Watches & Wonders 2024

[AHG]

Anyone going to Watches and Wonders this year? I'm thinking about it. I've never been to Geneva. Suggestions on where to stay? Must do's? Best restaurants to try? Day trips? Is the Patek Museum open during that week?

[Mediatrix]

I am going again, but that´s admittedly easy from Germany. Day 1: Arriving Saturday morning from Frankfurt by plane, PP Salon + Rare handcraft exhibition, lunch in Crissier in the outskirts of Lausanne. Day 2: Visit of the fair itself, going back in the evening by plane. Last year I really liked the „Auberge de Savièse“ for dinner.

[7sins]

Went last year and was incredibly underwhelmed, was not worth the travel from LA. More justifiable if we lived closer. Last year, I paired the trip with a few days in Lisbon before heading to Geneva, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Carlazzo]

I think I'll go. For me it is easy from my house...3 or 4 hours by car....
I always went to Baselworld and this year I want to go to Geneve. I've been there many times but not last year for W&W.

[d33nastyle]

Yes i will go Friday April 12

[AHG]

Yeah, it seems to make sense if you live close (i.e. Europe).

[nickorette]

Will be going, had an amazing time last year. I highly recommend looking for accommodations asap, I booked like a month ago and it seemed like most nice places were already full. I recommend getting an invite from a maison to go during the week, much nicer experience then the public days, which often involves large crowds and long queues

[Bazil]

I won’t be, wish I was, but my predications amongst others I’ve made, white gold Daytona John Mayer, and a left field Rolex in celebration of Bucherer ..

[Henrimontgomery]

Don’t go. Don’t travel for it. It’s a total bore and crowded.

[TunaTuna]

Originally Posted by AHG

Anyone going to Watches and Wonders this year? I'm thinking about it. I've never been to Geneva. Suggestions on where to stay? Must do's? Best restaurants to try? Day trips? Is the Patek Museum open during that week?

It's 5 weeks away, better get a move on if you want to try those restaurants or get in to a decent hotel, let alone a good price on a flight

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

Don’t go. Don’t travel for it. It’s a total bore and crowded.

Is it correct that regular folks, not VIPs and press, can only look though glass displays with no handling or trying anything on? If so, seems best to me to simply wait on the photos posted on the internet everywhere.

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Is it correct that regular folks, not VIPs and press, can only look though glass displays with no handling or trying anything on? If so, seems best to me to simply wait on the photos posted on the internet everywhere.

Used to be that way in Basel, which was definitely not worth the travel. In Geneva the booths are typically more open, but I don’t know how they do it on public days.

[maecenas]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Is it correct that regular folks, not VIPs and press, can only look though glass displays with no handling or trying anything on? If so, seems best to me to simply wait on the photos posted on the internet everywhere.

Each booth is different, so it depends on the brand. But as for Patek and Rolex, yes, you’re just looking through windows. I asked yesterday if Patek was going to open up the “upper room” where they showcase the handicraft pieces and such on the public days and was told no.

Some brands have booth designs that are fully open, and you would be able get to get hands on. Actually, I would say most brands are actually eager for you to see the new pieces, just not the “top dogs”.

This will be my 3rd W&W hosted by a brand, so I get to have a great experience with them, and the “public experience” with the rest. I would say that if you’re in Europe for some reason and can get to Geneva, going to the show on a public day, visiting the Patek museum and salon, and wandering around central Geneva for a day is great. But don’t plan a whole trip around it.

[77T]

Well those who do go, please share a trip report with us.

I fondly recall @Jocke here on TRF who regaled us with his own story about his experiences with the old Basel show.

If you don't know what a report looks like, here is one of his 10 years ago - before the craziness set upon horology.

http://roleks.se/bas2014.htm


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