Watchmaking, which will be recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from 2020, finally has a global date to pay tribute to it.
The launch of World Watch Day / Journée Internationale de l'Horlogerie was officially announced at Watches & Wonders, one of the watch industry's most important events.
The presentation took place during a panel dedicated to watchmaking and its inscription, from 2020, on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Starting this year, the World Watch Day will be celebrated every year on October 10, in reference to the emblematic position of the hands of the clock marking 10:10, symbol of harmony, beauty and balance. This initiative aims to consolidate itself as a global meeting point to pay tribute to watchmaking in all its expressions: from traditional craftsmanship to contemporary innovation, through its cultural, artistic, scientific and economic value.
An inaugural event with global reach
The first edition will take place on October 10, 2025, with an online broadcast schedule adapted to different time zones. Media, professional associations, collectors' clubs and content creators will actively participate in this open, inclusive and collaborative day.
In addition, all local initiatives, museums, educational institutions, brands and communities are encouraged to organize their own activities around this date, in the shared spirit of celebrating time and those who make it tangible.
An international alliance in the service of time
The initiative is driven by a non-profit association that brings together key players in the global watchmaking ecosystem. Its founding members include
- Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie
- Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève
- Watch Library Foundation
- Horopedia
- Horological Society of New York
- Europa Star
- Le Figaro
- Hantang Culture
- Arc Horloger
Their shared vision is projected into the future, with a model open to the participation of new partners and the development of educational, cultural and outreach initiatives.