Full Programme of Watches and Wonders 2026 Announced
The organisers of Watches and Wonders Geneva have published the final programme for the 2026 edition of the exhibition. The event will take place in Geneva from 14 to 20 April, with the exhibition open to the general public during the final three days from 18 to 20 April.
The announcement expands on the preliminary information released earlier this year and provides a clearer overview of the presentations, exhibitions and educational activities planned during the week.
Brand Presentations and Demonstrations
Visitors can already register for presentations dedicated to newly released watches. The registration system uses the same account details required for ticket purchases.
In total, 38 of the 65 participating brands will host official presentations of their latest models. These sessions allow visitors to see new releases in more detail, while a number of stands will also feature animated demonstrations and live displays explaining technical features and watchmaking processes.
Guided Tours of the Exhibition
Guided tours will offer another way to explore the exhibition. Small groups of around 10 to 15 participants will take part in tours lasting approximately 90 minutes, conducted in English and French.
These tours are designed to introduce visitors to the key areas of the exhibition and provide additional context about the brands and innovations on display.
Innovation Hub LAB
Innovation remains a central theme through the exhibition’s LAB hub, where 13 projects will present new technological developments for the watch industry.
Among the ideas being showcased are new approaches to after sales service, an interactive 3D platform allowing customers to configure luxury watches, and the use of 3D printing to produce carbon watch components. The LAB area will also feature AI driven voice platforms, smart display cases and connected watch straps designed to enhance the retail and ownership experience.
New Certification Concept from COSC
The Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, known as COSC, will introduce a new certification concept during the exhibition.
The updated testing process is designed to simulate real wearing conditions and will include additional evaluations such as resistance to magnetic fields and verification of power reserve performance.
Auditorium Conference Programme
The Auditorium platform will host a series of conferences featuring watch journalists, brand representatives and other figures from the industry.
Discussions will explore a range of topics including current trends in watchmaking, unconventional ways of displaying time, and the design identity of independent watchmakers. One session will focus on brands that built their reputation around a single complication, presented under the theme “Extreme Complications”.
Wake Up! Exhibition and Café
A special exhibition titled Wake Up! will explore the history of alarm mechanisms in timepieces, tracing their development from the Middle Ages to modern watchmaking.
Alongside the exhibition, the Wake Up! Café programme will add a culinary element to the event. Visitors will be able to attend cooking workshops led by chef Danny Khezzar or enjoy pastries and desserts prepared throughout the week.
Activities for Young Visitors
The organisers have also prepared an interactive programme for visitors under the age of 16. Children and their parents will be able to assemble simple wooden watches, observe demonstrations showing how mechanical watches function without batteries, and meet watchmakers who will present traditional decorative techniques such as engraving and enamelling.
The programme is designed to introduce younger audiences to watchmaking through hands on activities and demonstrations.
Leave a comment