The Premier Watchmaking Event of the Summer: Geneva Watch Days 2024
The most anticipated horological event of the summer is set to take place from August 29 to September 2, 2024, in Geneva.
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Maintaining its relaxed and casual ambiance, the event will welcome new participants this year, adding a fresh dimension to the gathering. For the first time, brands such as Beauregard, Cvstos, Daniel Roth, Edox, Favre Leuba, Fortis, Genus, Lederer, L’Epée, Micromilspec, Ming, and Speake-Marin will be joining.
They will be in good company with Breguet, Blancpain, and Glashütte Original, who are enhancing the event with special animations in their boutiques, signifying a united effort to highlight the excellence of fine watchmaking. Including the 36 returning brands, the event will boast participation from a total of 51 distinguished Maisons.
The Evolution of Geneva Watch Days
Launched during the pandemic as a temporary solution for the industry to come together, Geneva Watch Days has solidified its status as a key institution in the watchmaking world.
Initiated in 2020 by six founding members—Breitling, Bulgari, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie., and MB&F—the event has expanded significantly. It’s characterized by a common pavilion for displaying brands’ timepieces and hosting discussions on pertinent topics.
Additionally, decentralized locations such as boutiques or hotels allow each Maison to personally welcome watch enthusiasts. This format fosters a convivial and festive environment, underpinned by straightforward yet effective organization, all set against the backdrop of Geneva’s iconic Jet d’Eau in the late summer warmth.
A Promising 2024 Edition
Antoine Pin, President of the Geneva Watch Days Association and Director of Bulgari Watches, has highlighted the growing success of the event and said: “The increasing success of the Geneva Watch Days must be attributed to the participating brands, as well as the constant support from our partners, especially the State and the City of Geneva. The 2024 edition looks very promising”.
With the last edition attracting over 8,000 visitors, 600 media representatives, and 300 retailers globally, the inclusion of a full weekend in the 2024 edition, complete with a public program, indicates the potential for even greater success. A teaser event is also scheduled for June 4 in Zurich, offering a preview of the festivities and revealing the final list of participants.
Community Support and Solidarity
In a show of solidarity and commitment to preserving the craft, the Geneva Watch Days, in partnership with Phillips and Bacs & Russo, organized a charity auction on August 30, 2023, raising CHF 110,000. The proceeds went towards establishing the “Pierre Amstutz Fund” in honor of the late Director of the Geneva Watchmaking School.
This fund supports students in need, ensuring they can complete their training under better conditions. This initiative demonstrates the watchmaking community’s dedication to supporting its future artisans, setting the stage for another auction in 2024.
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Lamborghini Esperienza Giro 2024 in Langhe, Piedmont
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A three-day super sports car driving experience immersed in authentic Italian culture, the Esperienza Giro brought together Lamborghini super sports car owners from across Europe for an exclusive tour celebrating the picturesque region of Langhe in Piedmont, northern Italy. Participants enjoyed luxurious accommodations, exceptional authentic dining, and an immersive experience of the region’s culture, traditions, and landscapes, during the exclusive VIP experience all organized by Automobili Lamborghini.
Il Boscareto Resort and Spa, nestled between the hills of Serralunga d’Alba, provided a luxurious setting for the guests. Upon arrival, Lamborghini clients were treated to a two Michelin-starred dinner crafted by chef Michelangelo Mammoliti at the Rei Natura restaurant, which embraces the natural elements of the region in both its interior design and cuisine.
The tour covered a total of 488 kilometers over several days, beginning with a drive to the medieval Castello di Prunetto, where guests enjoyed a specially curated hazelnut tasting experience, a regional delicacy. The super sports cars then proceeded to Pico Maccario winery, known for its innovative winemaking techniques, picturesque vineyards, and the historic Cru Cannubi wine: a bottle of which is recognized as the oldest in Italy (dated 1752), and considered one of the most important vineyards in the world. Set in rolling vineyards punctuated with the famous Pico colored pencils, denoting the different varieties of grapes and wines, the Lamborghini owners enjoyed a private tour of the production facilities and a lunch before heading back to Il Boscareto. The day ended at the remote 11th century Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a site of significant importance in Italian history and owned over the centuries by several noble Piedmontese families where guests attended a dinner in a medieval setting entertained by flag-throwers and a falconry performance.
The following day featured an exhilarating drive through mountain scenery with a coffee stop at BAart in Agliano Terme, a village renowned for its Barbera grape winemaking and gastronomy. BAart, located in the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Michele, is a community project that blends contemporary art with traditional regional flavors. The group then visited Castello di Razzano, a historic estate dating back to the 17th century, for a private lunch featuring local products, including the estate’s own olive oil. The day ended with a private dinner at Winery Cecilia Monte, where guests savored typical Piedmontese dishes and participated in a unique workshop using wine as paint.
Heading off on day four the Lamborghini owners arrived at Santuario dei Piloni for a mid-morning stop, in a craggy, rural area famed for its history and traditions; here, participants engaged in a truffle hunting experience with dogs, culminating with a tasting of the finest truffle. The tour concluded with a drive to Pollenzo, an ancient city on the banks of the Tanaro river and the home to the University of Gastronomic Studies. Reflecting the university’s dedication to culinary excellence, guests experienced a private lunch of Piedmontese specialities next door at Scuderie Sabaude, where the king of Italy’s stables once stood. Like each edition of Esperienza Giro, Lamborghini guests in Langhe enjoyed a holistic journey incorporating the exceptional and emotional performance of Lamborghini super sports cars, while celebrating the enduring allure of local cultural experiences, exceptional cuisines and Italian heritage.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
