Editor’s Note
This article explores the strategic alliance between Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Richemont in forming the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation. It examines the motivations behind this collaboration, which aims to consolidate the industry’s future following the shift from Baselworld.
Against the backdrop of the success of Watches & Wonders, which has become the largest and most influential annual event for the Swiss watch industry following the unfortunate demise of the Baselworld trade fair, three companies—Rolex, Patek Philippe, and the Richemont Group—are launching an unexpected new venture. What is the reason behind this collaboration between the three giants?
The new Geneva-based non-profit organization, the “Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation (WWGF),” aims to promote “excellent watchmaking worldwide” through international in-person or digital watch and jewelry exhibitions.
A governing board will be established to oversee the WWGF. Jean-Frédéric Dufour (CEO of Rolex) has been appointed Chairman, and Emmanuel Perrin (Head of Richemont’s Watch Specialist Division) has been appointed Vice-Chairman. Matthieu Humair, the current CEO of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie which operates Watches & Wonders, is set to become the CEO of the WWGF.
This news follows the overall success of the 2022 Watches & Wonders, which was held as the first major exhibition after the COVID-19 pandemic. Watches & Wonders was held from late March to early April this year, featuring 38 brands from around the world and welcoming approximately 22,000 visitors. While these numbers fall far short of the exhibitor and visitor figures Baselworld attracted at its peak, they strongly indicate the event’s future success.
In addition to the establishment of the WWGF, Watches & Wonders has also announced the exact dates and exhibitor list for the 2023 show. The next Watches & Wonders Geneva is scheduled to be held from March 27 to April 2, 2023, as usual at the Palexpo Convention Center.
Unlike last year’s event, the next event has allocated two days for the general public. Watch collectors and enthusiasts can purchase a one-day pass for 70 Swiss Francs, which will be sold exclusively on the Watches & Wonders website from early February 2023, allowing entry on either Saturday, April 1, or the final day, Sunday, April 2.
Watches & Wonders 2023 is expected to feature a record total of 49 brands, including 13 newcomers such as Alpina, Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Charles Zuber, Charriol, Chronoswiss, Frédérique Constant, Grönefeld, Hautlence, HYT, Kerbedanz, Pequignet, and U-Boat. Only Armin Strom and H. Moser, who exhibited in 2022, are not participating this time.
The list of brands confirmed for Watches & Wonders Geneva 2023 is as follows:
A. Lange & Söhne, Alpina, Angelus, Arnold & Son, Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Cartier, Chanel, Charles Zuber, Charriol, Chopard, Chronoswiss, Cyrus Genève, Czapek, Ferdinand Berthoud, Frédérique Constant, Grand Seiko, Grönefeld, Hautlence, Hermès, Hublot, HYT, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Kerbedanz, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Moinet, Montblanc, Oris, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Patek Philippe, Pequignet, Piaget, Rebellion Timepieces, Ressence, Roger Dubuis, Rolex, Rudis Sylva, Speake-Marin, TAG Heuer, Trilobe, Tudor, U-Boat, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Zenith.
More details about Watches & Wonders 2023 can be found on the official website. Tickets for the general public for the final two days (April 1-2) are scheduled to go on sale in early February.