City Guides
Watchonista’s Guide to Off-The-Clock Fun at Geneva Watch Days 2024
Geneva Watch Days is upon us, so we decided to update our list of recommendations for when you have some downtime in the Peace Capital with insider suggestions from prominent watch executives (and one of our own).
By Ash Longet
PR & Business Development
To many of you reading this: Welcome to Geneva! You are undoubtedly excited about your busy schedule of shuffling between hotels, showrooms, and other venues to see the watch world’s latest during Geneva Watch Days this week.
But since we don’t want you to underestimate what this spectacular city has to offer beyond the wrist, we approached several watch executives with a deep knowledge of Geneva to offer some off-the-clock suggestions for you.
In fact, if you combine this city guide with our previous Geneva Watch Days City Guide from 2022, you’ll have a terrific list of resources for visiting the city, anytime!
Watchonista’s Ash Longet: Watches and Talents Exhibition
Open until September 2, 2024, the super-immersive exhibition “Watches and Talents,” crafted by the Foundation Haute Horlogerie’s Watches and Culture initiative, is definitely worth a visit.
This exhibition spotlights the work of eight highly skilled, behind-the-scenes watchmaking professionals through a series of video portraits directed by Thibault Vallotton. Plus, each film is accompanied by everyday objects from the artisans’ lives.
For instance, the public can discover the outer and inner worlds of the enameler Anita Porchet, watchmaker Thierry Faivre, who specializes in balance springs, marquetry artisan Bastien Chevalier, or master watchmaker Philippe Dufour, to name a few.
Jacob & Co.’s Jacob Arabo: The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues
For a relaxing post-appointment cocktail, Jacob & Co.’s founder and chairman, Jacob Arabo, picks an eternal classic:
“The lobby bar terrace at The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues has a unique location where you can admire the beauty of Geneva in a pleasant and classy atmosphere. After many years of friendship, it feels like a second home.”
With creative signature tipples like the floral “Tender Blossom” crafted by expert mixologists and nibbles like the shrimp-laden arancini, Le Bar des Bergues will hit the spot after a busy day of appointments.
Frederique Constant’s Niels Eggerding: Hotel La Réserve
On a similar libation note, Frederique Constant’s CEO, Niels Eggerding, selects a fantastic location a bit out of the hub-bub of downtown Geneva:
“Hotel La Réserve is my top choice. It offers the best service in a bar and restaurant setting, all within a very relaxing atmosphere.”
Both the lobby bar and the pool bar are excellent choices, depending on your mood. And if you want to stay on for dinner, the famed Michelin-starred Le Tsé Fung restaurant elevates Chinese cuisine to an art form.
Insider Tip: The hotel’s owner reportedly owns a tokaji vineyard in Hungary, so ask for a taste of the private stock.
Laurent Ferrier’s Laurent Ferrier: L’Entrecote, Woodward, & L’Age d’Or
The busy Laurent Ferrier, founder of the eponymous brand, lines up a one-two-three punch of some downtown-convenient stops that are sure to satisfy when you’re on the go:
“I recommend classic steak-frites at Le Relais de L’Entrecôte, a Forêt Noire de la Maison Castrischer (black forest cake) at Le Comptoir Woodward, or a pizza from L’Age d’Or.”
All these venues are just steps away from the main strolls of Rue Ferrier or Route de Malagnou.
Czapek Genève’s Valeria Garavaglia: Spa Nescens at Hotel La Réserve
The way Valeria Garavaglia, the head of communications for Czapek Genève, likes to de-stress after appointments is a bit more therapeutic than our other entries:
“Pamper yourself with a spa treatment at Spa Nescens, where you can also relax at the indoor or outdoor pool.”
Her insider tip? “Ask about the free transfer from downtown aboard the hotel’s vintage wooden Riva motoscafo to have a nice lake experience, coming and going.”
Speake Marin’s Christelle Rosnoblet: Brasserie Lipp
The owner and CEO of Speake Marin, Christelle Rosnoblet, not only knows her business when it comes to innovative watches but also when it comes to fantastically chic brasseries:
“A place I particularly enjoy for lunch is Brasserie Lipp. Their seafood platters are exquisite, and I love the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. The decor and style transport us to 19th-century Paris, adding even more charm to this iconic venue.”
What more can we say about this au courant Geneva outpost of a nearly 40-year-old original in Paris and an almost 35-year-old sibling in Zürich? C’est tout!
De Bethune CEO Pierre Jacques’ Suggestion: La Clémence
The high-powered CEO of De Bethune, Pierre Jacques, likes to fuel up with some of the finest coffee in Geneva:
“My favorite tip is La Clémence for a coffee in the morning. It’s an iconic establishment on the Place du Bourg-de-Four, in the heart of Geneva’s Old Town. It is known for its friendly atmosphere and historic charm.”
Open seven days a week, with a terrace perfect for people-watching and a varied menu, La Clémence is a perfect location to take a breather before you start your busy day.
