A Global Celebration
Launched for the first time this year, World Watch Day aimed to highlight the cultural and human values of watchmaking, a living heritage recognized worldwide. The date, October 10 (10/10), symbolically mirrors the 10:10 position of watch hands – universally associated with harmony, precision, and the celebration of time.
The chosen hybrid format – both digital and physical, global and local – helped make the inaugural edition a success. Events, exhibitions, and meetings were held simultaneously in more than 25 countries, reaching an audience as broad as it is passionate.
Exceptional Online Engagement
This inaugural World Watch Day generated an estimated total reach of over 6 million people, through hundreds of posts on social media and online media under the hashtag #worldwatchday.
Numerous international media outlets, both general and specialized, participated in this inaugural celebration through panels or dedicated articles and posts. A considerable number of brands also joined in by sharing cultural content to showcase the first edition, as did collectors’ clubs, fairs, museums, and retail boutiques.
Highlights of a Global Day
Beyond its digital impact, here are some examples of physical events organized on 10/10:
- In Geneva, the Museum of Art and History inaugurated the exhibition “Even a Broken Clock Is Right Three Times a Day” at exactly 10:10.
- In Lisbon, Tempo Futuro brought together creators and collectors for discussions on watch literature and independent watchmaking.
- In New York, the Horological Society of New York opened its doors to visitors in the heart of Manhattan.
- In La Chaux-de-Fonds, the International Watchmaking Museum offered guided thematic tours on the global history of watchmaking.
- In Stockholm, the Nordic Watch Awards celebrated the best of the Scandinavian creative watchmaking scene.
- In Besançon, the cradle of French watchmaking, and several other French cities and towns, public clocks and church bells chimed at 10:10, symbolizing a shared moment.
- In Shanghai, Hantang Culture unveiled the program of its exhibition “ART SHANGHAI – Touching Infinity: Art beyond Time will”.
- In Paris, Bucherer organized a day of conferences and panels with key figures from the watchmaking world and culture.
- In the Vallée de Joux, Espace Horloger hosted a conference on sharing watchmaking culture with brands Audemars Piguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
- In Istanbul, the Chamber of Commerce organized meetings, panels, and exhibitions on watchmaking.
…and many, many more around the world!
Insights and Outlook
This launch edition demonstrated:
- The power of a unifying and universal concept
- The effectiveness of a participatory hybrid model (digital and physical)
- Strong media and community engagement
The success of this inaugural edition lays the groundwork for an annual global celebration. Brands, institutions, media, and enthusiasts came together in large numbers.
World Watch Day has written the first page of a new collective story – dynamic, inclusive, and open to all.
For 2026, the World Watch Day Association looks forward to repeating this successful initiative, further strengthening international coordination and partnerships with players in the global watchmaking community.
This is the true strength of the Day: it is open to everyone… and everyone can contribute to its success, which is also yours!
