- First-ever Showcase of Swiss Timepiece Heritage Begins in Ahmedabad, Travels to Mumbai and Delhi
Exhibition coincides with India–EFTA Trade Pact Implementation; Import Duty on Swiss watches to gradually reduce to zero - Ethos Summit, Palladium Ahmedabad from 11 am – 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
NE ECONOMIC BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 2
The Embassy of Switzerland in India, in collaboration with the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) and Ethos Watches, has launched the first-ever ‘watch.swiss’ exhibition tour in India — a celebration of the art, precision, and legacy of Swiss watchmaking. The India tour commenced in Ahmedabad on November 1, and will travel to Mumbai from December 5 to 14 and New Delhi from January 5 to 14, 2026.
The Ahmedabad leg, hosted at Palladium Ahmedabad (in front of Ethos Summit) from October 31 to November 9, 2025, marks a significant cultural and economic milestone, reflecting the deepening ties between India and Switzerland. The timing is particularly symbolic, as the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), effective October 1, 2025, provides for a gradual reduction of import duties on Swiss watches to zero — opening a new chapter in luxury trade collaboration.
“Switzerland’s Watchmaking Heritage Meets India’s Passion for Craftsmanship”
Speaking on the occasion, Martin U Maier, Consul General of Switzerland in Mumbai, said: “Switzerland and India share a deep respect for tradition, precision, and artistry. The watch.swiss exhibition is a gateway for Indian audiences to experience the spirit of Swiss watchmaking — a blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. We are delighted that this showcase coincides with the India–EFTA trade agreement, which will bring Swiss excellence closer to Indian consumers than ever before.”
Helene Leonardi, Head of the Promotional Affairs Department, Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH, added: “India represents a dynamic and growing market for fine watchmaking. Through the watch.swiss exhibition, we wish to bring the heart of Switzerland’s horological expertise directly to the Indian public. Visitors will not only discover the heritage behind each timepiece but also engage with the science and precision that define Swiss watchmaking today.”
Immersive Experience Across Three Cities
The watch.swiss exhibition offers visitors an interactive journey through seven key themes — Switzerland, Swiss Made, History, Design, Precision, Manufacturing, and Complications. Highlights include a watchmaker’s workbench, allowing guests to try their hand at delicate watch assembly, and a giant Swiss postcard backdrop for photo opportunities.
Ethos Watches, India’s leading luxury watch retailer, has partnered in this initiative and will host a special showcase featuring four premier Swiss brands. To engage audiences further, Ethos has launched an Instagram contest offering participants the chance to win two Swiss watches, with winners announced on November 10.
Strengthening Economic and Cultural Ties
The watch.swiss India tour underscores Switzerland’s commitment to fostering bilateral trade and cultural exchange. With the gradual reduction of import duties to zero under the India–EFTA pact, industry experts anticipate a surge in demand for Swiss luxury timepieces, reinforcing Switzerland’s leadership in the global watch market and expanding India’s luxury retail landscape.
