For its 30th edition in April 2020 in Geneva, Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) is undergoing its biggest change ever. With a new format, new name, new dates and new audiences, SIHH becomes Watches & Wonders Geneva: an unprecedented concept, now in association with the City and Canton of Geneva.
Synonymous with a sense of wonder, excellence, openness and discovery, the new name of the show is an invitation to experience watchmaking in a different way, a focal point for exceptional talent, creativity and innovation. For the first time, the event will be on show at venues throughout Geneva with an “In the City” formula, aimed at a wider audience and especially younger generations. This will provide an opportunity to discover and experience watchmaking, differently, through exhibitions, walking tours, initiations to watchmakers, visits to Manufactures, along with boutique presentations, museum open days, conferences and conversations with industry players, etc. Some of these activities will take place at the Pont de la Machine, a new stronghold of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH). The FH will also take part in this Geneva watch week through watch.swiss, its extremely original travelling exhibition designed to appeal to the general public and providing an overview of Swiss watches through seven fundamental themes.
The Salon itself, which will still take place at Palexpo (April 25th to 29th 2020), will host around thirty watch and jewellery Maisons. More outward-looking, more experiential, more interactive and more connected, it will deliver a wealth of content and new experiences. Building on the previous year’s success, the “Lab” will showcase even more of the latest technological innovations from the exhibiting Maisons, as well as from start-ups linked to the industry. The “Live” will offer world-first access to international product launches and exclusive announcements. Keynote addresses by influential speakers will complete the programme. During this 2020 edition, however, the show will not be holding an open day for the public at large, with the latter instead being invited to discover watchmaking through the new “In the City” formula. However, for the sum of 300 francs, it will be possible for aficionados and other enthusiasts to access the event and the various services offered.
Watches & Wonders is set to become the hallmark of excellence, the unmissable event where Haute Horlogerie is expressed and experienced, where professionals meet and inspire each other, and where the general public can learn and marvel.
October 24, 2019