01.04.2025

Media Alert - For Immediate Release
Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 Official Inauguration

The official inauguration of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 took place this morning at Palexpo-Geneva, in the presence of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, representatives of economic and political authorities of the City and Canton of Geneva, as well as the CEOs of the 60 exhibiting brands.

The ceremony opened with a speech by Federal Councillor Guy PARMELIN, head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). He declared: “Dual training is part of Switzerland's competitiveness. It benefits directly to the watchmaking industry, that combines tradition and spirit of innovation”, adding, ”Switzerland must continuously develop its professional training system to remain a country of innovation and a dynamic economy.”

Cyrille VIGNERON, President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, mentioned: "With my colleagues of the Watches and Wonders Foundation, we believe that our passion for the extraordinary should be shared as broadly as possible. The salon is a wonderful expression of that passion, by revealing the vibrant living tradition of watchmaking."

The inauguration featured the artwork of Stéphane GALIENNI, co-founder of Balistik Art, showcasing how artificial intelligence contributes to art and culture.

The ceremony ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by the official authorities and CEOs of the 60 exhibiting brands.

Addresses and speeches:

Guy PARMELIN, Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER)

Cyrille VIGNERON, President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation

Attending personalities:

Nathalie FONTANET, President of the Geneva Government, Head of the Department of Finance, Human Resources and External Affairs 

Alberto VELASCO, President of the Geneva Parliament

Delphine BACHMANN, State Councillor, Head of the Department of Economy and Labour, Canton of Geneva

Christina KITSOS, Mayor of Geneva

Laurent JIMAJA, Mayor of Grand-Saconnex

Sandra PORTIER, Administrative Councillor, City of Grand-Saconnex

Yann SIMETH, President of the Municipal Council, City of Grand-Saconnex

Colonel Monica BONFANTI, Commander-in-chief, Geneva cantonal police force

Lieutenant-colonel Luc BROCH, Deputy Commander, Geneva cantonal police force

François LONGCHAMP, President of Palexpo Genève

Jean-Vital DOMEZON, President of the Société des Hôteliers de Genève

Claude MEMBREZ, General Manager of Palexpo Genève

Matthieu AUBERT, Head of the Service of the Economy, Canton of Neuchâtel

Matthieu HUMAIR, CEO of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation

Members of the board of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation

Members of the Exhibiting Committee of Watches and Wonders Geneva

CEOs of the 60 Exhibiting Brands