How important are initiatives like Geneva Watch Days for the Canton of Geneva?
Geneva Watch Days helps to showcase the know-how and expertise of our region on the international stage. With its idyllic setting between the lake and mountains, and its sumptuous hotels just a few minutes from the airport, the Geneva Watch Days prove once again that Geneva is an ideal choice for holding prestigious events. The canton of Geneva is the historic cradle of fine watchmaking, and it was here that the first industrial-scale watchmaking factories were founded in the 16th century.
How is the Geneva watch industry is doing at the moment?
The watch industry is doing well. Swiss exports totalled 24.8 billion francs in 2022, an increase of 11.4% on the previous year. Geneva’s exports accounted for almost half of that total, with 11 billion francs. This is a very positive sign of Geneva’s economic strength.
Are there any particular challenges you are facing in terms of supporting the watchmaking industry?
The watch industry is currently facing three challenges: difficulties in sourcing certain materials in connection with the war in Ukraine, the cost and availability of energy, and thirdly labour problems. My department is working to find solutions, particularly on the last point.
What do you intend to do?
It is a phenomenon that we are seeing in Geneva, and it is similar to the labour shortages that we are seeing in other skilled trades too. On one hand, a large proportion of workers today are approaching retirement age. On the other hand, vocational training is struggling to appeal to the younger generations. This is one of the priorities of my term in office: to promote apprenticeships and industrial sectors to provide lifelong training and encourage professional retraining in sectors affected by labour shortages.
At GMT Publishing, we see that watch tourism is becoming more and more popular, with numerous watchmaking activities around Geneva (Geneva Watch Days, GPHG, auctions, etc.) Is this a phenomenon that you are also seeing?
It is a phenomenon that I have noticed and I am delighted about it. Firstly, as I mentioned earlier, Geneva’s history is closely linked to watchmaking, and our canton is home to many renowned manufacturers. Secondly, we can see that the development of Watches & Wonders and the proliferation of events on the theme of watchmaking, whether they be exhibitions by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, the Patek Philippe Museum, themed tours organized by Geneva Tourism or the many trade fairs you mentioned, are strengthening the appeal of Geneva as a destination. These activities meet a real demand from professionals and watch enthusiasts, as well as from the general public, who are curious to discover this local know-how. All this helps to boost the appeal of our region and its international reputation.
Do you have any particular objectives for the Geneva watchmaking sector?
I would like to enable the sector to secure the next generation of skilled workers. Generally speaking, the Swiss watchmaking industry has always shown resilience in the face of the various crises it has experienced, for example by recycling precious metals to cope with supply difficulties. In the same way, I am keen to encourage the sector’s drive and innovation, and to support industry in the energy transition.
