News 
The major annual watch industry co-contractors event was a great success, with high attendance and remarkable innovations. This 23rd edition was marked by a major transition, with management being transferred to the Easyfairs group in light of the founders’ wish to ease up in their activities.
The 2025 edition of the EPHJ show, which took place from 3 to 6 June, welcomed 798 exhibiting companies, up 5% on 2024. These exhibitors come from 16 different countries, a quarter of them outside Switzerland, notably France (97), Germany (33) and Italy (25). Some even hail from much further afield: Japan, Canada, China and Hong Kong. The most represented Swiss cantons were Neuchâtel (134), Bern (124), Jura (81), Geneva (80) and Vaud (76).
With 114 companies exhibiting for the first time, the 23rd edition marks a strong renewal and proof of growing interest in high-precision entrepreneurs. While the majority of exhibitors are active in the watchmaking sector (91%), over 54% declare an activity in medtech or microtechnology, confirming the diversification dynamic observed in recent years. More than ever, the ingenuity, hyper-miniaturisation and rigorous discipline of Swiss precision are attracting demanding sectors such as the medical, aerospace and high-tech connector industries.
The number of visitors is on a par with the 23,000 recorded in 2024, which is an excellent signal in the current difficult period for the watchmaking industry.
The future of high precision unveiled at EPHJ
Among the highlights of this year’s show, the Exhibitors’ Grand Prix highlighted five outstanding innovations selected by a jury of experts: quantum tattooing for invisible authentication (Quantum Brand Protection); nanocoloring by grafting precious metals (UGIEL); shape threading by polygoning (Louis Bélet); piezoelectric crystals with complex geometries (ILM-CNRS); as well as a patented quick-fastening system for interchangeable metal bracelets (Salin). Selected by its peers, Quantum Brand Protection (QBP) won this 2025 edition.
EPFL spin-off QBP impressed the show’s jury and trade professionals with its revolutionary invisible tattoo technology designed to protect luxury watches from counterfeiting. Directly integrated into watch components (such as the sapphire crystal or mechanical parts), this marking is invisible to the naked eye but can be detected under special light. It acts as a unique signature linked to a secure digital passport, proving the authenticity of the watch throughout its lifespan.
Other not-to-be-missed events included the Innovation Forum showcasing emerging trends as well as the first Forum des Métiers d’Art dedicated to artisanal excellence in partnership with MTTA-Microcity (Neuchâtel). Numerous round tables also attracted attendees’ attention, notably the one devoted to the watch market’s ongoing evolution.
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Finally, the EPHJ Job Dating Day, which focused on the final day of the event, facilitated encounters between talent and companies in the high-precision sector.
A new chapter marked by continuity
During the exhibitors’ evening on 3 June, exhibition founders Olivier Saenger and André Colard announced a new phase in the development of EPHJ with the arrival of a new shareholder. They chose Easyfairs – a group with extensive trade fair experience – to become the new owner of EPHJ. This change comes with a clear commitment to preserving the show’s spirit, conviviality, DNA, Geneva location, industrial focus as well as its mission to serve innovation in the fields of watchmaking, jewellery, microtechnology and medtech.
“After 22 years of passionate commitment, we felt the time had come to pass the torch. This well-considered decision is part of a natural process of succession, tied to our journey and also to our desire to guarantee a solid future for EPHJ. We are proud of what we have achieved and extremely confident in our choice of new owner”, stated the two founders of the trade show. “We built this show together with the exhibitors, in alignment with their concerns and in their best interests. We would like to thank them all and we are confident that these values will be preserved by the new buyer, Easyfairs, which has demonstrated it has all the skills and expertise necessary to successfully maintain and develop this great event.”
The team in charge of the organisation of the event, led by Alexandre Catton, will continue to manage the trade fair to ensure both its continuity and dynamism. The founding values, as well as the strong relationships established with the Swiss and international ecosystem, will also remain unchanged. This evolution will open up new opportunities while strengthening the existing foundations that have contributed to the trade show’s success for over 20 years.
With this smooth transition, EPHJ reaffirms its commitment to continuing to bring together Swiss and international industrial players around a unique event that remains true to its roots while looking firmly toward the future.
About Easyfairs
Based in Brussels, Easyfairs organises and hosts events, bringing communities together to visit the future. The group currently organises 110 market-leading event titles in 16 countries and manage eight event venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden.
June 12, 2025