Remember when intimidating mantrap doors operated by a security guard to enter a boutique was a must to check out a watch in the metal? This is changing on a global level.
Watch and Match, starting today (Sep 30) in Geneva’s largest shopping center Balexert, is the latest of public events where brands and artisans bring their craft to where the public is. The Wednesday is earmarked for children’s activities (get them watch addicted early …), whereas the rest of the week until and including Saturday will present watch brands, pre-owned watches, workshops, events, and exhibitions. The program includes gemsetting, watch repair demonstrations, and a free watchmaking workshop.
Friday sees the opening of Patek Philippe’s "Watch Art" Grand Exhibition in Milan, which will take place in Milan, Italy, until October 18th, 2026. Celebrating Patek Philippe's watchmaking tradition, it will offer visitors an insight into the company's history over the past 185 years in an immersive experience transporting the visitors to Geneva's last independent family-owned watch manufacturer. The exhibition in the historic CityOval building (formerly Palazzo delle Scintille) is open to public and admission is free (booking on Patek’s website is recommended to guarantee a space).
October 7 sees the opening of the public Cartier exhibition “Watchmaker of Shapes, Master of Crafts”, taking place from October 7 to 10, 2026 in its Geneva boutique on 35 Rue du Rhône. A selection of heritage 22 timepieces, spanning the 1900s to the 2010s, highlights the key pillars of the Maison’s watchmaking vision.
And it doesn’t stop there – mid October you have the New York Watch Week, during Geneva Watch Days and Watches and Wonders there are more and more public access and events, the list is endless. And I guess that is the only negative side. Some brands and artisans are saying that there are so many events around the world that it is getting hard to know how to prioritize.
Anyhow, gone are the days when the only way to physically experience watches meant going to boutiques with intimidating mantrap doors operated by a security guard. You will not be missed.
FAQ
What is Watch and Match in Geneva?
Watch and Match is a public watch event starting September 30 at Geneva's Balexert shopping center, featuring brands, pre-owned watches, gemsetting demonstrations, watch repair, and a free watchmaking workshop through Saturday.
Where and when is Patek Philippe's Watch Art Grand Exhibition?
Patek Philippe's Watch Art Grand Exhibition opens in Milan's CityOval building, formerly Palazzo delle Scintille, running until October 18, 2026, celebrating the brand's 185-year watchmaking history with free admission.
Is Patek Philippe's Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Milan free?
Yes, admission to Patek Philippe's Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Milan is free, though booking on Patek Philippe's website is recommended to guarantee a spot.
What is Cartier's "Watchmaker of Shapes, Master of Crafts" exhibition?
Cartier's public exhibition runs October 7 to 10, 2026 at its Geneva boutique on Rue du Rhône, showcasing 22 heritage timepieces spanning the 1900s to the 2010s.
