Geneva is the luxury watch capital of the world as many of the big names in the field of horology are based there. It is also home to many creative and gifted independent watchmakers who are not strong or large enough to exhibit distribute and retail. The independents are small firms offering fine craftsmanship and design but no marketing budgets like the global brands. Most of them can’t even afford to participate in watch and jewelry fairs like Basel World.
Alain Carrier and Eric Othenin-Girard, publisher and editor respectively of a glossy watch magazine called Movement created The Watches Days at which some of the biggest luxury purveyors join hands with 16 independents in a venue strategically located half-way between city center and the airport. The three day event has been designed well showcasing the 30 big names and the 16 independents having their own space.
The organizers are confident about the success of the fair. They are expecting 10,000 visitors to come to the fair. The opening saw a steady stream of visitors and the buzz created augurs well for the fair and it should be possible to develop the Watches Days into an annual event that promotes independent creative watchmakers.
