News
Watch These Fairs
News
Watch These Fairs
“I tried to get a ticket to Watches and Wonders and couldn’t. What gives?”
“How the hell did you get invited to Watches and Wonders and I didn’t?”
Those are just some of the questions I’ve heard from various folks over the last several weeks as the industry gears up for the long-awaited return of the Watch Fair Formerly Known as the SIHH. But while many are hyper-focused on the big players and what their new novelties will be, there are alternative watch exhibitions that have been flying under the radar, either happening right now or that will be happening in the weeks to come. In other words, while Watches and Wonders might be the hottest ticket in town and while some may seem to have front-row seats, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a good view of the show from the balcony.
Here are some alternative watch fairs that you might want to get to know:
Time to Watches
All in, Time to Watches will host 40 exhibiting brands and has organized free transportation via shuttle from Geneva airport to the show.
Masters of Horology – the AHCI Grand Exhibition of Watch and Clockmakers
The event will take place at the L’iceBergues Exhibition Centre, and attendees can register to attend in advance on the AHCI website.
Barton 7
The Barton 7 will be located at Rue Barton 7 — close to Lake Geneva — from March 30 through April 5. Singer Reimagined, Schwarz-Etienne, Depancel, Ikepod, Genus, Le Rhone, Bianchet, and Blaken will be the attending exhibitors.
Independents Days
VO’Clock Privé at Vicenzaoro
Just over 500km away from Geneva (about a 5-hour drive) lies a city in northern Italy that twice every year hosts one of the largest jewelry and gem fairs in the world. Vicenza is by no means some quaint little town. With a population of over 115,000 residents and a thriving art and music scene – not to mention it’s historical connection to the famed Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio – it’s becoming more and more of a destination for those who need a break from it’s larger, more well-known sister city, Venice.