In a few weeks, the watchmaking week will take place, the most important horological event of the year featuring Watches and Wonders, Time to Watches, and a newcomer, Chronopolis. In this article, we will detail the entire 2026 program for Watches and Wonders and Time to Watches to help you plan your visit between Palexpo and Villa Sarasin. You will discover exclusive information on the 66 brands present at the show, tips for getting your tickets, and the secrets of the free animations that will transform Geneva into a true temple of time measurement.
- The Watches and Wonders 2026 and Time to Watches calendar
- Ticketing and transport to organize your visit
- Exhibiting brands and unique watchmaking experiences
- Free animations and jazz evenings in the heart of the city
The Watches and Wonders 2026 and Time to Watches calendar
To properly prepare for your stay, you should know that Geneva becomes the world capital of watchmaking in April 2026 with two major shows that complement each other perfectly.
Dates and location of the main show at Palexpo
The Watches and Wonders 2026 show will be held from April 14 to 20, 2026. This essential international event will take place at the Palexpo center. This is where 66 prestigious brands will unveil their new releases.
The event separates access to ensure a smooth experience. The first four days are reserved for industry professionals. The general public will then be able to access the exhibitions during the final three days of the show.
The Palexpo center benefits from immediate proximity to Geneva Airport. This geographical location greatly facilitates the arrival of international visitors. You can reach the booths just a few minutes after landing.
The Time to Watches alternative at Villa Sarasin
In parallel, the Time to Watches event will take place from April 14 to 19, 2026. It will take over the superb Villa Sarasin for its fifth edition. This historic setting offers a unique atmosphere for enthusiasts of fine watchmaking.
This show presents itself as an ideal complementary solution. Villa Sarasin is located just a stone’s throw from Palexpo, making travel very simple. The two sites are neighbors, allowing for easy combined visits.
You will discover a specific atmosphere dedicated mainly to independent watchmaking. Time to Watches focuses on the proximity between creators and collectors. More than 85 brands exhibit their creations there in a “village” spirit.
The following brands are notably present at this show:
- BA111OD
- Blackout Watches
- Dominique Renaud
- Elka
- ID Genève
- Herbelin
- Junghans
- Krayon
- Maison Alcée
- Nivada Grenchen
- Raidillon
- Ralf Tech
- Squales
- Venezianico
- Vulcain
- Wolf
- Yema
Chronopolis, the independent watchmakers’ show
A new arrival, the Chronopolis show will be a place where it is possible to discover, try on, and even buy watches in the center of Geneva, specifically in the Halles de l’Île, just a step away from the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices.
The event is free and requires no badge; it is accessible from April 14 to 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
You can discover 20 brands there:
- Arsène Lippens
- Atelier Wen
- Awake
- Baltic
- Beaubleu
- Breda
- Dennison
- Depancel
- Echo/Neutra
- Farer
- Formex
- Furlan Marri
- Hegid
- Jacques Bianchi
- Maen
- Nivada Grenchen
- Serica
- SpaceOne
- Studio Underd0g
- Yema
Ticketing and transport to organize your visit
Once the dates are noted, it is time to move on to the practical logistics to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Choosing your ticket for the public days
You can opt for weekend passes or daily tickets from April 18 to 20, 2026. These specific dates allow you to admire the most prestigious timepieces of the show.
Online reservation is strictly mandatory as no sales take place on-site. Since places are limited, I advise you to purchase in advance on the official website. This is the only way to guarantee your entry to Palexpo.
Premium offers also exist for demanding enthusiasts. These exclusive tickets include dedicated services, such as VIP access and guided tours.
Traveling for free in Geneva with your ticket
Thanks to your precious pass, you enjoy total mobility without spending an extra cent:
- Unireso bus network to travel throughout the city.
- Geneva Mouettes on the lake for a picturesque crossing.
- SBB trains between the airport and Cornavin station in just a few minutes.
Always prioritize public transport for traveling between the city center and Palexpo. This will help you avoid the frequent traffic jams during the event. It is much more peaceful for keeping to your schedule.
Don’t forget that your ticket also offers advantageous rates on accommodation. Also, remember to plan for storage solutions for your travels to protect your watches. This is the ideal tip for traveling with peace of mind.
Exhibiting brands and unique watchmaking experiences
Beyond the organization, it is the content of the showcases and workshops that creates the excitement. At Watches and Wonders, you will have access to many things.
The 66 houses present and the new arrivals
The show welcomes major names like Audemars Piguet or March L.A.B. These arrivals considerably strengthen the event’s attractiveness. They confirm Geneva as the world capital of watchmaking.
The 2026 selection shines with its great diversity. You will find prestigious historic houses. Bolder independent creators complete this picture. This mix offers a complete overview of current trends.
The overall offering reaches a scale rarely seen before. To enhance these timepieces, do not hesitate to visit our watch accessories shop. It is the ideal place to accompany your future acquisitions.
LAB workshops and introductions to artistic crafts
The LAB offers various educational activities and conferences. This technological hub explores the future of time measurement. You will discover the innovations shaking up the sector.
| Activity | Target Audience | Estimated Duration | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly workshops | Curious and enthusiasts | 45 minutes | Understand a movement |
| Expert conferences | Professionnels | 1 hour | Analyze trends |
| Artistic craft demonstrations | General public | 30 minutes | Admire artisanal skill |
| Startup space | Investors and enthusiasts | Open | Discover innovation |
Experts also perform live repair demonstrations. You can observe the precision of the calibers very closely. This meticulous work perfectly illustrates the nobility of mechanics.
Free animations and jazz evenings in the heart of the city
The show does not stop at the doors of Palexpo; it also takes over the streets of Geneva.
The Watchmaking Village at Pont de la Machine
The Pont de la Machine becomes the beating heart of the city. This central hub allows you to discover the fascinating professions of watchmaking. It is a unique place for exchange.
Thematic guided tours are organized starting from this strategic point. These routes allow you to discover Geneva’s watchmaking history on foot. You will thus explore the local heritage with experts.
Access is free for families. It is the ideal opportunity to introduce the youngest to this precision craft.
Partnership with the Montreux Jazz Festival at Quai Guisan
A pop-up club is set up by the water for the event. You can enjoy the musical atmosphere every day from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It is the perfect meeting spot after the show.
The alliance between musical culture and watchmaking passion creates a vibrant atmosphere. The lakeside offers a prestigious setting for these festive evenings. You will discover emerging artists and DJ sets.
The meeting point is at Quai Général-Guisan. This is where collectors and music lovers meet to share their enthusiasm.
Prepare your stay now so you don’t miss Watches and Wonders 2026 and Time to Watches in Geneva. Between haute horlogerie at Palexpo and independent creations at Villa Sarasin, the immersion will be total. Book your tickets online quickly to experience this world-unique watchmaking event!