Editor’s Note: The Geneva Watch Days 2021 starts today, and this second edition promises much more than just watches; it’s a beacon of hope both for the watch industry and for those who simply want some ‘happy’ news.
Bliss
The world is still at turmoil; the new variant of the Pandemic, Delta, is still ruling like an Alpha of terror globally. Sydney is a continued lockdown thanks to Covid-19; the value of life in Afghanistan seems to be sinking into the Slough of Despond; and a hurricane in US is threatening to throw the normalcy of life under duress. We do indeed live in troubling times.
And as the duo behind Watch Ya Gonna Do About It sit locked in in Sydney, the news of the Geneva Watch Days 2021 that is starting today is more than welcome; it’s the much needed escape from the rash realities of life, into a world that takes the mind away from dystopia.
In this utopian universe, we are set to witness exceptional releases from some 25 watch brands, all putting their best foot forward, hopefully enthralling the watch collector and enthusiast community.
The Details
What: Geneva Watch Days 2021
When: August 30th to September 3rd 2021
Where: Online and in-person at an exhibition and a Pavilion open to the public on the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc, Geneva
Who: 25 Maisons are participating, including Arnold & Son, Bianchet, Breitling, Bvlgari, Charles Girardier, Czapek, De Bethune, Doxa, Ferdinand Berthoud, Frederique Constant Group, Gerald Genta, Girard-Perregaux, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie., Konstantin Chaykin, Louis Erard, MB&F, Maurice Lacroix, Oris, Parmigiani Fleurier, Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, Raketa, Reuge, Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk.
Presentations
There will also be panel discussions and presentations for the watch community to immerse themselves in.
These panels will be available online, and will held live in the GWD Pavillon with an audience Q&A also scheduled.
Tuesday 31 Aug 12-1pm CET – The Thirst for Knowledge: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816757
Tuesday 31 Aug 1-2pm CET – Collaborations: How and Why Watchmakers Work Together: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816813
Tuesday 31 August 4-5pm CET – The Digital Revolution in Watchmaking: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816814
Wednesday 1 September 12.30-1.30pm CET – The Rise (and Rise) of the Independents: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816815
Wednesday 1 September 1.30-2.30pm CET – The Connection Between Car and Watch Collectors: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816818
Wednesday 1 September 4-5pm CET – What Women Want: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816817
Thursday 2 September 12.30-1.30pm CET– Watchmaking and Italy: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816820
Thursday 2 September 1.30-2.30pm CET – Millennials: The Next Generation of Watch Collectors: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816821
Thursday 2 September 4-5pm CET – Making Old New Again Moderator: https://livestream.com/phillips/events/9816822
That’s It Folks!
I will wrap this up by modifying a Helen Keller quote: “Watches are my Utopia. Here I am not disenfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourses of my horological friends. They tick-talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness”.
We look forward to revealing the novelties as they get announced. For more information, please visit the Geneva Watch Days 2021 website here. All images unless otherwise specified are Geneva Watch Days © 2021 All Right Reserved. To read our coverage of existing and upcoming 2021 novelties, head to the dedicated section here.