Retail trade Geneva Watch Days aim for record attendance

The Geneva Watch Days aim to defy the slump. Although the watch industry is currently struggling with headwinds, the organizers of the trade fair, which begins on Thursday (today), are hoping for a record number of visitors.

"We started with ten brands in 2020 and will continue to grow in the future," said Patrick Pruniaux in an interview with the news agency AWP. He is one of the seven founders of the event and Managing Director of the Swiss watch manufacturers Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin.

The aim of the organizers, which also include Breitling and Bulgari, is to "bring experts and visitors together in an informal way," says Pruniaux. But it is also about providing a platform for smaller brands. The watch manufacturers pay between 10,000 and 100,000 francs for their participation, depending on their size.

Watch exports down

However, the industry is not having an easy time at the moment. Watch exports have been declining since the beginning of the year. And analysts such as Jean-Philippe Bertschy from Vontobel continue to expect "extremely difficult" months for the watch industry. This is particularly true for brands in the lower and mid-price segments and for brands with a strong presence in China.

According to the organizers of the watch fair, however, this will have no impact on participation in the fair. This is despite the fact that the basis for comparison is high due to the very successful previous years. The reason, according to trade fair founder Pruniaux: "The brands have a long-term vision".

Growing interest in watches

This year, he also wants to appeal to an even broader audience. "We are not only targeting the rich, but also the general public," emphasizes Pruniaux.

"In Switzerland and around the world, interest in watches is growing, driven by the media and social networks." People appreciate the beauty and longevity of watches.

Last year, the trade fair, which is free to attend, attracted over 8,000 visitors. The watch models on display cost between 1000 and several hundred thousand francs.

52 watch brands on site

The Geneva Watch Days will open on Thursday (today). It will run until Monday at the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc in Geneva and at various other locations in the city. At the fifth edition of the fair, 52 watch brands will be presenting their products - 16 more than last year.

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