Curtains down: The Breathtaking Highlights from Geneva Watch Days 2024

Packed with launches, meetings, and lively discussions, the week-long 2024 edition of Geneva Watch Days drew to a close with record-setting highlights. A total of 52 participating brands and nearly 1,500 watchmaking professionals, including 650 media representatives and 250 retailers from all over the world, gathered on the shores of Lake Geneva. Open to the general public for five days, the Pavilion at Rotonde du Mont Blanc welcomed 13,800 visitors, marking an increase of more than 70% from last year’s attendance stats. Connoisseurs of fine watchmaking were able to admire over 100 new timepieces free of charge; these were displayed in 65 showcases that revolved around four themes. About 650 of them availed guided tours arranged by experts from the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, while VIP programmes were offered to collectors.

The nine symposia on themes of interest to the watchmaking industry were also a great success, with around 100 people attending each symposium in a new space, referred to as the Glass Box, set up right next to the Pavilion. Students, collectors, and business executives were able to interact directly with some of the CEOs of the participating brands.

In the Culture Club, also set up in the Pavilion, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the École d'Horlogerie de Genève, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY), Horopedia and The Watch Library, all partners in the event, organised activities. The charity auction on 1 September, held jointly by Geneva Watch Days and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, raised CHF 108,000 for the Pierre Amstutz Fund, which supports apprentices in precarious situations at the Geneva Watchmaking School, enabling them to complete their studies without any hassle.

Jean Christophe Babin, President of the Geneva Watch Days Association and CEO of Bvlgari, thanked the participating brands and media partners for the success of the event. He said, “The success of this year's event is due not only to the participating brands, but also to our partners. I would like to thank the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Geneva Tourism, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, Horopedia, the Geneva Watchmaking School, the Watch Library, Worldtempus, the Horology Society of New York, and GMT Publishing for their invaluable support." 

GMT India looks at the top takeaways from the summer watch fair: 

Favre Leuba Makes a Comeback 

‍

Favre Leuba made its triumphant return during the 2024 edition of Geneva Watch Days, celebrating 287 years of watchmaking excellence.The brand unveiled 22 novelties across three new collections. The latest chapter of the storied brand will be under the helm of Patrik Hoffmann, CEO of Favre Leuba, and a team of watchmaking experts.

Konstantin Chaykin’s ThinKing Prototype 2 Piece Unique

‍

The race to create the thinnest watch became even more exciting as independent watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled a prototype of the ThinKing watch, measuring just 1.65 mm in thickness. Earlier this year, Bvlgari had set the record with its 1.70 mm thin Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, which was hitherto the thinnest mechanical watch. Previously, Piaget and Richard Mille had also been a part of the ultra-slim watch race. 

The New Daniel Roth Rose Gold Tourbillon 

The new Daniel Roth Rose Gold Tourbillon stole the show at this year’s Geneva Watch Days. Last year, the brand released a limited-edition Tourbillon Souscription in yellow gold, which also created a buzz. The latest model makes its debut in 5N rose gold, complete with a new guillochage en ligne dial. This new edition celebrates the brand’s storied heritage, showcasing its dedication to tradition and innovation. It draws inspiration from the original Tourbillon C187 — designed by Daniel Roth himself and regarded as the first wristwatch to prominently feature a large tourbillon on the dial. All in all, Tourbillon Rose Gold is a modern homage to the classic. 

H. Moser & Cie. X Studio Underd0g Passion Fruit Watches

H. Moser & Cie. and Studio Underd0g showcased a ‘fruitful’ collaboration at the Geneva Watch Days 2024. These are regarded as maverick brands known for their unique design language and an innovative approach to high-end watchmaking. Together, they’ve introduced a dynamic duo: the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit variant from H. Moser & Cie. and the 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit timepiece from Studio Underd0g. 

Bvlgari Aluminium GMT X Fender® Limited Edition

‍

The Bvlgari Aluminium GMT x Fender® Limited Edition marks an exceptional collaboration between Bvlgari and Fender Custom Shop. The Bvlgari Aluminium and the Stratocaster, two icons in their respective realms, joined hands to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary electric guitar. Paying homage to the legendary Stratocaster, the Bvlgari Aluminium GMT variant is presented in the original colours of this iconic instrument. The sunburst finish – a nod to one of Fender’s signature lacquered looks – and the creamy white hue bring this limited edition of 1200 watches to life. 

‍