The Watchmaking Rendez-vous 2026

Description

Watchmaking in Valais?
Instinctively, one might not believe it! Yet! It’s not only in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Vallée de Joux, or on the other side of Lake Léman that beautiful watches are produced. Valais actively contributes to the manufacturing of some of the most prestigious Swiss watchmaking pieces. As part of an event specifically dedicated to Valais watchmaking, the Sédunoise brand Norton Peak aims to shed an unprecedented spotlight on this still too little known reality. This Watchmaking Rendez-vous will bring together representatives of companies, sector experts, and training actors. But whether during the roundtable or during interviews conducted on stage, our goal remains the same: to promote Valais skills in watchmaking and to strengthen the visibility of the sector in our canton. Date: Friday, October 9, 10:10
Location: Salle Bonne de Bourbon, Foire du Valais, Martigny
Entry to the Foire du Valais: Free with your registration Program Hosted by Valère Gogniat Journalist, entrepreneur, former head of the economy and finance section of Le Temps. 10:10
Welcome & opening remarks 10:15
The watchmaking industry in Valais. Historical context Pierre-Yves Donzé live from Osaka
Swiss historian and professor at Osaka University in Japan, recognized as one of the world's leading specialists in the economic and global history of the watchmaking industry, notably author of the reference work "Rattraper et dépasser la Suisse: Histoire de l’industrie horlogère japonaise de 1850 à nos jours" and "La fabrique de l'excellence - Histoire de Rolex," which has gained international recognition. 10:30
A 'fireside chat' with Jean-Claude Biver An iconic figure in Swiss watchmaking. Visionary and passionate entrepreneur, he has marked the industry by leading and developing several prestigious brands including Blancpain, Omega, Hublot, and TAG Heuer. Jean-Claude Biver has a special relationship with Swiss heritage, from cheese to mountains and cows. And with the Foire du Valais? We will ask him. 11:00
Roundtable "Building watches in Valais, an incongruity?" Yves Bugmann
President of the Swiss Watch Industry Federation (FH) Eric Bianco
Head of the Department of 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 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) foundation board, various mandates within boards of directors and foundation councils Lucas Cucinotta
Founder of Norton Peak and the digital agency iomedia, created 25 years ago 11:30
Public exchange 12:00
Networking aperitif and socializing Partners: Watch Academy Foundation
Raiffeisen
iomedia
Le Nouvelliste
Rhône FM

Highlights

• Event dedicated to Valais watchmaking
• Roundtable with sector experts
• Free entry with registration to the Foire du Valais

General Information

The Watchmaking Rendez-vous will be held on Friday, October 9, at Salle Bonne de Bourbon, during the Foire du Valais in Martigny. This event will highlight Valais watchmaking skills through discussions and expert presentations.

Location

Rue du Levant 91, 1920 Martigny, Switzerland

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