The ultimate guide to Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. Check out the highlights of the first full-spectrum event.

Continuing from last time, this time I would like to focus on WATCHES & WONDERS GENEVA 2023 (abbreviated as W&WG2023), the world's largest and most unique watch fair. This time, I will be focusing on the fundamental differences from the previous SIHH, as well as new programs and events not found at SIHH. This will definitely be useful for those who, like me, are planning to cover or visit the event in person.

W&WG finally becomes a fully-fledged "time-themed trade fair"

　After a three-year hiatus, W&WG was finally held in real life (physical) in 2022. However, last year's W&WG was a shortened version, although it was real. This year, it will finally be held in its full-scale version for the first time.

　What is the full-scale version of W&WG? It is not merely an "industrial trade fair for the watch industry" like the former Baselworld, but an urban industrial and cultural event to which the local city of Geneva has a deep commitment. This was the reason why SIHH changed its name to W&WG in 2020, but that part was lost when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to be held only virtually that year. However, this year, 2023, it has finally been decided that "W&WG as an urban event" will be held.

　So what are the differences from the SIHH up until 2019, and what are the new "full-scale specifications"? The answer is clearly stated in the official press release for W&WG 2023, published on January 23rd. It is summed up in the phrase "W&WG is a trade fair with a time theme." Let's take a look at what new events will be held specifically. This is the part I intend to focus on in my coverage.

The event to watch out for is "IN THE CITY"

　The focus of attention at this year's W&WG is on the paid public viewing of the final two days of the event, on Saturday, April 1st and Sunday, April 2nd. However, for a member of the press like me, these open days are no longer available for media interaction and are also days when I can't work. I understand this well, as I also covered the open days at SIHH in 2019 (I think). I checked the program this year as well, and there was, as expected, no media program for these final two days. So I don't plan on being at the venue for the most part.

　So, what events at the fair will you be paying attention to and when? The events will be held outside the fair venue, within Geneva itself.

　The first thing we want to draw your attention to is the "A special evening event dedicated to watchmaking" that will be held in the Llubas district on Thursday, March 30th from 5pm to 9pm.

　The Rubasses district is an area familiar to anyone who has visited Geneva, stretching from the Mont Blanc Bridge to the island in the Rhône River and the old town. Details have not yet been announced, but there is no doubt that special events will be held in this area.

Also pay attention to the special exhibitions by FHH and participating watch brands and boutiques

　Additionally, a "Special Exhibition on Geneva Watchmaking" will be held during the period at the headquarters of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), located on an island in the center of La Massine Bridge, which spans the Rhône River adjacent to this area.

　The press release also states that during the W&WG, each participating watch brand will hold a special exhibition at their boutique in Geneva, showcasing their unique know-how. In other words, it might be a good idea to visit the participating brands' boutiques during this period.

　As I write this and put together my schedule, I feel both happy and depressed. It looks like I'll be running around the W&WG venue and Geneva city from morning to night. That's for sure. Besides these, there are many other exhibitions by brands that aren't participating in W&WG. But now that W&WG has become a full-fledged version, events for other brands have also begun to be held. I couldn't be happier.