Foire du Valais: The Watchmaking Rendez-vous 2026 [DE]

Description

Watches from Valais? Intuitively, it's hard to believe! And yet! Not only in La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the Vallée de Joux, or at the other end of Lake Geneva are beautiful watches made. Valais actively contributes to the production of some of the most prestigious Swiss watches. As part of an event specifically dedicated to Valais watchmaking, the Sédun-based brand Norton Peak aims to shed a new light on this still little-known reality. This 'Rendez-vous de l’Horlogerie' brings together company representatives, industry experts, and educational actors. Whether at the panel discussion or during the conversations on stage – our goal remains the same: to highlight Valais competencies in watchmaking and to strengthen the visibility of the industry in our canton. Date: Friday, October 9, 10:10 AM Location: Salle Bonne de Bourbon, Foire du Valais, Martigny Admission to Foire du Valais: Free with registration Program Moderated by Valère Gogniat Journalist, entrepreneur, former head of the economic and financial editorial team of "Le Temps". 10:10 AM: Welcome & opening remarks 10:15 AM: The watch industry in Valais. Historical context. Pierre-Yves Donzé Swiss historian and professor at Osaka University in Japan, considered one of the world's leading experts on the economic and global history of the watch industry. He is notably the author of the standard work "Switzerland catch up and overtake: history of the Japanese watch industry from 1850 to today" as well as "The Factory of Excellence – History of Rolex," which received international attention. 10:30 AM: A 'fireplace chat' with Jean-Claude Biver Jean-Claude Biver A symbolic figure of the Swiss watch industry. As a visionary and passionate entrepreneur, he has shaped the industry by leading and developing several renowned houses, including Blancpain, Omega, Hublot, and TAG Heuer. Jean-Claude Biver maintains a very special relationship with Swiss cultural heritage – from cheese to mountains to cows. And what about the Foire du Valais? We will ask him this question. 11:00 AM: Panel discussion "Watchmaking in Valais – a contradiction?" Yves Bugmann President of the Swiss Watch Industry Association (FH) Eric Bianco Head of the Department for Economy, Tourism, and Innovation of the Canton of Valais Nicola Thibaudeau Vice President of the Jura Cantonal Bank (BCJ), municipal councilor of Orsières, member of the board of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), various mandates in administrative and foundation boards Lucas Cucinotta Founder of Norton Peak and the digital agency iomedia founded 25 years ago 11:30 AM: Audience exchange 12:00 PM: Aperitif with snacks and networking Partner: Fondation Watch Academy, Raiffeisen, Le Nouvelliste, Rhône FM, iomedia For more information, please contact the organizer. ©Norton Peak