Watches & Wonders to Launch Virtual Show Online

After canceling Watches & Wonders Geneva due to COVID-19, event organizers have announced they will be debuting a new online show to be launched on the same date instead.

Earlier this year it was announced that the anticipated Watches & Wonders event to be held in Geneva at the end of April (previously SIHH – Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) would be canceled due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

Now amongst all the Baselworld news swirling around the last two weeks regarding the exodus of anchor brands like Rolex and Tag Heuer, organizers of Watches and Wonders, Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) have revealed they are accelerating the digitalization of their Watches & Wonders concept and will be debuting a new digital platform including a “digital show” on what was originally intended to be the first day of the physical expo.

The “digital” version of Watches & Wonders will launch April 25th at 12:00 pm CET is set to include many of the original participating watch brands that were going to attend the physical expo at Palexpo in Geneva Switzerland and will be an opportunity for brands to reveal their latest offerings to the retailers, press and public alike.

Commenting on the Watches & Wonders concept, Fabienne Lupo, Chairwomen and Managing Director of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the finest watchmaking brands in the world to bring the Watches & Wonders concept to life online at a time when our industry needs it the most. This dynamic new platform will allow watch lovers everywhere to discover exciting new products, engage in enriching experiences, and connect directly with our participating brands in one place.”

Much like the online format that was adopted by the organizers of the canceled Geneva Motor Show due to COVID-19, individual brands will be given 10 minute streaming slots to announce their latest product launches. These videos will then be made available permanently on the website alongside other content and brand details.

The new website will also provide a range of expert and educational content created by members of the FHH Cultural Council and other leading opinion leaders alongside product analysis, trend forecasts and in-depth business talks and commentary from industry members.

Brands that are expected to be featured on the site include watchmakers like A. Lange & Söhne, Cartier, Christophe Claret, Bovet, Hermes, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, MB&F, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, and Ulysse Nardin to name a few.

To tune into the launch, visit Watches & Wonders from April 25th at 12:00pm CET onwards.