Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves. One of the most unexpected, yet longed-for pieces of news from watch enthusiasts all over the world has finally arrived. From October 4 to 6, 2024, we will experience Milano Watch Week. An event designed for end consumers, organized directly by industry insiders, that will bring the best of independent watchmaking to life for three days.
Milano Watch Week promises to be a must-attend event for watch enthusiasts and industry professionals. During the three days, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest creations of master watchmakers, discuss with those who personally create the most incredible timepieces of the moment, participate in exclusive talks, presentations and industry discussions, offering a comprehensive and in-depth view of contemporary watchmaking.
The Venue
Milano Watch Week will have, as headquarters, the top two floors of the splendid Terrazza Martini. A private and exclusive location where we can immerse ourselves in the passion that unites us, without giving up the traditional Milanese aperitivo vibes and, most importantly, a wonderful view of the entire city, directly in front of the Duomo of Milan.
The Brands
Exhibitors at the first edition of Milan Watch Week are the best that independent watchmaking has to offer. As far as we know, about 20 brands will participate, but at the moment only 13 have been revealed. The best part? For many of these brands, the master watchmakers who create the works of art will be present directly. An unmissable opportunity to be able to interact with the minds behind some of the most fascinating timepieces of the moment. Let’s discover them together in alphabetical order.
- Andersen Genève
- Czapek
- De Bethune
- H. Moser & Cie.
- Ludovic Ballouard
- MB&F
- Parmigiani Fleurier
- Ressence
- Reuge
- Romain Gauthier
- Trilobe
- Urwerk
- Vanguart
At the end of the article you will also be able to read a brief background on each of the Maisons attending the event!
Registering for Milan Watch Week
To gain access to Milan Watch Week you will need to apply for a free ticket directly on the event website. Due to the size of the venue and for security reasons, tickets are limited.
The Partnership With Top Life Concierge
It’s not over yet!
We are pleased to announce that Milan Watch Week has entered into an exclusive partnership with Top Life Concierge to offer free concierge service during their stay in Milan. Thanks to this partnership, participants will enjoy full assistance with activities and logistics, making their experience even more enjoyable and carefree.
During Milan Watch Week, Top Life Concierge will be at your disposal for:
- Making reservations for participating restaurants and hotels
- Purchasing tickets for museums and shows
- Arranging chauffeured cars
- Managing shipments and other logistical needs
Andersen Genève
Founded in 1980 by Svend Andersen, Andersen Genève represents one of the pillars of independent Swiss haute horlogerie. Based in Geneva, this renowned atelier has built a solid reputation based on exceptional craftsmanship and uncompromising innovation.
Svend Andersen, a world-renowned watchmaker, began his career with the creation of unique and complicated watches, including the famous “World Time” and “Perpetual Calendar.” Andersen Genève continues to stand out for its ability to create extraordinary timepieces, combining tradition and creativity, and keeping the authentic spirit of Swiss watchmaking alive.
Czapek
Czapek & Cie was founded in 1845 by François Czapek. It is a historic name in Swiss haute horlogerie, renowned for its combination of traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation. François Czapek, originally from Poland, settled in Geneva and became famous for his fine watches and mechanical complications. The brand was reborn in 2015 by watchmaking enthusiasts who wanted to honor the founder’s legacy.
Today, Czapek continues to create exceptional timepieces, respecting the values of excellence, precision and creativity that made its founder famous, combining classic design with modern technologies to offer watches that embody the best of Swiss watchmaking tradition.
De Bethune
Founded in 2002 by David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet, De Bethune is a Swiss haute horlogerie company distinguished by its innovative and visionary approach. Located in L’Auberson, in the heart of the Swiss watchmaking region, De Bethune combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
The house is renowned for its bold and futuristic creations, which include exclusive mechanisms and distinctive designs, such as the famous De Bethune balance system and astronomical complications. Each watch is the result of careful research and development, which aims to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking to new frontiers of precision and beauty. De Bethune continues to redefine the standards of haute horlogerie, staying true to its mission to constantly innovate while respecting the great Swiss tradition.
H. Moser & Cie
To insiders only Moser, it is one of the most daring and irreverent maisons on the watchmaking scene. Founded in 1828 by Heinrich Moser, H. Moser & Cie. is a historic Swiss haute horlogerie manufacturer distinguished by its timeless elegance and anti-conventional approach to communication in watchmaking.
The brand was relaunched in 2002, remaining true to its founder’s principles: innovation, independence and perfect craftsmanship. Today, H. Moser & Cie. is celebrated for its minimalist and refined designs as well as its innovative mechanical complications, such as the original escapement and modular tourbillon. With limited production and meticulous attention to detail, H. Moser & Cie. continues to embody the essence of Swiss haute horlogerie.
Ludovic Ballouard
Ludovic Ballouard is a talented independent watchmaker who has quickly gained prominence in haute horlogerie thanks to his creativity and technical mastery. After gaining extensive experience working for prestigious watch brands, Ludovic decided to establish his own atelier in 2009.
Based in Geneva, Ballouard is known for its unique and innovative watches featuring extraordinary mechanical complications and distinctive designs. Its creations approach watchmaking in a completely innovative and novel way. For example, the Upside/Down marks time by keeping the hours all upside down and exclusively turning the exact time, while the minute and small seconds spheres continue to turn in the center and at 6 o’clock, respectively.
MB&F
One of the most coveted independent Maisons of the moment. Founded in 2005 by Maximilian Büsser, MB&F (Maximilian Büsser & Friends) is an innovative Swiss haute horlogerie maison that has revolutionized the industry with its bold and artistic creations. Based in Geneva, MB&F was born out of Büsser’s vision to create “watchmaking machines” that challenge traditional conventions and celebrate collaboration between talented watchmakers and artists. The Maison won the Aiguille d’Or in 2022 for its incredible MB&F Legacy Sequential EVO.
Each MB&F watch is a three-dimensional work of art, featuring futuristic design and mechanical complications. Among the most iconic creations are the “Horological Machines series,” which combines futuristic elements with fine watchmaking craftsmanship, and the “Legacy Machines collection,” which pays homage to the traditions of the past with a modern twist.
Parmigiani Fleurier
Founded in 1996 by Michel Parmigiani, Parmigiani Fleurier is a renowned Swiss haute horlogerie maison. Based in Fleurier, in the charming Val-de-Travers, Parmigiani Fleurier is the result of the vision of Michel Parmigiani, a world-renowned master watchmaker and restorer.
The brand is famous for its refined timepieces that combine classic aesthetics and sophisticated mechanics. Among the most iconic creations, the “Tonda” has come to prominence in recent years, thanks to a masterful re-design by the Maison.
Ressence
A few months ago, we dubbed Ressence, the most viral brand of the moment because of the millions of views that videos of these watches posted on our channels have recorded. Founded in 2010 by designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence is a Belgian haute horlogerie brand that has redefined the boundaries of design through innovation and creativity. The Maison is known for its revolutionary approach to measuring time, doing away with traditional hands in favor of rotating discs that display hours, minutes, and seconds intuitively.
Ressence’s creations, such as the celebrated “Type” collection, combine minimalist aesthetics with advanced functionality, offering exceptional readability and a user-friendly interface.
Reuge
For this brand we go back as far as 1865, the year of its founding by Charles Reuge. This is a historic Swiss manufacture that represents excellence in the creation of music boxes and luxury musical objects. Located in Sainte-Croix, in the heart of the Swiss region renowned for mechanical music, Reuge has built a worldwide reputation for craftsmanship and innovation.
Reuge’s creations range from traditional table music boxes to modern custom musical installations, combining fine materials, exquisite design. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, offering a unique sensory experience that celebrates the beauty and magic of mechanical music.
Romain Gauthier
Romain Gauthier, founder of the eponymous manufacture in 2005, is one of the most respected independent watchmakers in the Swiss haute horlogerie scene. Based in the Vallée de Joux, an area renowned for its watchmaking tradition.
His creations are distinguished by technical innovation and refined aesthetics, as demonstrated by the celebrated “Logical One” collection or the stunning C by Romain Gauthier movement, one of the finest automatic solo-time movements in the industry.
Trilobe
Trilobe is a young and dynamic French haute horlogerie house that has quickly gained the attention of enthusiasts for its innovative and distinctive approach to measuring time. Founded in 2018 and based in Paris, it is distinguished by its bold design that abandons traditional hands in favor of a system of concentric rotating discs indicating hours, minutes, and seconds.
Vanguart
The youngest brand on the independent haute horlogerie scene. Vanguart is a bold and creative brand. Founded by a group of visionary watchmaking enthusiasts, based in Geneva, the maison combines cutting-edge technologies with a modern and sophisticated aesthetic that takes inspiration from space. Just think of the first watch they presentedat, now two years ago, dubbed “Black Hole“.
A flying tourbillon that, like a black hole, sucks in a swirling motion around itself the concentric disks of hours and minutes that rotate to tell the time. A visionary and wonderful work that gives a glimpse of what this very young reality has to offer.