Exhibition Watches and Wonders 2025: The Most Anticipated Exhibition Approaches

As it does every year, the arrival of April brings with it the much-anticipated Watches and Wonders exhibition. This week, Geneva is once again preparing to host the world’s largest watchmaking event in its fourth edition since it was rebranded from the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in 2019. Although the event was set to kick off from that point forward, the first in-person edition was delayed until 2022 due to the pandemic. This year’s edition promises to be the largest yet, with 60 prestigious brands participating. Once again, the global watchmaking industry gathers in Geneva, and as always, the Waqt team will be there to cover it.

The exhibition opens with dedicated days for journalists and retailers from April 1 to 4, 2025, followed by public days from April 5 to 7. For the second consecutive year, the public will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the latest releases and engage in interactive workshops and immersive experiences. The exhibition will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and will close at 5 p.m. on Monday.

What’s New in 2025?

One of the most notable changes this year is in event management. Chanel, Hermès, and the LVMH Group have joined the Watches and Wonders board of directors. Additionally, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, has stepped down as president, passing the torch to Cyrille Vigneron, CEO of Cartier.

The exhibition also welcomes new participants, including: Bulgari: Participating for the first time. and some Independent brands like Christian van der Klaauw, Genus, Kross Studio, and MeisterSinger. also the Returnees: HYT and Armin Strom, making a comeback after years of absence.

Held at the Palexpo Exhibition Center, just a three-minute walk from the airport, the event extends beyond this venue. Free public events will also take place along the banks of the Rhône in downtown Geneva, adding a unique dimension to the citywide celebration of watchmaking.

Expanding the Horizons of Watchmaking

Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 is not only a showcase of the finest timepieces but also a platform to raise public awareness of the craftsmanship behind haute horology — especially among young watch enthusiasts. The event offers a rare opportunity to discover the latest innovations and meet the artisans behind these masterpieces.

Beyond the Main Event

Geneva will host several complementary events that enhance the experience for visitors and watch enthusiasts.

Beau-Rivage — The Independent Brands Gathering

Beau-Rivage continues its tradition of hosting several distinguished independent brands. However, the number of participants has decreased this year due to ongoing renovations at the hotel. This year's lineup includes Amida, Beren, Depancel, Doxa, David Candaux, Favre Leuba, Delma, Louis Erard, Raketa, Perrelet, Schwarz Etienne, Lederer, and more.

Time to Watches — Villa Sarasin (April 1–6)

Time to Watches returns for its fourth edition but in a new location — Villa Sarasin. With over 70 brands participating, the event focuses on independent and innovative watchmakers. The exhibition is open to the public.

AHCI "Masters of Horology" (March 31 – April 5)

For lovers of independent watchmaking, the Masters of Horology exhibition organized by AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants) at IceBerg is a must-see. More than 20 independent watchmakers will showcase their creations daily from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Participating watchmakers include:

Stefan Kudoke, Philippe Dufour, Ludovic Ballouard, Konstantin Chaykin, Vianney Halter, Kari Voutilainen, Svend Andersen, Raúl Pagès, David Candaux, Hajime Asaoka, Lin Yonghua, Bernhard Lederer, Tan Zhawa, Sebastian Naeschke, Miki Eleta, Alessandro Rigotto, Florian Schlumpf, Nicolas Delaloye, Sylvain Pinaud, Shauna Tine, Anton Suhanov, Maciej Mielniczek, Marco Guarino, and Stefan von Ganten.

Citywide Watch Celebrations

Beyond the official venues, many brands independently participate across Geneva, either in their boutiques or exclusive venues, adding to the vibrant horological atmosphere of the week. Notable participants include:

De Bethune, Jacob & Co., MB&F, F.P. Journe, Beauvex, Rajab Rajabali, and others.

Brands Participating in Watches and Wonders 2025

A. Lange & Söhne, Alpina, Angelus, Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, Artya, Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Bremont, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Charriol, Chopard, Christian van der Klaauw, Chronoswiss, Cyrus Geneva, Czapek & Cie, Eberhard & Co., Ferdinand Berthoud, Frederique Constant, Genus, Gerald Charles, Grand Seiko, Grönefeld, H. Moser & Cie, Hautlence, Hermès, Hublot, HYT, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Kross Studio, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Moinet, MeisterSinger, Montblanc, Nomos Glashütte, Norqain, Oris, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Patek Philippe, Pequignet, Piaget, Raymond Weil, Ressence, Roger Dubuis, Rolex, Rudis Sylva, Speake-Marin, TAG Heuer, Trilobe, Tudor, U-Boat, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Zenith.