Jean-Christophe Babin, President of the Geneva Watch Days: “We must have the wisdom not to grow too much”
Jean-Christophe Babin analyzes the profitability of the Geneva Watch Days, the dynamics of key markets, and the levers of growth for the watch industry, at a time when the sector is under pressure from U.S. tariffs.
On the eve of the 2025 edition of the Geneva Watch Days (GWD), Jean-Christophe Babin speaks about a record number of exhibitors. In this interview, he shares his vision of a show that must prioritize quality over quantity, examines the economic challenges facing watchmaking, and unveils Bulgari’s ambitions—under his leadership—from China to the U.S., against the backdrop of a global market whose crises and opportunities are increasingly difficult to anticipate.
This year, 66 brands are exhibiting at GWD. Has the fair reached a critical size?
That’s a question we raised again recently, and I believe we must have the wisdom not to grow further. We want to preserve the spirit of decentralization, self-management, and conviviality that defined the show from the beginning, and avoid fierce battles to attract clients. That spirit requires limiting the number of brands. The Rotonde du Mont-Blanc, the epicenter of the Geneva Watch Days, is at its maximum capacity. It must remain a luxurious space of hospitality. The ideal number is probably 65 to 70 brands—no more.
How do you see the future of GWD, and what do brands expect in terms of business?
The show was born during the Covid pandemic. Losing all exhibition venues was a potential disaster for watchmaking. We reinvented the concept: an open, decentralized watch salon, spread across different sites, with Geneva as its hub. Each brand finds its own venue while benefiting from a shared structure and organization. From the outset, the State and City of Geneva were very responsive, supporting us with excellent conditions, especially in security and hotel infrastructure. For the first time, the fair also benefits from three private sponsors: Pro-Watch, AREAS, and Youhr.
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