Chronopolis founders celebrate debut that surpassed expectations
Chronopolis debuted in Geneva during Watches and Wonders week 2026, offering a relaxed, community‑focused alternative to traditional watch fairs. Founded by Lorenzo Maillard and Maxime Couturier, the event prioritized conversation and atmosphere over footfall, featuring a sold‑out first edition with a vibrant mix of collectors, retailers, press, and the public. Brands reported strong engagement, achieving their goals through genuine interactions, and the evening party continued until 2 am, underscoring the event’s lively vibe. Feedback highlighted the success of equal booth conditions, random placement, and the event’s complementary relationship with the main fair, which attracted a qualitative audience and fostered lasting brand relationships. All twenty inaugural brands expressed intent to return, while interest from additional brands surged, prompting plans to refine rather than expand the concept for future editions, potentially exploring new locations while preserving the community‑centric ethos.
Buying Time Analysis: The debut of Chronopolis demonstrated a successful, community‑focused alternative to traditional watch fairs, delivering strong brand engagement, high‑quality interactions and a vibrant atmosphere that exceeded expectations, indicating a valuable new model for the industry.
