Here at WorldTempus and GMT we are prepared for an extraordinary week. Not only do we have a fully booked Salon WorldTempus where I have the honor to have a conversation with Georges Kern on the launching day of Gallet, we also have the week’s biggest party to celebrate the 25th birthday of WorldTempus.
This year’s GWD is taking place in interesting times. It seems like we are at a uniting crossing of improving economics and a resetting of values. Which of course affects the watch industry. What I mean with that? After years of economic uncertainty times are somewhat more stable. And in an era of self-improvement, it is becoming more and more important to stand up for your values and do your thing. Sure, there are still dark forces that attract way too many lost men, but people have also stopped to think. It may not directly affect consuming patterns and passion for horology, I am certain that this time of reflection is one of the reasons why capsule collections, limited editions, resurrections, and micro brands are faring extremely well at the moment. People don’t want to get a full lifestyle package anymore. Unless it is extremely limited and extremely well carried out. Here’s looking at you Louis Vuitton x Singer Reimagined Porsche car with dash clock, surfboard, luggage trunks and more. People want to have special watches that align with their values. They want to have watches that embody true stories. Collectors are not against big brands, but many prefer large brands’ special limited editions that come with a real message. More and more collectors also want to support the right approach, meaning traditional watchmaking with insane quality. Here’s looking at you ultra collectors that have become modern-day mecenats or patrons of the art with a near- philanthropic generosity towards a growing number of genius watchmakers launching their own brands.
So, how will you approach Geneva Watch Days, now with a more packed program than ever? Perhaps the expansion is the only thing that could be a threat to the event. How big can something become before it bites its tail? The antidote to such thoughts is of course the obvious: To accept the fact that Geneva Watch Days has become too big to see it all. Rather than even trying to taste everything on a massive buffet, instead take an á la carte approach. Carefully choose your favorite dishes, and enjoy the horological feast.
