With more than 750 confirmed exhibitors from 18 countries, 77% of them Swiss, and over 20,000 professional visitors expected, EPHJ is more than ever confirming its strategic role as a global showcase for innovation, industrial expertise and new technological convergences across its sectors.
At a time when high-precision industries must combine innovation, industrial agility and market diversification, EPHJ 2026 stands out as a reflection of the transformations currently under way. One month before opening, the show had already recorded a 5% increase in registered visitors, a sign of stronger interest in an ecosystem capable of meeting both the expectations of traditional watchmaking and the needs of fast-growing sectors such as medtech, aeronautics and space.
True to its DNA, EPHJ remains the trade show where subcontractors, technology providers, process specialists and high-precision industrial companies take centre stage. While watchmaking and jewellery remain the historic pillars of the event, the 2026 edition once again illustrates the rise of cross-disciplinary expertise and related high value-added markets.
Industry 4.0, new materials and surface treatments at the heart of current developments
The skills highlighted this year reflect a profound evolution of the sector. Industry 4.0 continues to transform production methods through machine connectivity, automation, industrial vision, traceability and data analysis.
At the same time, exhibitors are presenting significant advances in surface treatments, new materials and advanced manufacturing processes, all of which have become essential levers to improve performance, sustainability, miniaturisation and the aesthetics of components. The many innovation entries submitted for the Grand Prix des Exposants reflect this vitality at a time when declining watch volumes are forcing the industry to come up with new ideas to win over customers.
This momentum is also clearly benefiting watchmaking, which continues to attract new brands from abroad, drawn by the unique concentration of expertise found in Switzerland and by the ability of the EPHJ ecosystem to meet complex specifications. It is also helping to diversify both visitors and exhibitors, thanks to targeted communication efforts aimed at new companies active in medtech, space and aeronautics — three fields that are especially receptive to the high-precision capabilities showcased in Geneva.
Roundtables to provide substance to the sector’s transformations
Beyond the exhibition itself, EPHJ 2026 will offer several roundtables devoted to the major transformations reshaping high precision. The traditional discussion on watch market trends and outlook will bring together several key players from the sector to discuss developments and challenges in international markets. The show will also address the potential of neurotechnologies, showing how micro-precision contributes to advances in brain medicine, as well as the possibilities of additive manufacturing, highlighted as part of the Innovation Forum. Other debates will focus on the role of precious metals, balancing quality, responsibility and traceability, on new opportunities linked to photonics, on Switzerland’s growing role in the space sector, and finally on the state of the job market in high-precision industries.
A trade show more than ever dedicated to business opportunities
In an international environment shaped by economic tensions, value chain reorganisation and growing innovation needs, EPHJ intends more than ever to play its role as a business platform, an observatory and a place for meaningful connections. Exhibitors will find a highly qualified audience made up of decision-makers, engineers, purchasing managers, entrepreneurs and project leaders looking for partners capable of making a difference.
EPHJ 2026 is therefore shaping up to be a concentrated showcase of industrial excellence, applied innovation and concrete opportunities, serving the professions that shape the high precision of today and tomorrow.
