Ephj2019 day2 general002

Precision watchmaking equipment show EPHJ bounces back with its first live outing since 2019

More than 12,000 people attended over the four days of the show, eager to take in the latest technological advancements after a 27 month wait since the last exhibition.

Precision watchmaking equipment show, EPHJ in Geneva, bounced back with its first live outing since 2019 as the pandemic recedes in Europe and executives return to in-person events.

More than 12,000 people attended over the four days of the show, eager to take in the latest technological advancements after a 27 month wait since the last exhibition.

“This is a long time for the companies we are promoting. Much too long because digital technology will never replace human contact. We have verified this during this week and the testimonies of the exhibitors, as well as the visitors, all point in the same direction,” says EPHJ event director Alexandre Catton.

There were 530 exhibitors, a quarter of them from outside Switzerland and 90% of them presenting watchmaking tools, machinery and technology.

The 2021 Exhibitors’ Grand Prize was won by Swiss laboratory STS, which developed an alternative alloy based on white platinum that can be used as an alternative to rhodium plating, which has seen its price rocket.

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“Over the course of one year, we developed and tested two alternatives to rhodium in a laboratory and then in production,” explains Frédéric Saulcy, CEO of STS.

Grand prix winners

“Among these two alternatives, the use of white platinum enables us to produce a large amount of coating with the same technical characteristics and color as rhodium. This is a chemical and technological innovation that aligns perfectly with our company’s values and history.”

EPHJ has announced that its 2022 edition will return to its early summer slot with dates of 14 to 17 June at Geneva-Palexpo.

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