09.04.2024

Media Alert - For immediate release
Official Inauguration of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024

The official inauguration of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 took place this afternoon, at Palexpo-Geneva, in the presence of the economic and political personalities of the City and Canton of Geneva, as well as the CEOs of the 54 exhibiting Maisons.

The ceremony opened with an address by the Federal Councillor, head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Guy PARMELIN, who shared a welcome video to the many journalists and guests invited for the occasion.

Mr. Jean-Frédéric DUFOUR, as President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, shared his vision of an event like Watches and Wonders Geneva as a means of federating and promoting the watchmaking industry beyond our borders. "Together we go further", he said; "the younger generation remains a priority,” he added.

Delphine BACHMANN, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Economy and Labour, recalled the historical link between Geneva, a land of refuge, and the development of the watchmaking industry, as well as the good figures for Swiss and Geneva watch exports. “Watches and Wonders Geneva significantly showcases not just the mastery of watchmaking professions but also heralding the innovative and dynamic future of this vibrant industry,“ she added.

An artistic performance by artist Sébastien GUÉRIVE, illustrating the metaphor of time, provided an enchanting interlude to the official inauguration.

The ceremony ended at 6:00 pm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Addresses and speeches:

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

Delphine BACHMANN, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Economy and Labour, State of Geneva 

Jean-Frédéric DUFOUR, President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation

Personnalities in attendance:

Carole-Anne KAST, State Councillor, Republic and Canton of Geneva

Jacques GERBER, President of the Government, Republic and Canton of Jura

Danièle WERTHMÜLLER, Swiss Permanent Mission to the UN

Michel POMATTO, Mayor, Commune of Grand-Saconnex

Sandra PORTIER, Administrative Councillor, Commune of Grand-Saconnex

Laurent JIMAYA, Administrative Councillor, Commune of Grand-Saconnex

Claude BAECHLER, President of the Municipal Council, Commune of Grand-Saconnex

Monica BONFANTI, Police Commander, Republic and Canton of Geneva

Patrick PULH, Head of the Gendarmerie, Republic and Canton of Geneva

François LONGCHAMP, President of Palexpo

Claude MEMBREZ, General Manager of Palexpo

Jean-Vital DOMEZON, President of the Hôteliers de Genève

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 54 exhibiting Maisons