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Walking the streets there is a sense of pride and awareness of the city’s tradition as you will see the population almost entirely wearing something on their wrist. Whether you’re an avid collector or a curious enthusiast, Geneva’s watch scene is a gateway to discovering masterpieces, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted passion for precision and craftsmanship.
What may surprise you is that in many cases the city has changed and its horological history is sometimes hidden even though it has historically been a major part of the city’s culture. This guide will lead you through the most iconic spots where history, artistry, and time converge in the world’s most legendary watchmaking capital.
Address:Rue Verdaine 16, 1204 Genève, Switzerland By Appointment Only
Email: davidoffbrothers@gmail.com
IG:@davidoffbrothers
I have known Roy and Sacha Davidoff for a good number of years. And have done business with both Roy and Sacha on numerous occasions, even having a couple of watches from them that remain in my personal collection. This dynamic duo specializes in vintage watches with years of experience and seemingly limitless knowledge. Matter of fact, I have heard the brothers referred to as the “Unofficial Mayors of Geneva” on numerous occasions. Roy and Sacha are more than just dealers to be clear, they are both passionate collectors, enthusiasts, and authors – having produced the book “The Ultimate Speedmaster Exhibition” which contains fascinating photos and details on some of the rarest Omega Speedmasters to have ever been produced. The shop is located on a small street in Geneva and is by appointment only – so make sure you email or send the brothers a DM via Instagram before showing up unannounced.
What you will find here:
Its more than just Speedmasters, not to say that the brothers don’t have a good selection of rare and interesting Omega Speedmasters, as during my visit Roy pulled out one of the most impressive collections that I have ever seen during my tenure as a vintage watch dealer, but you’ll find things like interesting Tudor’s, rare Cartiers, COMEX Submariners, vintage Breguet, Bulgari and Piaget among others as the collection is diverse both in selection and price point. Roy and Sacha have a discerning eye and pay attention to the details when it comes to watches both vintage and modern. However, the shop most certainly leans towards vintage. This is a must stop when visiting Geneva, but make sure to make an appointment first. This is not a shop that you can just “stop by” as the brothers are both busy running around town and prefer to spend one on one time with their clients in their small yet charming and fun shop located in the heart of Geneva.
Address:Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre 2, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Website:https://ponti-collection.ch
Email:info@ponti-collection.ch
IG:@ponti_collection
Located in the heart of old town Geneva is a vintage watch oasis. I remember the first time I visited the Ponti collection during one of my first trips to Geneva a few years ago. I felt right at home. The shop is handsomely styled with brilliantly displayed timepieces throughout and an overall decor blending modern with vintage touches. Established in 2001 the Ponti collection is a family-run business that was founded by Laurent Ponti later to be joined by his son Stan Ponti. The Ponti collection specializes in some of the highest quality and rarest watches from such brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. Both Laurent and Stan possess deep knowledge and passion for the horological masterpieces they curate within the shop. Additionally, the back of the shop hosts in-house watchmakers, a rare and always welcome addition to any facility.
What You’ll find Here:
The crème de la crème of vintage watches in Geneva in my assessment. You’re not going to find 500 watches in varying condition or a huge diversity of brands, that’s not to say the Ponti Collection doesn’t have variety in terms of brand or price point, but what they have is the best, and if you have been collecting watches for a long time you will know that the best rarely comes cheap, and like most things you always get what you pay for. Ponti boasts a very well-curated collection of Rolex, Patek, Audemars Piguet, and others just to name a few. That may be seen as limiting to some but this is a curated collection for those looking for the absolute best.
Address: 12, Rue de la Tour Maitresse 1204 Genève – Suisse
Website: https://www.thebeautifulwatch.com/
Email: sales@thebeautifulwatch.com
IG: @thebeautifulwatch_official
The Beautiful Watch has locations in Geneva, Monaco, St. Tropez and Paris. This small shop packs a serious punch – having a small yet impactful collection focused on Patek Philippe and Rolex. The Beautiful Watch is also located close to Pl.de Longemalle promenade area, where you will find other big locations for the ADs and manufacturer-specific boutiques like Bucherer, F.P. Journe, Tudor, and Vacheron Constantin, just to name a few, so if you are in the area this is a must stop especially if looking for high end vintage watches. My time was brief in the shop as I arrived unannounced without having made an appointment. The shop is small and really able to accommodate just a couple of clients at a time. I’d recommend calling ahead of time or sending a message before stopping by, but if it’s a slow day and there is something in the window that piques your interest I’m sure if you buzz the ringer they will welcome you in through the double doors. Additionally, if you browse the website and are looking for something specific they will happily pull specific pieces from the vault for in-person viewing.
Address: Rue du cendrier 24 1201 Genève Switzerland
Web:https://lmdh.ch/
Email: info@lmdh.ch
IG: @lmdh_preowned/
Located in the city center of Geneva for the last 50 years is a wonderful establishment bridging the gap between retail, exhibition, and event space. La Maison de l’Horlogerie aka “The House of Watchmaking” in English, offers a diverse and wide range of watches focusing on vintage offerings with some modern sprinkled in. In addition to this diverse selection, the shop also has an impressive collection of horological artifacts setting the tone of the whole experience. Beyond the retail offering, they also host many brands that offer exhibitions of new products and house an event space for horological activations. Serving as a multifunctional meeting place dedicated to the watchmaking world, the shop offers a wonderful experience to the horology fan. Additionally, when I entered the shop I ran into my old friend who runs “Future Grail” who had an exhibition on display for one of their upcoming auctions, focused on some incredible Patek Philippe’s timepieces displayed wonderfully in the shop. This was a tangible demonstration of “The House of Watchmaking’s” purpose serving not just as a watch shop but more of a central hub for the watch enthusiast community.
What you’ll find here:
What I immediately loved about the collection was the diversity of price points and brands. The collection is tastefully and thoughtfully curated and features something for everyone. You’ll find everything from vintage Cartier, Patek, Rolex and AP. There were also some less often-seen brands that pique my interest such as Zodiac, JLC, and Piaget. Of course, there are grail-level watches here bit there is also the fun and interesting stuff that really makes this shop accessible to a wide range of collectors and buyers novice to veteran. This shop is a must see when visiting Geneva.
Words and Photos by Cameron Barr. Additional photography by Abby White.
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