EPHJ 2026 in Geneva stayed on course despite restrictions caused by the G7 Summit in nearby Évian
Although visitor numbers were affected, the fair still reached the milestone of 20,000 trade visitors and confirmed its central role for the watchmaking and jewellery industries, microtechnology, the medtech sector and the wider high-precision ecosystem.
Many exhibitors highlighted the quality of the visitor profile, the relevance of the contacts made, and the strength of the business relationships established or reinforced over the four days.
“This 2026 edition required a special effort from everyone involved. We know that the restrictions linked to the G7 Summit may have made travel more difficult for some visitors and affected the activity of several exhibitors. All the more, I would like to warmly thank our exhibitors, visitors, partners and all the teams who were present despite this exceptional context. Their commitment enabled EPHJ to remain true to its mission: to be the major meeting place for high precision, expertise, useful innovation and professional exchange,” said Alexandre Catton, Director of EPHJ.
This 24th edition was also marked by several major highlights. From the opening day, the official visit of Federal President Guy Parmelin, accompanied by Delphine Bachmann, State Councillor and Head of the Department of Economy, Employment and Energy, sent a strong signal of recognition for the high-precision industries. This presence was particularly appreciated by exhibitors in a demanding economic environment.
Another highlight was the inaugural Global Watchmaking G7, which brought together representatives of several major watchmaking nations in Geneva. The meeting opened an international debate on the future of the industry, market developments, competitiveness, the transmission of expertise, the supplier industry, and the role of watchmaking in a world undergoing reorganisation.
Innovation also played a central role throughout the fair. The EPHJ 2026 Exhibitors’ Grand Prix was awarded to Louis Bélet SA for its PCD drills with internal lubrication — a useful and immediately applicable innovation that pushes the limits of precision drilling in difficult-to-machine materials. The six nominees for the Grand Prix impressively demonstrated how high-precision suppliers are transforming their customers’ industrial challenges into concrete solutions.
The round-table discussions also reflected the diversity of the topics shaping the industry: artificial intelligence in the workshop, additive manufacturing, the digitised human, Swiss microtechnology, precious metals, responsibility, traceability, employment, and training. These themes show that high precision is not only an industrial sector, but also a platform of expertise serving several markets in transition.
With nearly 800 exhibitors from 18 countries, EPHJ 2026 demonstrated the resilience of an ecosystem capable of mobilising even under unusual conditions. This edition served as a reminder that the strength of the fair lies not only in its figures, but also in the loyalty of its community, the quality of its encounters, and the trust that connects exhibitors, visitors, and partners.
The next EPHJ trade fair will take place from 8 to 11 June 2027 at Palexpo Geneva.