Watches and Wonders Geneva: record figures for the 2023 edition

Press release

April 2023

Watches and Wonders Geneva closed its 2023 edition with results that exceed expectations and best forecasts. All of its indicators are well above previous editions. The Salon confirms its trajectory as well as its position on the world watchmaking scene, thanks to controlled growth and a common voice.

Watches and Wonders Geneva: record figures for the 2023 edition

Press release

April 2023

Watches and Wonders Geneva: record figures for the 2023 edition

he innovations were numerous, as were the expectations. Watches and Wonders has redoubled in creativity, innovation and openness in order to keep pace with a rapidly growing global watch market (24.8 billion Swiss francs in 2022).

Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 closed with record figures, with 43,000 unique visitors (22,000 in 2022) over the whole week, 5,400 retailers, 125 nationalities, and 35,000 overnight stays, while the number of end-consumers doubled during the first five days.

The number of shares on social networks exceeded all expectations, with 1.8 million posts mentioning #watchesandwonders and an estimated reach of over 600 million people - more than half a billion - an all-time high.

An increase in the number of business visitors

The press recorded an increase of over 50% in attendance with the return of the Asian markets, i.e. a total of 1,400 journalists present in Geneva, with 13,000 registrations for the 1,800 Touch & Feel sessions enabling them to discover and handle the year’s new releases. Not to mention the 2,600 journalists who were able to follow the entire program online.

Retailers racked up more than 8,000 appointments, confirming the unfailing appeal of watchmaking in all its markets, particularly in Europe, which alone accounted for 70% of visitors.

The general public responded massively

All 12,000 tickets were sold out before the weekend started. Aside from the statistics, Watches and Wonders has proven its appeal to the younger generation: 25% of the tickets sold were purchased by people under 25, with an average ticket-holder age of 35. These visitors were particularly attracted to the LAB experience, which offered them a vision of the future of watchmaking. The Salon thus brings together and federates two to three generations at the same watchmaking crossroads.

This hub now extends well beyond Palexpo and offers the Salon new horizons. The “In the City” experience marks an important turning point in the development of Watches and Wonders Geneva, engaging the city and the general public who were drawn by special events in the boutiques and at other points of interest in the watchmaking capital. The Avener’s concert filled the quayside and had both locals and international visitors dancing to the rhythm of watch movements.

Watches and Wonders has more than ever consolidated its position as the international watchmaking summit. See you in spring 2024!

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