The Physical-Digital Hybrid Format Of Watches And Wonders Geneva Allows It To Maintain Its Calendar

Luxferity, 16.02.2022

Eagerly awaited by both industry professionals and the general public, Watches and Wonders Geneva is stepping up preparations to keep this major watchmaking event on track. Its hybrid concept has been designed to adapt to the changing context by combining an actual physical salon, which respects health measures, with digital solutions that meet market expectations. It all kicks off on 30 March!

While the 38 exhibiting Maisons are not giving any secrets away as they wait for Watches and Wonders Geneva to unveil their new products, work is gathering pace in Geneva. While the set-up of the physical event will begin soon, the press, retailers and guests will have access to the private area of the watchesandwonders.com platform to plan their personalised programme. The press presentations, which have been entirely redesigned so that they can be followed either in-person or online, will focus on products. Also rich in new events, live broadcasts, discussion panels, exhibition, the week promises to be dense and exciting.

The press programme will include three new presentation formats, to enable members of the most important international media to keep abreast of the news, both online and at the Salon. Throughout the week, the exhibiting Maisons will hold Keynote sessions in the Auditorium. Announcements and speeches, mostly by brand leaders and ambassadors, will be broadcast live to the general public on the watchesandwonders.com platform and on social media. Meetings with large groups of journalists will be replaced by 'Touch & Feel' sessions of around ten people, a much more confidential format putting products and discussions at centre stage. Digital Product presentations will enable journalists who cannot travel to Geneva to keep on top of all the watch and jewellery news remotely.

A broadcasting area of two fully equipped studios will also be available for the Maisons. All online content will be accessible at any time on demand.

For its second edition, the Morning Show will be broadcast live from the Salon every morning at 8.30 am. The programme will include highlights of the day and cross-conversations between brand managers and experts to follow the news and decipher new trends. Every day at around 6:30 pm, a second programme, the Late Show, will cover many topics including a summary of the day's Keynote sessions and showcase exceptional objects selected from the 38 exhibiting Maisons.

Six 45-minute panel discussions will address the issue of eco-responsibility from different angles. Designed by Watches and Culture, this programme, available online and on demand, will be hosted by high-profile industry figures and watchmaking experts.

Watches and Culture will also curate the ‘Time Design’ exhibition dedicated to the evolution of wristwatch design through the ages. A tribute will be paid to the work of Mr. Gérald Genta through a selection of drawings and emblematic pieces.

Watches and Wonders Geneva will open on 30 March at Palexpo and online. Highlights include numerous watch and jewellery launches, previews, exceptional pieces and craftsmanship presented by the 38 exhibiting Maisons, all committed to making this event a great watchmaking summit!