Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 came to a close with a sense of optimism for the industry after setting new records in attendance and exhibitor numbers.
The event welcomed more than 49,000 unique visitors over the entire week, a 14 % increase on last year, including 5,700 retailers and 1,500 journalists, who all came to discover the new introductions from 54 watchmaking brands exhibiting across two levels this year. And, the programme of activities available to the public, such as product presentations, guided tours, workshops and more, was fully booked before the event opened.
The hashtag #watchesandwonders2024, which is all about sharing, shot to the top of social networks, with an estimated reach of over 600 million people at closing time! The arrival of several celebrities set social media ablaze. Among them, the supermodel Gisele Bündchen, the tennis champion Coco Gauff and football superstar Kylian Mbappé.
Business also reached new heights, with 10,000-plus retailer appointments, a 25% increase on 2023, 1,800 Touch & Feel press sessions and a significant increase in end-clients placing orders.
But beyond the numbers, it was the spirit of Watches and Wonders Geneva that resonated with audiences. Throughout the week, the watchmaking industry demonstrated its diversity, as well as its unity around its cardinal values: innovation, craftsmanship, excellence and sharing.
Importantly, interest in the event amongst a younger generation continues to grow, with numerous schools participating and strong attendance by students. Of the 19,000 tickets (up from 12,000 in 2023), once again 25% were sold to under-25s, with an average age of 35, identical to 2023.
Watches and Wonders Geneva has already set the trends for the year, beginning with a return to more classic and unisex proportions, followed by the presence of bold colours and the use of interchangeable bracelets. Grand complications continue to command prominence, while the use of métiers d’art exemplifies the intersection of watchmaking engineering and decorative art.
It took 3,500 steps to explore the entire salon, but even more to realise the full experience, which included the ‘In The City’ programme and new Watchmaking Village activities. The show opened its doors to an even broader audience this year, welcoming all generations, while continuing to balance both inclusivity and exclusivity around an industry that has become more inspiring than ever. The celebration of watchmaking continued with an incredible evening party in the city centre that won everyone over. Boutiques sold out late into the night, while the Lost Frequencies concert transformed Geneva’s quayside into an open-air festival for all to enjoy.
For more information, please visit www.watchesandwonders.com
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