villa Sarasin close to the Palexpo making it easier than ever to attend both W&W and Time to Watches. Time to Watches prides themselves on showcasing smaller, independent brands. 2026 will mark the third time that British brand Fears will be in attendance which is cool to see.
Chronopolis: April 14 – 18
Chronopolis is a brand-new watch fair being introduced this year. It’s located at Les Halles De L’île, an exhibition space on an island in the middle of the Rhône, which is certainly a memorable location. The focus of this exhibition is independent brands, with attendees including Awake, Baltic, Farer, Studio Underd0g and many others. It’s also free with entry open to the public, making it a must visit event if you’re in Geneva that week.
Independent Events
Alongside the three major events taking place during Geneva Watch Week are a host of brand-led activities and smaller events throughout the city. The hotels along the front of the river as well as the city’s many boutiques and auction houses will host special events and wristwatch showcases. One of the central hubs of these independent brands is the Hôtel Beau Rivage, where you can find brands like Carl Suchy & Söhne and Minase among others while Jacob & Co. are at the Four Seasons.
The City
There’s a lot to discover in the city outside of watch events so take some time to walk along the shores of Lake Geneva, venture into the old town, check out some of the more niche ateliers (Rexhep Rexhepi) and visit a museum or two – the Patek Philippe one is immense.
Oh, and go for a steak at L’Entrecôte – a bit of an institution. If you’re brave enough, take a dip in the waters at Les Bains des Pâquis with the locals. You can also take a boat taxi across the lake, past the Jet d’Eau – it’s cheap and a great way to see the city.
