Watches & Wonders 2023: A Complete Guide to the Watch Trade Show

Like bees to the honey pot, eagle-eyed watch fans are set to descend upon the picturesque streets of Geneva later this year, keen to get a first glimpse of the world’s most impressive timepieces. Watches & Wonders 2023, the industry’s biggest trade show, is officially kicking off from March 27 – April 2, bringing a host of familiar faces along for the ride. Last year’s full-scale in-person presentations were a welcomed return after a spate of predominantly online activity, and this year will be no different. Watches & Wonders 2023 will see a hybrid format take shape, allowing those lucky attendees from across the globe to tune in and watch the unveiling in real-time. For the budding watch collector with a burning desire to see the latest and greatest from iconic names such as Rolex, Seiko, TAG Heuer, A. Lange & Söhne, Hublot, IWC Schaffhausen and Jaeger-LeCoultre, the event promises to deliver in spades. To make the most of the long-awaited event, we’ve dispelled the key information you need to know. Here is a complete guide to Watches & Wonders Geneva 2023.

In this Watches & Wonders 2023 article…

• What is Watches & Wonders?
• What to Expect
• Who is At Watches & Wonders 2023?
• When is Watches & Wonders 2023?
• General FAQs

What is Watches & Wonders?

Held annually, Watches & Wonders is the largest watchmaking summit in the world. Over the course of one week, brands, representatives, retailers and executives from across the globe gather in one place to discuss the future of the industry and unveil the latest ground-breaking novelties. Previously known as Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the event was rebranded in 2019, with 2022 marking the first time the event went ahead in-person under the new moniker.

This year, the show will be continuing to share the same product launches, panel discussions and keynotes fans have come to know and love. For years, watch brands such as Rolex have used this platform to reveal new models and variations to their existing portfolios, while also teasing product innovations currently in the pipeline. According to the organisers, nearly 50 Maisons and watch manufacturers will be exhibiting their wonders in Geneva, the largest number in the event’s history.

For Watches & Wonders 2023, the hybrid event will see both physical and digital activations play out. Event organisers have confirmed that Touch & Feel sessions will allow attendees to interact with the products, while studios and booths equipped with Visiodome will enable the Maisons to present their new timepieces and jewellery remotely. For those watching along at home, a digital system has been set up through the official Watches & Wonders website and YouTube channel.

While the first days are reserved for business visitors, an extensive programme of talks has been specially organised for the general public on 1 and 2 April. Around six talks and discussion panels will be held each day in the Auditorium, with renowned experts and speakers providing insights on watch trends, explaining what makes a watch valuable, or how to start a vintage watch collection. Interestingly, the organisers have also revealed that some more contentious subjects will also be up for discussion, including the metaverse, NFTs, blockchain and circularity.

What to Expect

As outlined by the event organisers, keynotes from the exhibiting Maisons, panel discussions, CEO speeches, expert opinions and all new product releases will be shared across both Morning and Late shows. These viewing times will give eager watch fans the opportunity to look over the new releases in full detail, broadcast live from the salon and available online and on-demand. However this year, there are some major highlights.

A photographic exhibition presented by Karine Bauzin entitled ‘What time is it?’ will investigate our relationship with time and how it is perceived. In the work, the Swiss press photographer asked people from 20 different countries ‘What time is it?’, producing some interesting results. In almost every answer, the response can be summed up in one hand gesture, the same one repeated all over the world and which watchmakers themselves used when they invented the wristwatch. It took her ten years to complete this ethnographic work.

The 2023 event will also showcase the very best of Geneva, with major watch stores on Rue du Rhône and Rues Basses to open their doors, revealing special designs, ornate pieces and rare watch complications. According to the organisers, each of the participating brands’ boutiques has planned specific activities to welcome visitors and showcase their expertise.

“A special evening event dedicated to watchmaking will be held in the Rues Basses on Thursday, 30 March from 5 to 9 pm,” the description reads. “This will be an opportunity to be drawn into the wonderful world of watchmaking, amidst concerts, street entertainment and famous artists. Those who wish to prolong the experience can attend the talks on ‘Geneva and watchmaking’ at the Pont de la Machine. This venue will also serve as an information centre throughout the week.”

Who is At Watches & Wonders 2023?

With 2023 marking the largest watchmaking summit ever held in Geneva, Watches & Wonders promises to deliver some serious brand power, courtesy of the return of a few favourites. After a bride hiatus, iconic watchmaker Patek Philippe is back in the lineup, alongside affordable favourite Frederique Constant. This year, almost 50 exhibitors will showcase their horological work, both physically and digitally. Here is a list of exhibitors for this years’ event:

• A. Lange & Söhne
• Alpina Watches
• Angelus
• Arnold & Son
• Baume & Mercier
• Beauregard
• Bell & Ross
• Cartier
• Chanel
• Charles Zuber
• Charriol
• Chopard
• Chronoswiss
• Cyrus Genève
• Czapek & Cie
• Ferdinand Berthoud
• Frederique Constant
• Grand Seiko
• Gronefeld
• Hautlence
• Hermès
• Hublot
• Hysek
• IWC Schaffhausen
• Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Laurent Ferrier
• Louis Moinet
• Montblanc
• Oris
• Panerai
• Parmigiani Fleurier
• Patek Philippe
• Pequignet
• Piaget
• Rebellion Timepieces
• Ressence
• Roger Dubuis
• Rolex
• Rudis Sylva
• Speake-Marin
• TAG Heuer
• Trilobe
• Tudor
• U-Boat
• Ulysse Nardin
• Vacheron Constantin
• Van Cleef & Arpels
• Zenith

When is Watches & Wonders 2023?

This year, Watches & Wonders 2023 will take place from March 27 – April 2. The professional Salon is available by invitation only, with the official program outlining a series of impressive and informative discussions. Specifically, the Morning Show and Late Show will kick off every day, providing on a live journey through the highlights of the Salon. These will include major launches, brand keynotes, panel discussions hosted by industry experts, and exceptional pieces.

As the event kicks off and stunning new novelties are unveiled to the world, we’ll be on hand to cover all the latest and greatest releases. Throughout the week, we’ll be showcasing the best watches and major announcements from the long-awaited event, which you can stay track of here. For the time being, however, sit back and enjoy the best watchmaking has to offer.

General FAQs

When is Watches & Wonders 2023?

Watches & Wonders 2023, the industry's biggest trade show, is officially kicking off from March 27 - April 2 and will be held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Who is at Watches & Wonders 2023?

At Watches & Wonders 2023, a number of the world's biggest and most iconic watchmakers will be debuting novelties, alongside giving a series of keynotes presentations about the industry. This year's event will see presentations from iconic names such as Rolex, Seiko, TAG Heuer, A. Lange & Söhne, Hublot, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe and many more.