Watches & Wonders 2020 Will Take Place Online Beginning April 25th
In light of the unprecedented challenges we are all facing, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) has accelerated the digitalization of its Watches & Wonders concept and will be able to launch a new online platform on April 25th at watchesandwonders.com. Featuring 30 of the world’s leading fine watch brands, the site will provide an unparalleled opportunity to discover the watchmaking universe, as well as the newest watch introductions for 2020. A robust offering of customizable content, curated by the FHH, will also ensure a vibrant educational experience for all watch enthusiasts.
As the industry’s recognized authority and advocate for fine watchmaking, it is the mission of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie to respond to the current challenges and offer to the entire watch community the digital platform it deserves and the ability to gather together virtually. This platform will provide dynamic opportunities for interaction, education and inspiration, while showcasing the heritage, values and ambitions of the brands it represents.
The worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the Watches & Wonders Geneva physical event (previously SIHH) and required an immediate adaptation by the FHH. On April 25th at 12:00pm CET, a breakthrough digital platform will be unveiled at watchesandwonders.com, a centralized portal where watch enthusiasts, retailers and journalists from around the world will be able to experience the fine watchmaking universe, as well as the newest watches of the year and connect directly with the 30 participating brands.
“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.
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 overall, beyond this first phase at the end of April, as it will continue to be updated with new content over the longer term. In the second phase to come later this summer, additional product launches will be unveiled, along with strategic e-commerce partnerships, which will enhance the platform’s appeal for watch lovers, and bring further value to participating brands.
Part of a new ‘global ecosystem’ created by the FHH to fulfil the needs of its watch brands; watchesandwonders.com will become the permanent flagship of fine watchmaking excellence alongside several physical events, among which will be Watches & Wonders Geneva in April 2021.
