Geneva

Lee's One Hour Watch Felix Font for Habring²

Early April means one thing in the world of horology… Watches and Wonders. Rolex, Patek are the obvious Solar giants, with all the other big brands in the W&W galaxy showing pieces. Some truly wonderous and some exactly the same as last year and the year before but sold as being unimaginably different. Millions of gushing words, posts and pictures are published, nearly all extoling the brands that invite said journalists, bloggers and influencers. Along with millions of Euros worth of Pazazz and Glitz to outdo their neighbouring stands, and all to shine light on things to lust over…. Watches.

Paulin Modul D Quartz

But if you leave that galaxy of the stars and travel a short distance but light years in terms of marketing budget you will find yourself at the satellite shows. Literally 1 minute walk from Palexpo ( the home of W&W) is Time to Watches. A country house vibe of a location that holds some gems. You need the hitchhikers guide to navigate the small rooms, but if you take your time its really worth a visit. I met Lee (One Hour Watch on insta) at the Fears stand who along with being a genius artist he also designs for Fears and, most interesting for me, creates fonts for Habring².  

Kudoke K5

The earlier in the week you go, the better your experience will be, because everyone is so distracted by the glitz and glamour next door. Check out the annex which is attached as the light is so much better and you will find the like Paulin (part of anOrdain) who make fun and incredibly reasonable priced watches

Kallinich Claeys Hong Kong Edition

A taxi ride into Geneva is where the real stars are found. At the AHCI show you will find the Independents that create wonderful watches and clocks. It takes 4 or 5 years to even become a member so think high horology with a price tag to match. But there are one or two makers that make exquisite watches that don’t require a mortgage. The ridiculously talented and young Kallinich Claeys and Kudoke being great examples. Kudoke released the K5 which is a piece of art for your wrist that also tells the time. You get to meet and chat to some of the best watchmakers in the world, who are only too happy to explain the thinking, design and manufacturing processes behind their truly astonishing watches.

Zeitwinkel 273° Saphir Bleu

A five-minute walk from AHCI is where I found Zeitwinkel, Garrick and Sherpa at Hotel d’Angleterre, a fitting location for Garrick the English watchmaker. Again, I was able to chat with all the superstar

makers for a good half hour each as they

explain their latest pieces and in Zeitwinkels case, Alberts terrible jokes too. They are three wonderful brands and even though it was great to talk to all, chatting to Dave from Garrick was a real privilege as he is steadfastly ploughing a furrow for British watchmaking, and I mean pure watchmaking, and doing an incredible job to boot.

Garrick S3 Deadbeat

Sherpa OPS

I highly recommend a trip to Geneva and even though it is one of the most expensive cities in the Universe it is a great place to be emersed in all things time. Just remember you will need longer than you think because there are so many beautiful watches to admire!