Watches & Wonders: Even the Escalators Break Down

The world of haute horlogerie, usually a bastion of flawless precision and unwavering luxury, experienced a moment of unexpected, almost comical, disruption. As the doors of the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva swung open, a broken escalator became an immediate talking point, a stark contrast to the polished perfection expected. It’s a peculiar symbol, isn't it? Escalators, meant to glide us effortlessly into the future, faltering like so many other systems we rely on. It makes one wonder if this is a metaphor for the current state of affairs, not just in watchmaking, but globally.

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What is wrong with the escalators of the world?

Behind the gleaming facade and the clinking of champagne glasses in the press center, a different conversation unfolds. CEOs, while outwardly projecting confidence with answers like "very good" when asked about business, privately voice concerns. The strong Swiss franc, a perennial challenge for exporters, looms large. The specter of global crises – Ukraine, Israel, Iran – casts a long shadow, and the unpredictable pronouncements from American leadership add another layer of uncertainty. Even within the industry, there's a palpable tension as brands grapple with the impulse to raise prices, aiming for the ultra-wealthy and potentially making entry-level luxury watches a rarer commodity.

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very good

Yet, the show must go on. Usain Bolt and Patrick Dempsey, celebrities lending their star power, are present, embodying the aspirational allure of these timepieces. The industry, despite its anxieties, continues its performance. But for those of us observing closely, the broken escalator serves as a quiet reminder that even in the world of ultimate luxury and precision, the unexpected can happen, and perhaps, it’s a reflection of the world outside the exhibition halls.

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The crises of the world: Ukraine, Israel, Iran.