The first Geneva Watch Days was coinciding with an insatiable need of getting together towards the end of Covid times. It seems like an opaque nightmare now, doesn’t it? That sad and strange time of untimely deaths, face masks, lock-down, and paranoia.
Geneva Watch Days (September 2–6) started as an informal, post-holiday industry get-together. Now, in its seventh year, the five-day event has become a fixture on the agenda for anyone who is truly into watches. And here is a word of caution: Don’t make you schedule too tight during the Geneva Watch Days. It is not meant to be another one of those watch fairs where everybody is perpetually late even though their legs are oscillating faster than a 5Hz movement.
Because even though Geneva Watch Days has become a bit more formalized over the years it is also a time where you can see old and new watch friends, where you are likely to have genuine catch-ups even if you rock up to a brand un-announced, and where the program is expanding to also include get-togethers with different generations of watch collectors in the lakeside pavilion.
And, in September Geneva is still a sparkling gem of a city. Do like the Genevois, bring your bathers and get wet at the Bains de Paquis. The pier which stretches out into the turquoise lake Geneva a couple of minutes’ walk up from the pavilion, not only offers beach life, but also great-value lunches and dinners.
Have an al-fresco coffee – or why not Saturday brunch – at the Cottage in the little park opposite the Beau Rivage where most of the GWD action is happening. Stroll through old town, which has a bunch of new watch boutiques; have an outside dinner along the Rue des Paquis; take the yellow and red Mouette boats for an aller-retour to enjoy Instagrammable views of Montblanc and the city itself. Why not rent a boat, with or without a skipper, to get out on the lake for sundowners with some fellow watch geeks? Or why not venture a little bit North for a hike through the Lavaux vineyards between Lausanne and Montreux?
So yes, as you can see, my honey moon phase with Geneva is not over yet. I moved here in February, and to me this city just gets better and better. What I had not expected was that Geneva is such an amazing summer city. The outside life is happening from May to September, and it is a mix to earth, resort-style beach life with sophisticated 5-star terraces offering fresh summer menus. Here’s looking at you, Rive Droit restaurant at the Hotel President Wilson – I love the new menu by Michelin star chef and Bvlgari ambassador Danny Khezzar.
So, do come to Geneva in September to be part of a growing, watch-loving community. And make sure to add a day or two to your itinerary to be able to slow down and enjoy the city itself.
When you come, don’t be a stranger. Look forward to seeing you!
