ime seems both slowed and accelerated in these strange times we live in. Slowed due to a confinement that sets up a new daily routine at home. But perhaps, above all, accelerated because of the unprecedented sequence of actions and reactions provoked by this unprecedented episode in the human adventure, which sees initiatives flourish to adapt to the new situation.

Within the watch industry, it is without surprise that the world of trade fairs and physical meetings is the one most affected and must demonstrate increased agility in order to face the new reality.

It is against this backdrop that the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) has accelerated the digitalisation of its Watches & Wonders concept and is launching its new platform on 25 April. This platform brings together the 30 watch brands that should have been exhibiting ink Geneva at this very moment and offers the opportunity to discover their new products, but also more widely the world of watchmaking.

The world of trade fairs and physical meetings must demonstrate increased agility in order to face the new reality.

The 30 watch brands taking part in this digital Watches & Wonders

Europa Star has been a media partners of the Geneva event since its inception. And it is not because the event is being held online this year that we will not be present. As of this Monday, we are setting up a special “Watches & Wonders 2020” report on our homepage. We present all the new products launched by the exhibiting brands, with our own look.

The digital platform launched by the FHH, which is being launched very precisely at 12 noon CET on 25 April, is not limited to a presentation of novelties. It also aims to produce interactive, educational and value-added content, while highlighting the heritage and values of the brands it represents.

Long-term project

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the finest watchmaking brands in the world to bring the Watches & Wonders concept to life online at a time when our industry needs it the most,” states Fabienne Lupo, Chairwoman and Managing Director of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie. “This dynamic new platform will allow watch lovers everywhere to discover exciting new products, engage in enriching experiences, and connect directly with our participating brands in one place.”

For the first phase of Watches & Wonders, the site will feature dedicated pages for each brand, where visitors will have the opportunity to discover their respective universes, including the newest timepieces for 2020. They will also view up-to-the-moment social media content, and connect directly to the brands’ own sites and channels. For the opening day of watchesandwonders.com, the FHH is organizing a series of new product launch presentations where executives from participating brands will showcase their novelties through 10-minute streaming videos, which will then be permanently accessible on the site.

Executives from participating brands will showcase their novelties through 10-minute streaming videos.

Working in collaboration with participating brands, members of its Cultural Council and other opinion leaders, the FHH is also curating a broad range of expert and educational content for the site, including product analysis, trend forecasts, technological innovation and in-depth explorations of design, artistry and craft, as well as business talks and commentary from industry notables.

The new watchesandwonders.com platform has been designed to remain a key destination for watch enthusiasts and the industry beyond this first phase end of April, as it will continue to be regularly updated with new content on the longer term. Additional product launches will be unveiled, along with strategic e-commerce partnerships. A first milestone in this direction will already be achieved at the end of April, as several brands participating in Watches & Wonders will present their novelties to watch enthusiasts within Tmall Luxury Pavilion.

Tune in on April 25: www.watchesandwonders.com

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