World Watch Day to Make Its Inaugural Debut on 10 October 2025

A new fixture is set to appear on the global cultural calendar: World Watch Day, an international celebration dedicated to the art, science, and history of watchmaking. The event, officially announced at the Watches & Wonders Geneva salon earlier this month, will be held for the first time on 10 October 2025.

A Date Chosen With Purpose

The date is far from arbitrary. The choice of 10 October is a tribute to the time 10:10, long recognised as the most iconic display in watch advertising and photography. Symmetrical, optimistic, and neatly framing logos or complications on the dial, 10:10 has become a visual shorthand for horological balance and refinement. In choosing this date, organisers link the symbolic with the celebratory.

According to the founding committee, World Watch Day aims to bring together watch enthusiasts, collectors, historians, educators, and brands in a unified tribute to the craft and culture of timekeeping. The initiative will embrace a wide range of themes, including technical innovation, artisanal craftsmanship, design, sustainability, and horological education.

Founding Partners: A Cross-Section of the Horological Ecosystem

The initiative is being spearheaded by a newly formed non-profit association, comprised of key players from across the global watchmaking community. Among its founding members:

Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) – the industry's most prestigious award platform, celebrating horological excellence since 2001.
Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) – based in Geneva, the FHH is a key educational and cultural foundation that promotes watchmaking values through exhibitions, lectures, and certification programmes.
Watch Library Foundation – a Geneva-based library housing one of the most comprehensive collections of watch-related literature, documents, and catalogues.
Horopedia Foundation – developers of the first open-source digital encyclopaedia of watchmaking, with contributions from industry veterans and academics alike.
Horological Society of New York (HSNY) – one of the oldest watchmaking organisations in the US, dating back to 1866, known for its educational initiatives and lecture series.
Europa Star, Le Figaro, Hantang Culture, and Arc Horloger – representing independent and mainstream horological media, cultural outreach, and heritage preservation across Europe and Asia.

This diversity ensures that World Watch Day is not a marketing gimmick, but rather a collective effort grounded in horological integrity and educational value.

What to Expect in 2025

Although the inaugural edition is still in development, several types of events are already being planned. These may include:

Public lectures and workshops on mechanical movements, history, and restoration
Museum collaborations and special exhibitions
Watchmaking demonstrations in boutiques and public spaces
Online broadcasts and interactive content for a global audience
Open days at manufactures or watchmaking schools
Educational programmes targeting students and young professionals

Given the reach of the participating institutions, it is expected that brands both large and small will join the initiative, using the day to showcase their heritage, innovations, or support for craftsmanship and apprenticeships.

A Timely Celebration

In an era of rapid technological change, World Watch Day serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of mechanical timekeeping – not just as a tool, but as a form of art and a bridge between generations. Whether viewed through the lens of science, aesthetics, or emotion, the mechanical watch remains a powerful cultural object.

With 10 October 2025 set as its starting point, World Watch Day may soon become an annual moment for horological reflection, celebration, and appreciation – uniting the industry and the public around the shared language of time.