What is Watches and Wonders 2022? What Can We Expect?
5 min read
My last memory of a watch show in Switzerland is SIHH 2019. Given that it's been two long years since I have visited Geneva, let me just start by expressing my enthusiasm on that front. Post a very successful Dubai Watch Week 2021, I think the relevance of in-person events is quite evident, from a business perspective too. With the phygital version of Watches and Wonders just around the corner I have to admit although I can’t wait to get this show on the road, there is a certain level of ambiguity. If you have been visiting fairs like Baselworld and SIHH you will certainly relate to that.
What will the show look like this year? What has changed? I don’t know about you, but although we have been very well updated by the officials of Watches and Wonders, it still leaves me wondering, well curious. To those who are unaware of what Watches and Wonders is, let's break it down.
What is Watches and Wonders?
It all began in 1991 when Cartier, Piaget, Baume et Mercier, Gerald Genta, and Daniel Roth came together to privately showcase their watches at the Geneva Palexpo in an extremely premium atmosphere namely - SIHH ( Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie). Until 2019, SIHH remained a very private, exclusive, and by invitation only luxury watch show. However, in 2019, they did open one day (Friday) to the public for CHF 300.
Now traditionally a majority of Watches and Wonders (SIHH) was represented by the Richemont Group brands along with a few more big boys of the watch world. A few years ago, in 2016 we saw the introduction of the first few indies in a section of the show called “Carre de Horlogers”. From the likes of Cartier to MB&F, this annual luxury watch show organised by the FHH (Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie) had now opened its doors to a larger audience, however still with restricted access.
2020 marked 3 decades of this show and along with this milestone came a few changes. To begin with SIHH was now rebranded as Watches and Wonders. However, since the dreaded pandemic hit us that very year, we haven’t physically been able to witness this show. This year, that changes!
What can we expect?
As per the details that have been shared here are a few things we can expect from Watches and Wonders 2022. The show will take place at Geneva’s palexpo from March 30 - April 4, 2022. Besides the Richemont group brands and a few indies, the big news this year is the entrance of Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, Chopard, Hublot, TAG Heuer and Chanel that previously exhibited at Baselworld only. Now although we will still witness the absence of a major group (Swatch Group), the introduction of brands such as Oris and Grand Seiko is quite refreshing.
What is the purpose of Watches and Wonders?
Watches and Wonders is a platform for watch afficiadoes, retailers, brands and industry professionals to come together yet again and witness the new launches, brand strategies, new developments and so on. A platform to share a mutual passion. From my perspective, this is a fantastic platform to reconnect with brand CEO’s, global collectors and industry professionals to share notes on the new launches and industry insights. Similarly, And although most are quite unhappy with the exclusivity of this salon, I for one certainly appreciate it. Moreover, Unlike other trade shows, Watches and Wonders with its restricted audience is certainly a more focused salon.
Participating Brands
- A. Lange & Söhne
- Baume & Mercier
- Cartier
- Chanel
- Chopard
- Grand Seiko
- Hermès
- Hublot
- IWC Schaffhausen
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Montblanc
- Oris
- Panerai
- Parmigiani Fleurier
- Patek Philippe
- Piaget
- Roger Dubuis
- Rolex
- TAG Heuer
- Tudor
- Ulysse Nardin
- Vacheron Constantin
- Van Cleef & Arpels
- Zenith
- Angelus
- Armin Strom
- Arnold & Son
- Cyrus Genève
- Czapek & Cie
- Ferdinand Berthoud
- H. Moser & Cie.
- Laurent Ferrier
- Louis Moinet
- Rebellion Timepieces
- Ressence
- Rudis Sylva
- Speake-Marin
- Trilobe
Is Watches and Wonders 2022 open to the Public?
Moreover, Unlike the previous years, this year the show will not be open to the public unless you have been invited by the brands or the FHH. However, stay tuned to http://www.thehourmarkers.com as we will be there to bring you new launches and LIVE updates straight from Geneva. See you online on March 30th, 2022!
