Geneva Watch Days is more than just a trade fair, it’s an immersive experience that blends world-class horology with the elegance of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Over several days, Geneva transforms into an open-air celebration of timekeeping, with luxury maisons, independent watchmakers, and passionate collectors converging on the shores of Lake Geneva to share their love for the craft.
What sets this event apart is its accessibility. Instead of being hidden behind the walls of a single exhibition hall, Geneva Watch Days unfolds across the city, inviting visitors to move between boutique showrooms, luxury hotels, and lakeside pavilions at their own pace. For a Geneva-based brand like Bimbu, it’s an opportunity to welcome guests into the heart of Swiss watchmaking culture, offering them both a world-class event and the charm of the city itself.
If you’re traveling to Geneva for the fair, timing is everything. Arriving a day before the official start allows you to settle in, explore the city, and finalize your schedule before the exhibitions begin. Most Geneva Watch Days venues are located near the lake, so choosing accommodation within walking distance, whether it’s a boutique hotel or a luxury stay, can save valuable time and keep you close to the action.
International visitors will find Geneva exceptionally easy to navigate. The airport is just minutes from the city center by train, and public transportation is efficient and reliable. Early registration is key for securing access to brand showcases and special events. For those looking to extend their trip, adding a few extra days to explore Switzerland’s watchmaking regions can turn Geneva Watch Days into the ultimate horological getaway.
One of the defining features of Geneva Watch Days is its decentralized format. Instead of a single exhibition hall, participating brands host their showcases across various locations, luxury hotels, brand boutiques, and specially designed pop-up spaces. This allows visitors to craft their own itinerary, moving between venues at their own pace while enjoying Geneva’s scenic streets and lakeside views.
To make the most of your visit, it’s wise to review the event’s schedule in advance and book private appointments with the brands you’re most eager to see. Many presentations are open to the public, but some limited-edition previews or collector’s experiences require invitations. Comfortable walking shoes, a flexible schedule, and an eye for spontaneous discoveries will ensure you experience both the major launches and hidden gems of the fair.
With dozens of participating maisons and independent watchmakers, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. To help you focus your time, here are a few standout stops to consider during Geneva Watch Days:
This curated mix ensures you experience the diversity of Geneva Watch Days, from established icons to boutique innovators. Whether you’re hunting for a future collectible or simply soaking in the artistry, these stops will give you a complete picture of what the fair has to offer.
Beyond the main brand showcases, Geneva Watch Days offers a variety of side events that make the fair more than just a display of timepieces. Collectors can attend panel discussions with industry leaders, participate in watchmaking workshops, or enjoy evening networking events where conversations about tourbillons and escapements flow as easily as the champagne. Some brands even host private dinners for select clients, unveiling special editions in a more intimate setting.
For enthusiasts, these moments are where the magic happens. You might hear the story of a prototype directly from its designer or witness a master watchmaker assembling a movement by hand. For Bimbu, these experiences mirror the personal approach we take with our clients, ensuring every encounter with our brand is memorable, insightful, and deeply connected to the craft of Swiss watchmaking.
When you’re not admiring the latest horological creations, Geneva itself offers a wealth of attractions. The Patek Philippe Museum is a must for any watch lover, showcasing centuries of watchmaking history. A stroll through the Old Town reveals cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and historic landmarks, while the Jet d’Eau provides the perfect backdrop for a lakeside break.
For luxury shopping, head to Rue du Rhône, where high-end boutiques line the streets. Many visitors also make time to visit Geneva’s famous chocolate shops and cafés for a taste of local indulgence. And of course, a stop at the Bimbu showroom offers a seamless bridge between the excitement of Geneva Watch Days and the enduring artistry of Swiss watchmaking.
Geneva’s dining scene is as refined as its watchmaking heritage. For a culinary experience to match the elegance of Geneva Watch Days, try Bayview or Il Lago, both offering Michelin-starred menus with lake views. For something more relaxed but equally memorable, Café du Centre serves classic Swiss fare in a lively brasserie setting, a favorite meeting spot for industry insiders during the fair.
When the exhibitions wind down, the city comes alive with a sophisticated nightlife. The L’Atelier Cocktail Club and La Verre à Monique offer creative cocktails in stylish surroundings, while the bars of luxury hotels like the Beau-Rivage become hubs for post-event networking. Many collectors and brand representatives can be found here, making these venues perfect for casual conversations that might lead to exclusive opportunities.
If it’s your first Geneva Watch Days, preparation is key. While many exhibitions are open to the public, the most exclusive showcases often require pre-booked appointments, so reaching out to brands ahead of time is essential. Following participating brands on social media during the fair can also reveal last-minute invitations or pop-up events.
Networking is part of the experience, so don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to other visitors, whether in a boutique, at a panel discussion, or over coffee by the lake. And above all, leave room in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries; some of the most memorable moments happen when you stumble upon a smaller brand unveiling a masterpiece to a handful of lucky guests. This sense of discovery is exactly what Bimbu embraces, offering visitors an intimate look into the artistry behind each of our timepieces.
Amid the flurry of exhibitions, launches, and networking, a visit to Bimbu offers a moment to slow down and truly appreciate the artistry of Swiss watchmaking. As a Geneva-based luxury brand, we’re deeply connected to the spirit of Geneva Watch Days, celebrating both the city’s watchmaking heritage and the creative possibilities of modern design.
During the fair, our showroom becomes a welcoming space for enthusiasts to engage directly with our collections, learn the stories behind each timepiece, and experience the craftsmanship up close. Whether you’re searching for a statement piece to mark a milestone or a refined addition to your collection, Bimbu provides a level of personalization that makes your Geneva Watch Days visit complete.
Geneva Watch Days is more than an industry event, it’s a city-wide celebration of horology that combines the thrill of discovering new timepieces with the elegance of experiencing Geneva at its finest. From navigating brand showcases to indulging in the city’s culture, cuisine, and nightlife, it offers something for every watch lover.
As you plan your itinerary, make room for moments that will become lasting memories, meeting a master watchmaker, trying on a rare edition, or simply enjoying a lakeside sunset after a day of horological exploration. And before you leave Geneva, step inside Bimbu to take home a piece of the city’s enduring watchmaking legacy.
