In only 10 days, on January 16th, 2017 the SIHH 2017 —Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève— will open its doors for its 27th edition to reveal all the watch novelties from 30 exclusive brands —instead of 24 as in 2016. Just as we've done it since the launch of WCL, we will be there to bring you our usual live coverage with powerful images of the most exclusive watch event in the world. While every year at the SIHH is unique and has its own charm, this year will be a special year not only because 2016 was a very challenging year for the Swiss watch industry but also because the number of independent brands has increased from nine to thirteen. Additionally, this year also marks the return of Girard-Perregaux to the SIHH —who had moved to Baselworld in 2013— and the inclusion of new brands like Ulysse Nardin amongst others.

For this 27th edition of the SIHH, the Carré des Horlogers —the area dedicated to independent brands since 2016— will now host 13 brands instead of nine with some changes from last year. De Bethune will no longer exhibit at the Salon and newcomers include: Grönefeld, MCT Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps, Ressence, RJ Romain Jerome and Speake-Marin.

Among the major brands that exhibit at the SIHH we have all the Richemont Group brands: A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels; with the exception of Ralph Lauren which is a joint venture with RL since 2007 and was thankfully left out of the SIHH in 2016. Additionally, other major brands present at the SIHH 2017 include: Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, Greubel Forsey, Parmigiani Fleurier, Richard Mille and Ulysse Nardin. Below you will see all exhibiting brands.

Organized by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie and lead by Fabienne Luppo, this event is not only the most exclusive watch event in the world but also a private event for guests of the exhibiting brands. However, for the first time since its creation, the SIHH will open its doors to the public on Friday January 20th January, from 11am to 6pm, subject to ticket availability priced at CHF 70 —approximately $75 USD— and available for purchase through the SIHH's website. Another change this year and one that we are not happy about, is that the central bars will now only be open from 11am to 6pm and charging for alcoholic drinks.

Just as if the watches being presented, the décor and the space weren't fancy enough; the attendees, their outfits and the watches on their wrists, bring the Salon experience even higher. With attendees from every corner of the world, the diversity and elegance is always part of the experience. Not to mention, the beautiful ladies that are often cause of distraction when going into the different brand booths but especially at Richard Mille and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Lastly, the SIHH tradition dictates that a VIP cocktail is held on the fourth day of the event. Personalities from Geneva’s economic and political world, along with guests of honor of the watchmaking Maisons are invited to this reception that offers an annual an opportunity for introductions and to raise funds for its charity activity. And of course, considering the caliber of this event, the beautiful people are always present.

For more info on the SIHH click here and the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie here.