World Watch Day Is Official: A Global Celebration Of Time Begins October 10

In a historic moment for the world of horology, the global watch community now has a day to call its own. Officially announced on April 7, 2025, at Watches & Wonders Geneva, World Watch Day, or Journée Internationale de l’Horlogerie, is set to debut on October 10, 2025. The announcement was made during a dedicated panel discussion in the main auditorium, where horology’s place on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity took center stage. The date 10/10 was chosen for its symbolic connection to the time displayed on watch dials in most advertising: a subtle, timeless nod to symmetry, elegance, and the joy of watchmaking.

Until now, despite centuries of innovation, artistry, and cultural significance, there has never been a truly universal day dedicated to celebrating the craft of watchmaking. This new initiative finally bridges that gap. World Watch Day is designed as an open, inclusive celebration—bringing together professionals, collectors, enthusiasts, historians, and anyone with an appreciation for the art of timekeeping.

The very first edition, streaming online on October 10, 2025, will follow the sun from East to West, presenting a day-long program across time zones. The celebration will be co-created by a wide network of media outlets, associations, collectors’ clubs, and content creators. The goal? To explore watchmaking in all its dimensions—from its cultural heritage and scientific achievements to its economic impact, sporting connections, traditional techniques, and modern innovations.

Ahead of the October launch, a webinar has been scheduled for May 5, where interested participants can learn more about the structure and goals of World Watch Day. Two time slots are available, at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. CET, and registration is now open at worldwatchday.org/en/webinar-registration.

To support and coordinate the initiative, a dedicated non-profit association has been formed. Its founding members include some of the most respected institutions in the horological world: the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), the Foundation of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the Watch Library Foundation, the Horopedia Foundation, the Horological Society of New York, Europa Star, Le Figaro, Hantang Culture, and Arc Horloger. Together, these partners represent a broad spectrum of horological expertise, cultural perspective, and media reach. The association is also designed to grow over time, welcoming new members who wish to contribute to this shared mission of promoting watchmaking culture worldwide.

Aurélie Streit, Vice President of the FHH, shared her enthusiasm about the launch, noting that for the past two decades, the foundation has worked to shine a light on fine watchmaking as a fusion of art and technique. For her, playing a key role in shaping World Watch Day was a natural extension of that mission. Echoing that sentiment, GPHG President Raymond Loretan and Director Carine Maillard emphasized how important it is to recognize the creativity and excellence of contemporary watchmaking through such a unifying celebration of what they call the "Twelfth Art."

More than just an industry event, World Watch Day aims to be a cultural movement—celebrating the people, skills, traditions, and ideas that make watchmaking so enduringly captivating. October 10 will now be more than just a moment frozen on a dial—it will be a living, breathing tribute to the art of making time.