It’s that time of the year again: the Watches & Wonders 2021 fair is nearly here! It seems like the world still hasn’t quite got itself together yet, so, like this time last year, it will be in a digital format.
If you are unfamiliar with this event, fear not, because we’re here to explain what it is, how it works, and what you can expect to see!
What is Watches & Wonders?
Last year saw the cancellation of quite a few long-standing watch exhibitions: mostly due to COVID, but there was an underlying feeling that the industry was evolving in its interaction with the public. However, a handful of these events still remain.
Formerly known as Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (or – SIHH for short), and running alongside Baselworld, Watches & Wonders is one of the most high profile spectacles in the watchmaking calendar. Whilst we won’t be able to gather round together in Geneva, we’ll be able to experience this watch fair from our own living rooms.
When will W&W 2021 take place?
In-person or remote, here at IWS, we are so ready to discover all the new releases for this year. The fair will begin on the 7th of April and will run until the 13th. Do not worry if you think that you will miss anything, because IWS has got you covered: we will try to report on all the releases from this year, and also comment on them, too, as we always do!
Following the digital version, Watches & Wonders will travel to Shanghai between the 14th-18th of April. Whilst there will be far fewer brands taking part, that fair will be held in-person. Although we’re personally unsure of this move, people will finally be able to hold new watch releases in their own hands once again.
What brands will participate in Watches & Wonders 2021?
This year, 38 brands will be taking part in the digital version of Watches & Wonders: here they are!
A. Lange & Söhne
Arnold & Son
Baume & Mercier
Bvlgari
Carl F. Bucherer
Cartier
Chanel
Chopard
Chronoswiss
Corum
Ferdinand Berthoud
Greubel Forsey
Hermès
H. Moser & Cie.
Hublot
IWC Schaffhausen
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Louis Moinet
Louis Vuitton
Maurice Lacroix
Montblanc
Nomos Glashütte
Oris
Panerai
Patek Philippe
Piaget
Purnell
Rebellion Timepieces
Ressence
Roger Dubuis
Rolex
Speake-Marin
TAG Heuer
Trilobe
Tudor watch
Ulysse Nardin
Vacheron Constantin
Zenith
How do I follow W&W 2021?
Don’t have a press pass? Don’t worry – you have two options.
The first, is to stay tuned on all of IWS’s social media platforms: everything will be documented either here on the website, on our Instagram page, and perhaps on our YouTube channel, too!
Alternatively, you can get it straight from the source: subscribe and follow the social media profiles of all the brands that you are interested in. Normally, they’re the ones who announce their releases first…. normally. It is very likely that the brands themselves will begin uploading content on their own profiles from the 7th of April, but we’ll try our best to bring them to you!
Hopefully this super quick guide has been useful in introducing you all to the spectacle that is Watches&Wonders 2021… see you on the 7th!
-Translated by Patrick R.