#helvet magazine Genève | Été 2024 | EN

Cosmopolitan and yet quintessentially Swiss; Dive into the nation’s greatest small city, where the water is the mirror of the world.

KATE WINSLET

LONGINES BOUTIQUE

Place de la Fusterie

40, Rue du Rhône • 1204 Genève

LONGINES MINI DOLCEVITA

There is Verbier and there is Zermatt. Two Swiss icons in the heart of the mountains. An invitation to discover these destinations from an intimate angle, a celebration of wishes, the excitement of sports and endearing personalities.

living the high life

helvet.swiss

Editorial

Geneva in the summer is like an alpine version of a seaside resort. It’s chic yet relaxed, with long walks through gorgeous countryside and along the water that inspire taking deep breaths of fresh air. Where else can you have the lake, beach, mountains, and vineyards all in the same place? Spending time in Geneva is a privilege… and everyone here knows it.

One of the world’s smallest big cities, it hides its international status discreetly behind its elegant warmth. When the people of the world gather here to discuss key issues, they do it amongst opulent décor and a prevailing aura of the “good life”. In Geneva, the pace is slowed down — there’s no point in running, here we walk (nothing is that far away). We swim and sunbathe, too. And not just a little! With 30 beaches, a wild river, an abundance of spas, and a wide variety of nautical activities, the city that’s famous for the Jet d’Eau knows how to take advantage of its lakeside location. Summer here is dazzling.

We sail here, too, of course. Far from the ocean, the landlocked waters of Lake Geneva have long been (85 years!) the epicentre of the world’s largest inland lake regatta: the Bol d’Or. A Swiss sailing saga that captured the world’s attention with Team Alinghi, who compete again this fall in the 37th America’s Cup. It’s yet another chance for Swiss naval engineering to shine.

On water or on land, there are many ways to express yourself here. History has shown that Geneva is a land of opportunity, where time is cherished and celebrated. It’s a breeding ground for brilliant minds, some of which are reflected in these pages. Did you know Siri’s co-founder hails from the region? Or that the online bank Swissquote was born on the shores of Lake Geneva? Or that Dior opened one of its most architecturally iconic boutiques — a blooming flower — here on Rue de Rhône? Or that Watch Valley (Vallée de Joux), the heart of Swiss Watchmaking, is a mere hour away?

That’s Geneva — all of it. A window display that invites you to push open the door, a temple of confidence, sure and serene, a stockpile of talented people and redeemable energy.

Christian Bugnon Publisher & Editor-in-chief

Snowflake hands

A hallmark of TUDOR divers’ watches since 1969

Manufacture Calibre MT5813 with 70-hour “weekend-proof” power-reserve, silicon hair-spring and COSC-certification

unseen and dare all? This is to TUDOR. This is the spirit embodied by every TUDOR Watch. Some born to follow. Others are born to dare.

43 with self-gripping fastening system

43 millimetre black carbon composite case with fixed strap bars, machined from a single block

Five-year transferable guarantee registration or periodic maintenance checks required

One-piece fabric strap with no

PELAGOS FXD CHRONO

CULTURE FREE MUSEUMS IN GENEVA

It’s not always about the money… Geneva may be one of the most expensive cities on the planet, but it also boasts a pleasant surprise for art and culture lovers: you can visit the permanent collections at every museum or institution that receives financing from the city for free! Temporary exhibitions are also free the first Sunday of every month. For all the other exhibits, the Museum Pass — which is valid for one year and only costs 40 Swiss Francs — gives free or discounted access to at least 14 different private and public institutions (and their temporary exhibitions) in the city. Museum day anyone? geneve.ch/themes/culture/musees museesdegeneve.ch

ECOLOGY 10 ORGANIC YEARS: CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDEN

The largest public botanical garden in Switzerland is preparing to celebrate a decade of organic farming. Pesticides and artificial fertilizers were eliminated at the garden in 2015 to meet the requirements of the BioSuisse label, which they proudly achieved 2 years later. It was a first in the country and a huge challenge for the gardeners who had to adapt their approach to be more environmentally friendly… without endangering any of the 15,000 plants (some rare) in the Botanical Garden collection. To leave nothing to chance, the conservatory even powers its buildings with renewable energy and uses recycled rainwater. cjbg.ch

EVENT

EUROPEAN FREESTYLE PRO TOUR RETURNS TO GENEVA

For the 3rd time, the European freestyle windsurfing circuit will be back in Geneva — with high hopes for strong winds this time. Put September 18-22 in your calendar for the Geneva Wind Festival, part of the EFPT. Two different (and spectacular) division events will take place including towin and the foilstyle finals. Add in foil pumping battles and musical events at Tropical Corner, and you’re guaranteed to get your thrills! The EFPT circuit is composed of at least 14 events throughout the year (2 of which are outside of Europe), and winners are expected to advance to the PWA Freestyle World Tour. efpt.net gvawindfestival.ch

GASTRONOMY

GENEVA STREET FOOD FESTIVAL: NEW EDITION

For ten days, from 30 May-9 June, street food once again takes over Geneva from 11:30-22:00 (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). For the second consecutive year, the Plaine de Plainpalais will host the Geneva Street Food Festival, featuring the best food trucks in the city… and the country! Expect international food stands, professional caterers, delicatessens, winemakers, and local breweries to all be in attendance. Surprises guaranteed! gvastreetfoodfest.ch

GASTRONOMY A CHOCOHOLIC’S PARADISE

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Sold online or at the Quai du Mont-Blanc tourism office (30 CHF), the Choco Pass gives you 24 hrs to enjoy generous tastings at seven of the best Genevan chocolate makers. Caramel spheres and Princess almonds at Guillaume Bichet, truffles and almond dragées at Sweetzerland, pavés glacés and florentines at Zeller, avelines and nougalines at Favarger, and more! There’s even a playful version of the pass for kids. Whatever your age, be prepared to delight your tastebuds. Bonus: get 20% off the purchase of the Choco Pass with the Geneva City Pass. geneve.com

ONE PASS, MANY THRILLS

All Geneva visitors benefit from free public transportation using the Geneva Transport Card but combine that with the Geneva City Pass and you can really take your trip to the next level! Available for 24 hrs (30 CHF), 48 hrs (40 CHF), or 72 hrs (50 CHF), the City Pass offers free or reduced entries to at least 60 attractions in the city. The Geneva Tour boat cruise? Free. Entry to MAMCO (Musée d’art moderne et contemporain)? Free. Paddle boat rentals at Tropical Corner? Included. Guided tours? The Mont Salève cable car? Also included. And just like that, the card will pay for itself. geneve.com

OUTDOORS A DOSE OF CHLOROPHYLL

Geneva has no shortage of city parks: big, small, lakeside, urban, and everything in between! When summer hits, locals and visitors alike can enjoy being pampered with delights like publicly available lounge chairs, refreshment stands, grills for summer picnics, games and a slew of cultural activities organised by the municipal libraries. Even more surprising, the heart of the city becomes an urban golf course (complete with 7 holes over 4 km!) and an open-air movie theatre in partnership with CinéTransat, which offers free movie projections from 11 July-18 August at the Perle du Lac Park. geneve.ch cinetransat.ch

GASTRONOMY DINING AMONGST THE TREES

As the summer months return, the venues tucked into the city’s many parks find themselves at the centre of attention once again. The stunning Kiosque des Bastions is no exception, boasting a massive terrace and an immense, eye-catching greenhouse. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a decadent Sunday brunch or a refreshing drink on a warm day. The Cottage Café is slightly more discreet, found inside the old gardener’s quarters just behind the Brunswick Monument Plaza. Here you can expect to find delicious breakfast, Mediterranean dishes, fresh seasonal salads, pastries, or even tapas that are served from 18:00 onwards. Meanwhile, in the international district, Colladon Parc offers bistronomic dining with a focus on local (and, when possible, organic) ingredients in the shade of the local centenarian chestnut trees. The menu is limited but on point, and the desserts are sublime. bastions.ch cottagecafe.ch colladonparc.ch

INFRASTRUCTURE THE GENEVA AIRPORT AIMS HIGH

The CAP2030 project will bring a fresh, new look to the Geneva Airport, providing space for the airport to expand and a much-needed update to the facility’s aging infrastructure. Terminal 1 will remain open during the first phase of the project (until 2032), which includes: a 40,000 square metre expansion on the motorway side to free up space for future renovations or rebuilding; demolishing the upper floors of the existing train station to create a more efficient and continuous journey for passengers using all forms of public transportation; and a 40% expansion of the airport’s retail zones. In addition, the airport still plans to be heated and cooled by the GeniLac hydrothermal system over the next few years, which will reduce the airport’s annual carbon footprint by 60%.

gva.ch

EVENT

BURN CALORIES IN A TRIATHLON

On 6-7 July, the 34 th edition of La Tour Genève Triathlon will take over the city, the shores of Lake Geneva, and its waters with views of the Bay (La Rade) the Jet d’Eau! There are six different race formats on offer, including shorter Junior courses (for ages 6-10 and 11-13) or the queen of them all the “Half” (1.9 km swimming, 90 km biking, 21.1 km running), with in-between options that include Discovery Triathlon, or Short and Standard Distance races. Adults can choose to race alone or use a “Relay” option for teams of 2-3 people. Inscriptions are open until the day before the race.

latourgenevetriathlon.ch

OUTDOORS

GLIDE OVER LAKE

GENEVA’S WATERS

Want to explore water sports on Lake Geneva? Look no further than Tropical Corner! This windsurfing school, located along the Bay at Genève Plage, has gradually expanded its water sports offering beyond windsurfing and now even spearheads the Genevan leg of the European Freestyle Pro Tour (see above). Standup paddle boarding, foiling, and wing surfing are all on offer here, as are rentals, classes (for all levels), and training courses. Time to let yourself get carried away by the lake’s winds!

trop.ch

CULTURE

BAINS DISTRICT ARTIST NIGHTS

The Bains District (Quartier des Bains) was once an industrial neighbourhood and is now Geneva’s version of SoHo, located just a few streets away from the Rhône River and Old Town Geneva. Here you’ll find MAMCO (Modern and Contemporary Art Museum), the Centre d’Art Contemporain, and a collection of galleries, cool cafés, vegan hot spots, the bars of Rue de l’École-de-Médecine, creative ice creameries, and unique boutiques. The Quartier des Bains Association was created in the early 2000s by a group of gallery owners who organise four annual “Nuit des Bains” events that coincide with member galleries’ openings (next on 16 May, 12 Sept., 14 Nov.). It makes the entire area a hub for contemporary art in Switzerland. Bonus: CAC and MAMCO stay open those nights until 21:00! quartierdesbains.ch

OUTDOORS GENEVA LOVES BIKES

Genève Roule is a city bike rental program that runs from 29 April-1 October. Bike stations are open every day except Mondays and are located at Pâquis (Quai du Mont-Blanc) and Plaine de Plainpalais (next to the skatepark). It’s a great way to participate in some of the many biking events put on by the city and various associations, starting with Bike Saturdays (Samedis du Vélo). These free guided tours (for adults only) take place once a month from early spring until late summer and feature 18 cultural (and very creative) itineraries. Save the dates: 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, and 7 September. Biking lessons and bike repair training are also part of the programming — don’t miss out!

geneveroule.ch

pro-velo-geneve.ch

ECOLOGY

WHEN GENEVA GOES GREEN

Climate change is here and the City of Geneva — as part of its official Climate Strategy — is actively responding by adopting numerous initiatives. These include: the pedestrianization and revegetation of city streets and building rooftops to combat urban heat islands; actions to reinforce biodiversity; developing an Eco neighbourhood; creating a new public park at the Pointe de la Jonction; planning and building the “voieVerte du Grand Genève” that’s exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists; and the creation of a new circular economy factory. To see some of these changes in person, we suggest exploring Geneva’s “Climate Trail”, an interesting and informative walking tour (4.4 km, or approx. 2 hours) that visits key sites along the route from the Cemetery of Kings to the Châtelaine industrial zone.

geneve.ch

OUTDOORS FLOATING DOWN THE RHÔNE RIVER

It’s a classic nautical activity for a hot summer day. At the base of Lake Geneva, the river’s clean, emerald waters beckon, reaching 24-25°C in late August! Regulars know to get in beneath the Sous-Terre Bridge (along Quai du Seujet) and let themselves be carried downstream by the current — which is strong at first — on a kayak, inflatable float, SUP or using a dry bag as a buoy. At La Jonction, where the Rhône meets the Arve, water temps drop to 10-15°C, but the colder waters are very calm. You can get out at the access ramp near the Passerelle du Lignon bridge (45-75 min. float), at the Moulin de Vernier beach (60-90 min. float), or at the Peney Bridge — which is the last stop before the dangerous Peney Dam and adds 1.5-2 hours to your journey going through the forest… but you’ll have to paddle! Some safety tips: avoid stormy days or when the current is very strong, and look out for excursion boats; also be sure to bring paddles to steer, a dry bag and… a picnic! rafting-loisirs.ch

ELECTRIC NOBILITY.

This is for new levels.

Le nouvel EQE SUV, avec jusqu’à 593 km d’autonomie, allie esthétique raffinée, fonctionnalité et confort. Son espace généreux, son Hyperscreen en option et son moteur électrique puissant et silencieux rendent chaque voyage unique.

Réservez votre essai

EQE 500 4MATIC SUV, 408 ch (300 kW), 21,9 kWh/100 km (équivalent-essence : 2,4 l/100 km), 0 g CO2/km, émissions de CO2 de la mise à disposition du carburant et/ou de l’électricité : 25 g/km, catégorie de rendement énergétique : B. Photo non-contractuelle. Le modèle présenté dispose éventuellement d’options proposées contre supplément.

Navigating the shores of Lake Geneva

The beauty of Geneva’s maritime heritage

Text Daniel Bauchervez

Photos Genève Tourisme | CGN

The industrial revolution brought steam power, the Belle Époque brought clean designs and a desire to take to the open seas. Starting in the 19th century, dozens of water vessels dotted the waters of Lake Geneva. Some are still running, offering a gentle journey.

The seven CGN Belle Époque vessels, which still run today on steam or diesel, have been designated historic monuments.

It was Edward Church, an American businessman and Consul of the USA in France, who first launched pleasure cruises on Lake Geneva in 1823. He was inspired by the steamboats that travelled along the Hudson River in his home country. Going from Geneva to Ouchy along the shoreline, his William Tell paddle steamboat was enthusiastically received, and its Sunday routes quickly became very popular. Other vessels featuring iron hulls or high-pressure boilers began to compete with Church for business, leading to the creation of Geneva’s CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) in 1873. Its worth noting that by then, Edward Church’s other boat — which used a paddle powered by circling horses on the dock (!) — had been deemed too noisy and inefficient, and had already been retired…

THE CHARM OF THE BELLE ÉPOQUE

In 1896, the Swiss National Exhibition swept Geneva with a wave of progress, faith in the future, and beauty. A new generation of watercraft stepped into the spotlight, five of which have survived: the Montreux (built in 1904), the Suisse II (1910), the Savoie (1914), the Simplon III (1920, recently damaged in a storm), and the Rhône III (1927). These slender and graceful vessels range from 68-78.5 metres long, and still welcome passengers for pleasure cruises during the balmy summer months.

Here, it’s the journey, not the destination, that counts. The beauty that comes with gliding over the lake’s mirrored surface makes for a lovely excursion. Treat yourself to a delightful meal and a drink, or simply bask in sun and the views from the upper deck, as you watch the opulent villas

of Petit-Lac pass by, followed by coastal vineyards, castles, and the summits of Chablais on the starboard side.

WHAT ABOUT THE MOUETTES, YOU ASK?

The mouettes (water taxis, named after seagulls) unite Geneva’s right and left banks. Launched in 1897, these small vessels are a favourite with the locals, who will hop aboard in a heartbeat. They take a mere 5-10 minutes to make the crossing, which adds a dash of adventure to any work commute.

Ornithologists will confirm that seagulls are loyal… As are the small mouettes of Lake Geneva, which transport 40-60 passengers at a time. They’ve nested on the Genevan riverbanks for over a century, and not a day goes by that they don’t faithfully carry out their journey, rain or shine (or snow!). They pick up and drop off at Les Pâquis. From there, they run every 10 minutes to Molard, on the edge of the Rhône, or to Eaux-Vives near the Jet d’Eau. A third, less frequent route (every 30 minutes) runs to Port-Noir (near the beach), from where you can extend your journey all the way to the lush Perle du Lac park. All for a mere 2 Swiss Francs.

Joining the historic mouettes on the lake are two new solar-electric vessels. They look similar but are revolutionary as they can run for up to 13 hours on a single charge. It’s the perfect union of tradition and a carbon-reduced future, with minimal waves and little noise — almost like taking a sailboat.

cgn.ch

mouettesgenevoises.ch

Refined summer dining

Haute cuisine that shines

Text Claude Hervé-Bazin

Photos Guillaume Cottancin

Chef Mathieu Croze’s Arctic charr, complimented by mild avocado and bright, fresh peppermint.

Above : Chef Ivan Baretti’s Raviolo aperto from Tosca: double pasta leaf, local chard ragu, red shrimp from Mazara del Vallo, lime, and salted ricotta.

On the right : At l’Atelier Robuchon, Chef Olivier Jean’s finely sliced seabass is marinated with a pumpkin from Hermance and citrus broth.

With the coming of summer, a selection of fine delicacies graces the tables of Geneva’s Michelinstarred restaurants. These creative dishes shine a spotlight on seasonal ingredients and the best local gardens, carefully curated by expert chefs.

THE ZENITH OF GENEVA’S TABLES

Facing Lake Geneva, the Woodward seems to radiate delightful Belle Époque charm. Here, in Autumn 2023, just two years after its opening, L’Atelier Robuchon became the only Genevan restaurant to receive two Michelin stars. One dines amongst a setting of red and black, around a high-top table or at the bar, in full view of the open kitchen. Leading the charge is Chef Olivier Jean, who previously worked in Taipei, Miami, New York, and Montreal before landing in Geneva and establishing L’Atelier Robuchon as an icon in the local gastronomy scene. The menu here embraces nuance and aesthetics, expertly balancing house signature dishes and an array of small tasting plates that feature the very best seasonal (and local) ingredients. The delicate vegetarian menu beautifully illustrates the chef’s personal vision, with a sumptuous carrot soup and saffron risotto that hails from Vully (entirely cultivated within the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg). Not to mention the perfect accompaniment: a cruciferous vegetable couscous.

Quai Wilson, 37 Tel. 022 901 37 70

Open every day except Sunday & Monday 12-13:30, 19-21:15 Lunch available Tuesday-Friday (79-89 CHF) oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-woodward/restaurants/latelier-robuchon

THE INNER CIRCLE OF THE BEAU-RIVAGE

As Geneva’s first-ever public fine dining establishment (since 1967), Le Chat-Botté (1 Michelin star) embraces a magical setting at the aptly named Beau-Rivage: a hotel steeped in luxurious history, which boasts a stunning lakefront gourmet terrace. With historical ties to Empress Sissi, the establishment’s legendary status has been carefully guarded for over five generations by the Mayer family. Since September 2023, the locale’s former sous chef from Auvergne, Mathieu Croze, is working wonders with his distinctly French-witha-pop-of-Asian-flavours cuisine… and a spectacular wine cellar. The menu is guided by the availability of seasonal, locally grown ingredients, featuring ubiquitous vegetables

count four stars among

and regional delights from the lake and the surrounding mountains. Not to mention the themed menus, which revolve around a single ingredient and change several times throughout the year, along with a vegetarian option that features produce from the local region.

Quai du Mont-Blanc, 13

Tel. 022 716 69 20

Open every day except Sunday & Monday 12-13:30, 19-21:00

Lunch available Tuesday-Friday (75-85 CHF) beau-rivage.com/en/le-chat-botte-restaurant.html

TUSCANY UNFOLDS AT TOSCA

Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail, said Leonardo Da Vinci. The adage could have been written for Tosca (1 Michelin star) in the heart of the Eaux-Vives district. Inspired the authentic Italian experience, icons from Italy await at every turn: pictorial frescoes by Marco Borgianni, Murano blown glass, patinated bronze plates, Florentine

fabrics from Gucci and Pucci, silks, and lace from Tavernelle. Here, the eternal glory of the Renaissance shines, echoing the gorgeous creations by Chef Ivan Baretti, who trained at L’Arpège in Paris and previously worked at Geneva’s Italian benchmark Il Lago. Refinement, high-quality, and authenticity – with Tuscan highlights – are the guiding principles here, with a menu that features the best regional and Italian ingredients served with a contemporary, fresh, and creative flair. The raviolo aperto is made with local chard ragu, red shrimp from Mazara del Vallo, and lime. The veal rib is served with 24-month aged Gruyère, black lemon, and confit dandelion. A tavola!

Rue de la Mairie, 8

Tel. 022 707 14 44

Open every day except Sunday & Monday (no Saturday lunch) 12-14:00, 19-22:00

Lunch available Tuesday-Friday (59 CHF) tosca-geneva.ch/en

Three chefs

them: Ivan Baretti from Tosca (upper left), Mathieu Croze from Chat-Botté at the Hôtel Beau-Rivage (upper right), and Olivier Jean from l’Atelier Robuchon at The Woodward Hotel (2 stars; bottom).

Christian Dior blooms on Rue du Rhône

An architectural blossom in the heart of Geneva

The classic buildings of the city’s most elegant street have welcomed an extraordinary addition: the new Dior boutique. White petals form the building’s façade, immaculate by day and illuminated by night, in an homage to the couturier’s passionate love of flowers.

Text Yannick Nardin

Photos Jonathan Taylor

Designed by Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc, the new Dior boutique firmly asserts the Parisian luxury brand’s presence in the city of Geneva. From the outside, this monumental white flower sets the aesthetic tone for the entire Rue de Rhône, one of Geneva’s busiest streets. Behind its immense petals, the boutique’s spaces unfold across several floors, flowering out from a central “stem”: a lightwell of glass that goes from the private rooftop lounge all the way down to the “roots” on the ground floor, which is dedicated to ready-to-wear men’s clothing. All of the couturier’s favourite themes are subtly employed throughout the different levels and private lounges, with an art-forward décor that creates an intimate and refined atmosphere.

The couturier was a fervent lover of flowers, which symbolize natural beauty and timeless sophistication, and have been part of even his earliest collections. His dresses were embroidered with delicate petals, his perfumes inspired by the gardens of his childhood in Normandy. As time passed, every artistic director at Dior has brought their own unique touch to the theme. In the 1960s, Yves Saint Laurent introduced bold floral prints while John Galliano designed exuberant ballgowns adorned with luxurious fabric flowers. Raf Simons took a more minimalistic approach with a focus on abstract patterns. Today, beneath the guidance of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the floral world remains a major source of inspiration for the Maison.

For Christian Dior, white embodied elegance, purity, and sophistication. The fashion designer liked to use it on its own, but also liked to compliment it with other shades or embrace a full contrast with black. In fact, his first major success came in 1938, with an elegant black and white houndstooth suit. White is also omnipresent in the Corolle collection from 1947, which revolutionized women’s fashion with its flowing, flower-shaped dresses, rounded shoulders, and cinched waists. It was the start of a new era. With a passion for harmonious colours and perfect form, Dior designed his silhouettes – which always fit with a hint of softness – like an architect, and we have no doubt that he would be proud of the new Dior flower in Geneva that wonderfully carries on the legacy of his passion.

dior.com

Swissquote — The advent of a bank

“Our region has been blessed by the gods”

Text Philippe Monnier

Photo Nicolas Righetti

Marc Bürki graduated from EPFL in Lausanne and co-founded the online bank Swissquote in 1996. The helvet team sat down with him to learn more about his journey.

Highly charismatic with strong interpersonal skills, voracious with words, propelled by 1001 ideas every day, a desire to be everywhere all at once, impatient… Marc Bürki has been described in countless ways, but one thing is for certain: above all, he is a model entrepreneur. In 1990, he co-founded a finance software and web application company in collaboration with Paolo Buzzi, a fellow EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) engineer and alumni. Six years later, Swissquote was born. Publicly listed since 2000, the company has experienced explosive growth, attracting an ever-increasing number of both private and institutional investors — and today has become the market leader in Swiss online banking. Over time the company has broadened their product line and expanded internationally, now with 11 offices across the globe, 1,134 employees, more than 500,000 clients, annual sales to the tune of 531 million Swiss Francs, 255 million Swiss Francs in pre-tax revenues, and 58 billion Swiss Francs in customer assets. We met with Marc Bürki at the company headquarters in Gland for an interview.

2023 WAS AN EXCELLENT

YEAR FOR SWISSQUOTE. WHO ARE YOU CAPTURING MARKET SHARE FROM?

Our growth over the course of 2023 is in part due to the normalising of interest rates. However, in Switzerland we also managed to capture parts of the market that were previously held by the big banks and, to a lesser degree, the regional banks as well. Internationally, in Dubai for example, several important expats have chosen to use the Swissquote platform to the detriment of international commercial banks. That’s because we offer similar quality services as the large banks, but at a third of the price.

IN WHICH AREAS DO YOU FORESEE STRONG GROWTH AHEAD?

Three years ago, as a bank that was specialized in investments, we were simply not the primary banking institution for most of our clients. But then we decided to shift our

strategy and become more of an “everyday bank”, which meant also offering payroll services. In order to do that, we had to expand the range of our services to include diverse payment methods — like credit and debit cards — and offer loans, specifically mortgages. That diversification attracted new clients and led to sustained growth, which is projected to continue. Additionally, in collaboration with PostFinance, we launched a new mobile application called Yuh, which facilitates payments, saving, and investing. With over 200,000 active users and 5 million Swiss Francs deposited, it’s become the largest FinTech application in Switzerland.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

We are currently active in nine other countries. In 2023, for the first time, our international clients actually generated a more significant portion of our revenues than our clients residing in Switzerland. The potential for international growth is still considerable, even if the range of services we can offer is more limited abroad, with the exception of Luxembourg.

DO YOU INTEND TO CONTINUE WITH YOUR STRATEGY OF TARGETED ACQUISITIONS?

With a valuation of 4 million Swiss Francs and an excellent equity ratio that surpasses 25%, we are ideally positioned to continue our strategy of targeted acquisitions. We envision acquiring other companies using our own surplus funds or by raising capital, but we are very selective in regards to target companies, as the goal of any acquisition we would even consider is to accelerate our company’s growth.

WHERE DO YOU SEE SWISSQUOTE IN TEN YEARS?

Our primary objective is to achieve pre-tax profits of 350 million Swiss Francs by 2025 and we are on track to do exactly that. In a decade, we will have likely grown considerably, and our international presence will be much more pronounced. I do think we will remain independent because that’s a core part of our identity. From a product point of view, I imagine we’ll see an increase in the domain of imme-

KHAKI AVIATION PILOT

diate investing, with — for example — stock exchanges that are always open and a usage that is much more heavily driven by artificial intelligence.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF ICOS (INITIAL COIN OFFERINGS), BLOCKCHAIN, AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES?

When it comes to ICOs, after two less than lucrative attempts, I’m sceptical. Especially when it comes to local, defined and closely held SMEs (small- to medium-enterprises). I don’t see the benefit of replacing classic equities with the issuance of tokens. That said, my enthusiasm for blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies remains strong. That’s why we’ve chosen to broaden our service offering in the sector, despite the prevailing scepticism of the past few years. Recent developments only serve to confirm the pertinence of our approach.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE FRAMEWORK CONDITIONS IN THE GENEVA AREA?

The bigger picture of our region is truly unique, and, for companies, the framework conditions are highly favourable because of things like the dynamism of the Lake Geneva Regions, our proximity to EPFL, and the fact that we enjoy facilitated dialogue with the authorities. The income tax rate, which is around 14%, is reasonable, even if individual taxation here is not as competitive as in central Switzerland. Opportunities for higher learning and safety are also excellent here. In short, I have the impression that our region has been blessed by the gods. That attractiveness allows us to draw talent of the highest calibre, like our new Chief Operating Officer, Nestor Verriez.

TELL US ABOUT THE 16-STOREY TOWER THAT IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION HERE IN GLAND.

With 700 current employees, our current offices have reached their capacity. We actually have 150 employees that have to work from temporary remote offices. The new tower project is meant to allow us to unite everyone at the same location and would allow us to have the space to welcome new, very necessary collaborators as we continue to grow our client base. Of course, construction timelines are a big challenge, as it’s expected to take three years to build the new offices and two years to renovate the existing offices. That’s on top of the five years it took us to obtain the necessary construction permits!

A FEW YEARS AGO, YOU HAD A CODING CENTRE IN KIEV: WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT?

We had to close the coding centre, but the resilience of some of our former employees, who are right there on the front and continue to send us code, is remarkable. We have since established our own technology centre in Bucharest, where there are many talented engineers.

IF YOU WERE 30 YEARS OLD TODAY, WHAT DOMAIN WOULD YOU WANT TO START A NEW BUSINESS IN?

In robotics, not with the goal of making money, but more because the evolutions happening in that space are truly spectacular. I’m convinced that in fifty-some years, numerous interactive robots equipped with artificial intelligence will be an integral part of our daily lives. I’m not only thinking of humanoid robots, but also virtual assistants, autonomous vehicles, and other innovations of that nature.

The construction of the new tower in Gland symbolizes the growth of Swissquote in Switzerland and abroad.

© Tom Claeren

La Réserve

The spirit of La Dolce Vita

Text Claude Hervé-Bazin

Photos La Réserve Genève Hotel and Spa

A home away from home. An enchanted escape just outside the city. A superb haven of beauty where peace and privacy reigns. This is the essence of La Réserve Genève Hotel and Spa, elegantly spread over four hectares on the shores of Lake Geneva.

The mists of the Jet d’Eau fade away into the distance with the splashes of Lake Geneva. Purring beneath the warm sun, La Réserve’s stylish, all-wood motoscafo speedboat makes good headway. Your hair and the Swiss flag flap in the wind, your heart pounds, as the city disappears behind you and the Alps fill the horizon ahead.

It’s a dazzling way to arrive. A private pontoon unfolds like a dream as a glass villa appears, reflecting the landscape across its facade as you set foot on the vast lawn. From within, the views are all encompassing — from the bedroom and the free-standing bathtub, the sailboats seem to be dancing for the mountains. And yet, Geneva’s airport is only 3 km away.

A RETREAT

Simply traverse a secret passage and find yourself at the hotel. It’s perfectly placed, like a savanna lodge or an opulent refuge within an expansive clearing, cleverly hidden away from the world. As the smells of freshly cut grass and pruned box trees waft through the air, you see an immense trapezoid-shaped pool. Further along, hedges conceal the intimate, private terraces like chess pieces, dotted around the park.

There are no room numbers at La Réserve. There’s nothing but smiles and kindness from the valet, the porter, the bellhop, the receptionist, the waiters, and the housekeeping personnel. Here, every client is known by name. Their tastes and preferences are noted and passed from employee to employee — the ultimate, exceptional embodiment of the attention to detail and discretion that Swiss luxury hotels are famous for.

A SANCTUARY

Wine, fruit, pastries, candies for the children — the room welcome is a reward in of itself. Superior rooms in African multi-coloured browns. Deluxe rooms in colonial reds with oak parquet floors. The Suites in British burgundy, champagne, and chocolate, with Saint-Tropez inspired terraces all the way to the Presidential Suite, which embodies the African lodge influences of legends. Exoticism reigns… discreetly, of course.

Here, like everywhere else, some people are on the clock for meetings or family reunions. Others come to relax on the weekends, for romantic or family getaways because, yes, families are welcome here. It’s easy to keep the little ones entertained at La Réserve. Between the lion rug, the

The city, while actually nearby, feels distant from La Réserve’s lush park and pool, which look out over Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountain summits.

© Grégoire

Gardette

hut on stilts, the soft cushions of the children’s rooms, the multiple (free) activities on offer (sushi-making workshop anyone?), and the dedicated pool and spa hours, you can rest assured that they will sleep well tonight.

A REMEDY

The word has become a bit of a catch-all. From one place to another, the “spa” can be anything from a damp basement to a delightful parallel universe that’s designed to create next-level experiences. At La Réserve’s Spa Nescens (which is 2,500 m2!), it’s clearly the second definition that prevails. Everything delights your senses in holistic synergy, with personalised anti-stress and anti-aging treatments that encompass nutrition, medicine, and physical activity. Swiss watchmakers may enhance time; here it gets turned back.

It’s all done with a soft and caring approach, like everything at La Réserve. That won’t stop you from sweating it out at the gym, booking a private coach, playing tennis, or even enjoying water-skiing or wakeboarding. Lake Geneva beckons, after all.

A FEAST

Everything about La Réserve feels like preferred treatment, even in the kitchens, where the chef — or chefs, we should say — sometimes invite their guests. The establishment is home to two main restaurants of diverse influences. The very Orientalist Loti, brought to life by interior designer Jacques Garcia, features a tamed jungle complete with a

bronze elephant and wooden parrots that have become legendary. Travel without ever leaving, as you enjoy dishes that highlight the wonders of Swiss ingredients while also embracing Japanese culinary inspiration.

The exoticism continues with Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland. Here, Cantonese cooking is revisited by Frank Xu, in a red silk and black lacquer décor that’s inspired by the tumultuous Shanghai of the 1930s. Highlights include the Peking duck, served twice, in two different ways.

A WAY OF LIFE

La Réserve brightens the days for visitors and locals alike, many of whom visit for the dining and spa, but in the region there’s more than this single high-end locale that masters melding the stars with excellence, authenticity, and that special Swiss simplicity.

The Crans Ambassador in Crans-Montana, the Mont Cervin Palace, the Monte Rosa and the Schweizerhof in Zermatt, AlpenGold in Davos, Bellevue Palace in Berne, La Réserve in Zurich, Paris and Ramatuelle, and still others abound. They’re all part of a group that’s directed by the discreet businessman Michel Reybier, who exclusively invests in places of timeless, high prestige.

lareserve-geneve.com michelreybierhospitality.com

La Réserve’s interior design is inspired by the timeless refinement of luxurious African lodges. © Grégoire Gardette

Tell time with flowers

Geneva’s Flower Clock

As iconic as the Jet d’Eau, Geneva’s Flower Clock truly embodies the spirit of the city: elegant, always on time, and a perfect representation of the Swiss watchmaking spirit, which is forever tied to celebrating and marking the passage of time.

Text Claude Hervé-Bazin

Photos Lucien Fortunati | Gauvin Lapetoule

It awaits, poised on a small knoll facing the Quai du Général-Guisan with its back to the lake, just at the entrance of Geneva’s Jardin Anglais. A majestic carpet of flowers across the immaculate lawn, open faced like a book of time for all to read.

Believe it or not, Switzerland was the first country in the world to build a flower clock: in 1900, at the Grand Hotel des Avants, above Montreux. Geneva’s clock came about in 1955, thanks to an initiative by a watchmaker’s association. Created by Landscape Architect Armand Auberson (father of the rose garden in Parc La Grange), the clock has had several iterations over time: a single dial, the addition of other dials (some superimposed, like in 2002), until a return to origins in 2017 with some new (and of course, beautiful!) upgrades.

WATCHMAKING REIMAGINED

In 2017, the clock’s mechanism was renovated and the new watch hands, which are made of fibreglass, were installed to replace the black tube-shaped hands of yesteryear. Their dauphine-style shape harks back to their benefactor Patek Philippe, who pulled out all the stops with three (precise) hands for the clock and an integrated watering system. Not to mention that anyone who approaches too close will set off an alarm system of lights and sirens, along with a signal that notifies the local police of the intrusion.

This newer design concept, while beautiful, requires more flowers than ever. A clock that used to require around 6,500 flowers now needs closer to 12,000 — which are (of course) sustainably grown at the Vessy Horticultural Production

Centre. The most important flowers shape the friezes of spirals that encompass the clock, often Alternanthera. The centre of the clock, which is 15.7 m in circumference, is usually composed of hundreds of plants, along with a host of Santolina that are used to create the outline of the clock’s numbers.

CLOSELY WATCHED ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT

The clock’s five gardeners from SEVE (Service des Espaces Verts de la Ville, i.e. Green Spaces Dept.) work by mosaiculture. Every season has its design, often using primrose in March, pansies in April-May, begonias and/or succulents (which are drought-resistant) starting in June, and a return to pansies for the fall and winter. It’s a monumental task… which is not made easier by the host of celebrations that require special letters made of flowers in specific colours — like the red and white (in summer 2022) to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Red Cross. Since the city of Geneva stopped using crop protection products years ago, the utmost care is required for every step: pests must be chased away; measures must be taken to avoid sickness or fungi; plants in poor shape must be trimmed or replaced. The clock’s dedicated team works on it at least twice a week.

This summer, the clock will be dressed in ophiopogons, echeverias, begonias, and Dark Star Coleus. We can already picture gorgeous shades of violet and green with pops of contrasting numbers in yellow… and at least a week of work for the gardeners.

geneve.ch

The clock’s different designs are decided by a team that includes a lead foreman, an architect, the department head, and a plant producer.

The top bars in Geneva

Text Daniel Bauchervez

Geneva may be a refined city but it still offers places that are perfect for unwinding at the end of a long week. Here are a few of our favourites…

LE VERRE À MONIQUE

Of the many streetside terrace bars you could choose from this is the one we recommend. Inside, original flooring and a curved copper bar beautifully compliment the vintage décor and vast cocktail menu (with 40+ to choose from). Here your options are sorted by flavour profile: salt and brine, citrus forward, fresh green, fruity and floral, or even spices, nuts and butter. Choose a classic or something completely contemporary, such as beeswax!

Rue des Savoises 19 022 320 23 07

Open Tues-Weds 17:30-midnight, Thurs 17:30-1:00, Fri 17:30-2:00, Sat 19:00-2:00, closed Sun-Mon. verreamonique.ch

À L’ANCIENNE

No need for rose-tinted glasses: at À L’Ancienne, everything is pink! From the benches and chairs to the walls, the lighting, the small decorative bike that gets you nowhere fast, and even some drinks. But there’s nothing childish about À L’Ancienne. Located in the Saint-Gervais neighbourhood, not far from the Rhône, the bar serves wine by the glass, Asahi on tap, and great cocktails, paired with the occasional open mic or DJ night.

Place De-Grenus 4 022 313 62 69

Open Tues 17:00-23:00, Weds 17:00-midnight, Thurs 17:00-1:00, Fri 17:00-2:00, Sat 21:00-2:00, closed Sun-Mon. alancienne.ch

Orchestre de la Suisse Romande Genève

LITTLE EMINENTE BARREL

There’s more than the Jet D’Eau flowing in the Eaux-Vives district. Just steps from the jetty, Little Eminente Barrel partners with a delightful Cuban rum brand but also serves rums from all over the world: Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica and even Costa Rica. It’s the perfect excuse for a well-crafted cocktail, best enjoyed on the terrace on a sunny day, or while lounging in the neo-retro tropical interior, amongst photos of the Pearl of the Caribbean.

Rue du Lac 15

022 700 73 40

Open Tues-Fri 17:00-1:00, Sat 18:002:00, closed Sun-Mon. littlebarrel.ch

SOULWINES

Goodbye cocktails, hello vino! Discreetly located in the old part of Geneva, this epicurean bar-boutique’s offering focuses on organic, biodynamic and/or natural Swiss wines, served with cheese and cured meat platters from the Swiss terroir, and an assortment of artisanal spirits and beverages. Even the bread is organic. Set tastings of 3 or 6 wines will get you started. And if you find something you like, buy a bottle (or two) to take home.

Grand-Rue 24

021 888 39 09

Open Tues-Sat 17:00-23:00, closed Sun-Mon. soulwines.ch

JOY SECRET BAR

The name says it all: secret. Inspired by the American speakeasies of the Prohibition Era, the Joy is hidden deep in the Petit-Saconnex district beneath Jules-Édouard’s Peruvian restaurant. A staircase takes you underground and after passing through a curtain of plants, you’re in! Soak in the rattan peacock chairs, skull coffee tables, pineapple light fixtures, and the high energy music of whoever is on the turntables… and be ready to dance!

Rue du Grand-Pré 2

022 734 20 98

Open Weds 18:00-midnight, ThursSat 18:00-2:00, closed Sun-Tues. jules-edouard.ch

Loris von Siebenthal A perfect storm

Text Claude Hervé-Bazin

Photos Loris von Siebenthal

Propelled by the morning’s thermal winds, Bol d’Or participants go from Geneva towards Le Bouveret on the far eastern side of the lake and back. It’s the world’s largest inland lake regatta (66.5 nautical miles).

Geneva’s young Rowing World Champion Éline Rol, of the Société Nautique de Genève, crosses the Bay at sunrise in the company of fishermen.

For catamarans, Lake Geneva echoes the conditions and navigational challenges of a small, land-locked sea – here a Decision 35 catches strong winds.

On June 15, 2019, just

off Lutrin, an unusually violent storm front battered Bol d’Or participants in the 81st edition of the race, with winds over 50 knots. This image by Loris went viral for capturing the moment.

Thomas Jundt’s LX, a tubular shaped prototype, captured in late afternoon light in full swing on its hydrofoils on the return leg of the Bol d’Or.

One foot on the shores of Lake Geneva and one on the Breton coast. As both a sailor and a photographer forged by the spray of the Atlantic Ocean, Loris von Siebenthal has become a master of immortalizing sailors and their world.

“I must have been 10 years old when I got my first camera”, explains Loris. “As a teen, I discovered I could develop black and white photos in my family’s bathtub, which was quickly ruined by the silver salts. That was when I really caught the bug. Knowing I could capture and interpret something I photographed, and then see it come back to life in the tub thanks to a chemical process, was really fulfilling.”

Loris discovered the ocean’s passionate spirit on family holidays in northern Brittany. The rocks, waves and tides enchanted him. “Photography is a way for me to share the fascination I have for wild environments”, he says. It also became a way for him to share the beautiful world of sailing, which is often unfamiliar to landsmen. He went to sea as soon as he could, moving quickly up the chain from dinghies and windsurfing to offshore journeys and regattas. He was 24 years old when he did his first Tour de France à la voile with the Genevan Centre d’Entraînement à la Régate. He would do the race four more times, both rigging and photographing, and found himself becoming friends with Éric Monnin, the king of European monohull match racing.

THE NEW ERA OF SWISS SAILING

An entire era was defined by the emergence of Team Alinghi, run by Ernesto Bertarelli under the colours of the Société Nautique de Genève. Loris met up with the Swiss skipper and photographer Philippe Schiller at the team’s base in Auckland in 2003, the night before the America’s Cup. The race would go down in history for the Swiss team, and Loris had a front row seat to capture the action.

Alinghi’s incredible victory over Team New Zealand (5-0) propelled Swiss sailing to a whole new level. The discipline turned professional, leaving in its wake thousands of newly trained youths, and it turned Lake Geneva into a playground for some of the world’s best sailors. Loris set his sights on

a new local adventure, without realizing how important it would be for his career: he became the official event photographer for the Bol d’Or Mirabaud, the world’s largest inland lake regatta. The stars had aligned. The year prior, Loris and his team had finished second in the race during a memorable year that was marked by an epic storm that “took out the whole fleet”. Moving forwards, the race organizers decided to replace Formula 40 boats with Decision 35s, one-design catamarans that feature oversized sails.

Loris went on to become an official photographer for World Match Racing and in parallel began developing his career as an advertising photographer, with multiple large clients knocking on his door. But when all is said and done, he’s best known for shooting in the field, where the environment is complex and ever changing. “I loved the idea of taking a small team and setting up a photo studio in the high mountains”, gushes Loris, an idea that won him the 2016 “Cube” for the Best of Advertising in the Photo Category for a campaign with BCGE. He then won the 2019 Mirabaud Yacht Racing Best Sports Sailing Photo of the Year award — the Nobel Prize for sailing photography — for his image of a catamaran battling winds of 60 knots under a menacing sky during the epic 2019 Bol d’Or, which was also decimated by a violent storm. His photos capturing that event also saw him clinch the 2020 Swiss Press Photo Sports Award.

The power of the elements transcends Loris von Siebenthal’s photography. “Over the years, I’ve built up a large collection of images capturing light and locations that bear witness to nature’s power. I suppose it’s my way of sharing my enthusiasm for the environment, which I’ve hopefully added my own poetic touch to”, says Loris, reflecting on his career, both past and present. “A return to my roots”, he adds with a smile.

lorisvonsiebenthal.com

Bol d’Or Mirabaud

A sailing laboratory

Text Lore Essac

Photos Loris Von Siebenthal

Launched in 1939 with 26 participants, today the Bol d’Or Mirabaud has become the world’s largest inland regatta, with over 400 competitors, including some of the best sailors on the planet. Over the past 85 years, the race has also become an established testing ground for new technological innovations.

The Bol d’Or Mirabaud could be considered the simplest race on Lake Geneva, as the course makes a loop through the lake starting with the La Barge in Bouveret on the starboard side. But it’s also one of the most complicated races.

A fierce competition for some, the Bol d’Or Mirabaud is also (and mostly) a celebration for the hundreds of teams that compete each year in mid-June. Some yachts are famous for their elegance, with their varnished wood and polished brass; others are remarkable for their achievements and their high technicality. Organised by the Société Nautique de Genève since 1939, the Bol d’Or Mirabaud owes much of its growth and success to key local families, who have long rivalled one another in ingenuity and technology to secure the race win. In fact, one such businessman and philanthropist, Ernesto Bertarelli, grew up on the waters of Lake Geneva and was a driving force behind the Swiss sailing revolution. He wisely invested in the Swiss team Alinghi in the 1990s – and surely has no regrets about his investment, as the team went on to cinch a double win in the America’s Cup in 2003 and in 2007 – propelling Switzerland to the top of the world’s sailing list. From the start, economic elites from Geneva and the canton of Vaud were passionate about sailing, which contributed to the emergence of local talent like Louis Noverraz, helmsman for the Firmenich family, who rose to fame as one of the first premiere sailors in the history of Lake Geneva. A well-financed naval architecture scene also developed, spearheaded by people like Henri Copponex.

A RACE IN THE GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT

The Bol d’Or Mirabaud began uniting sailors who were destined to shine in the international yacht racing scene. The event also led to a host of new boat projects that started to take shape in the 1970s, led by well-known local (and often self-taught) naval architects, whose primary objective was to win the big race. Fast forward a few years and sponsoring comes into play. Sailboats and sailing clubs start displaying their sponsors’ branding as increasingly ambitious boat builds begin to pick up steam. It’s now much more than a game to be played amongst the local wealthy families. The sport becomes more popular and accessible, introducing an increasing number of young people to sailing and racing in the Lake Geneva region. The shores of Lake Geneva become a research and development hub, leading to innovative

yachts, new techniques, and state-of-the-art materials. A host of construction innovations are developed and refined with speed, reliability, and passion like nowhere else in the world, including carbon fibre, hydrofoil sailboats, canting keels, rigid sails, and wing masts. Multihull vessels begin taking over in the early 1980s, in part thanks to the Bol d’Or Mirabaud’s appeal as a testing ground for innovations that would later make their way to the oceans. This led to the race becoming internationally known, drawing in the likes of Éric Tabarly, Dennis Conner, Russell Coutts, Ellen MacArthur, Loïck Peyron, Michel Desjoyeaux and many other world-renowned personalities.

INNOVATION THRIVES AGAIN

In 2024, the organisers of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud once again established themselves as global front-runners with two new race challenges: the Bol de Basalte (for the best placed “archimédien” multihull) and the Bol de Carbone (for the best placed foiler). These new awards are meant to maintain the appeal of the pre-existing yacht classes, while also encouraging the development of state-of-the-art boats. Because the key to it all is preserving the passion and enthusiasm that propelled the Bol d’Or Mirabaud into international stardom while ensuring it also continues to be a powerful contributor to the region’s local economy. The event has become a gathering place for entrepreneurs and residents alike, and a hub for highly technical innovation, celebrated in all its glory on the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva.

nautique.ch

Didier Guzzoni

The great adventure of Siri Inc.

Text Claude Hervé-Bazin

Photo Darrin Vanselow

He’s a modest man. “We always build on the shoulders of giants”, affirms Didier Guzzoni. His Wikipedia biography may only be a few dozen sentences, but it reveals an incredible journey that took him from the Genevan countryside to the summit of Silicon Valley’s avant-garde.

And it’s all thanks to one application that revolutionized artificial intelligence: Siri.

It likely all started in childhood, when he walked in the forest, swam in Lake Geneva, fished, or spent time in the workshop with his grandfather, who was a watchmaker for Rolex. Young Didier was passionate about technology. He quickly outgrew Lego sets, preferring instead to take radios apart and find better ways to reassemble them. He also repaired mopeds, old motorbikes and eventually cars. By the age of 13, he was fascinated with computer science and robotics. To him, it was all a puzzle meant to fit together, driving him to master increasingly complex challenges that evoked an “almost overwhelming surge of creativity” as he stretched the limits of his scientific curiosity. He spent hours at the Madeleine Library scouring electronics books and enjoyed Sunday afternoon chess games in Bastions Park.

He went on to study electrical engineering at the Geneva State Engineering School and then studied computer science at EPFL, following his passions without ever leaving the shores of Lake Geneva. With a master’s under his belt, Didier began work on a voice-powered medical robotics application with an EPFL group. One year later, in 1997, he moved to Silicon Valley to join the Artificial Intelligence Center at SRI International, formerly the Stanford Research Institute, which had developed the On-Line System (NLS) — a graphical user interface — the mouse, and the internet.

THE BEGINNINGS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

In Menlo Park (just outside Palo Alto) during the internet boom, the collaborative projects never stopped, and Didier developed a “strong network of fellow geeks” who he collaborated with. At the same time, the building blocks of artificial intelligence began to take shape, led in part by American engineer Adam Cheyer and French computer scientist Luc Julia (who, as a child, had tried to build a robot that could make his bed for him).

In 2003, the American Department of Defence kicked off the CALO (Cognitive Assistant that Learns and Organizes) research project to improve military command systems using a cognitive assistant. The research also generated a host of civil and commercial applications of the concept.

In 2004, Didier returned to EPFL as a PhD student under Charles Baur, who had been his mentor for many years. Didier’s research combined years of experience from both Switzerland and California, resulting in his thesis: Active: A united platform for building intelligent applications. In other words, “how to create a common language between mankind and computers”. Didier co-founded Active Technologies shortly thereafter with American Tom Gruber and American-Norwegian Dag Kittlaus, who was the start-up’s CEO. The company quickly rebranded as Siri, “a little fairy that brings success in Scandinavian folklore”, explains Didier. It was the world’s first virtual personal assistant.

“As someone who is naturally curious and technical, I’ve always been driven by the desire to design and build machines”, says Didier. “Technology unites both in the same environment and, when combined with natural discipline, enabled me to pursue my passions. Then we wanted to share, popularize and explain our ‘art’, which is what inspired us to push AI out of the lab so it could reach as many people as possible.”

“We knew it was possible and that it was going to happen, with or without us. We had a chance to be the first ones to do it on a large scale.” How? Thanks to the app distribution system already put in place by another tech pioneer:

Apple. In February 2010, the app was listed for free on the App Store. A few days later, the creator of the personal computer — Steve Jobs himself — contacted the team personally. “It was a huge privilege to meet him”, reminisces Didier, and in April of that year, Apple bought Siri. Didier and his team were put in charge of integrating the software into the iPhone 4S.

BETWEEN TWO SPACE-TIMES

Today, Didier Guzzoni’s life is split between the two worlds of California and the Canton of Vaud. On the US West Coast, Siri continues to flourish, becoming more and more ingrained in the lives of everyday people. In Mont-sur-Rolle Switzerland, the researcher keeps his feet on the ground by serving as the town council President. “There is absolutely nothing like going from a meeting with my colleagues in Silicon Valley to meeting with my Swiss winemaker friends just 15 minutes later”, laughs Didier.

But what does the future hold? What does Didier think about the public’s concerns that a vastly superior artificial intelligence that could use its super efficiency, rationale, and lack of emotion to completely replace humanity? “I’ve always thought of AI as an intermediary between man and machine. It’s a fantastic assistant for us, not a replacement of us”, specifies the researcher. “I always use the example of Major Sullenberger, who successfully completed an emergency landing of a US Airways airplane on the Hudson River in 2009 (Editor’s note: this is the story behind the film Sully, starring Tom Hanks). While AI could have never made that decision, the pilot said he could not have achieved that landing without help from the Airbus’ guidance systems. When the machine works together with mankind, the result is a stronger, more robust system. The same can also be said for medical image analyses”, adds Didier.

“Finally, we need to be clear about what our expectations are. AI is very powerful in certain niches, but it doesn’t have good general intelligence yet. The best AI that’s specialized in chess doesn’t know how to play checkers. It’s like computer scientist Andrew Ng said: ‘Worrying about evil AI killer robots today is a little bit like worrying about overpopulation on the planet Mars.’”

CULTURE THE BAUR FOUNDATION TURNS 60

Founded in 1964, the Museum of Far Eastern Art is housed in a beautiful 19th century town house (at Rue Munier-Romilly 8), and features Alfred Baur’s stunning private collection of superb Japanese and Chinese Imperial ceramics. Donations later increased the museum’s collection to over 9,000 items, with an emphasis on netsuke, sword fittings, Chinese textiles, and all the elements associated with Japanese tea ceremonies. To mark the museum’s 60th anniversary, the institution is hosting a number of conferences, guided visits, and themed workshops, along with an entire weekend of celebrations and activities on 31 August-1 September. Bonus: access to the museum’s temporary exhibitions is free for the public every Saturday this year. Don’t miss “The Land of Morning Calm” (Korea) exhibition, which runs until 30 June, or the exhibition featuring works by Japanese textile worker Michiko Uehara, which closes late October.

fondation-baur.ch

GASTRONOMY

LE CIGALON:

GREAT FOOD, GREAT PRICE

Geneva has many highly ranked restaurants, but Le Cigalon tops the list. With a score of 17 (out of 20) with Gault&Millau and 1 Michelin Star, this fine establishment has burst onto the Genevan gastronomy scene. Here, the menu revolves around salt and seafood, with a spotlight on fish and crustaceans that are enhanced by a candid, personal touch. Located at Route d’Ambilly 39 in Thonex, just a few steps from the French border, Le Cigalon offers the area’s most affordable daily lunch special during the week (Tuesday-Friday), featuring the catch of the day as the main course for only 56 CHF. le-cigalon.ch

FESTIVAL A NEW LAKESIDE SUMMER FESTIVAL

The city of Geneva is launching a new summer event on the Petite Rade (the bay between the lake and the Rhône) on 14-18 August. The project is organized by a 100% local team and will span several stages on the docks of both shores that offer a series of free-to-the-public concerts, dance and theatre performances, and family-friendly activities — without forgetting, of course, a range of delightful snack stands (buvettes) and pop-up diners for refreshments. We’re willing to bet that this modest successor to the now defunct Fêtes de Genève will offer a wonderful array of summer activities.

Olympic Games

The saga of timekeeping

Text Yannick Nardin

Photos Omega

Citius, Altius, Fortius; “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” goes the original Olympic motto. But those words are meaningless without the reliable measuring used to confirm all those (hopefully) recordsetting achievements.

The Olympic audience is measured in billions… and even though the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics (held in July 2021) were marked by a ban on large gatherings, they captured the attention of over three billion people across the globe. For the Paris-held 2024 Summer Olympics, the numbers are expected to be just as colossal. And all eyes will be on the finish line, where records are expected to crumble — just as they have for all Olympic history over the past two thousand years.

The tiniest of gaps can sometimes make all the difference, and the emotional stakes are high. In 2008 in Beijing, American swimmer Michael Phelps won the gold medal during the 100 m butterfly with a lead of 0.01 seconds. That result, like all the others, depends entirely on the official timekeeper — who is under just as much pressure as every one of the competing athletes. While the games will take place under Omega’s watch until 2032, the competition is, and always has been, fierce among watchmakers, to be the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games.

SWISS WATCHMAKERS, ENDURANCE CHAMPIONS

During the world’s first modern Olympic Games, which were held in Athens in 1896, Longines held the prestigious role of event timekeeper. Tag Heuer took over from 19201928, all while simultaneously beginning timekeeping responsibilities for competitive skiing and motorsports. Then in 1932, the title of “Official Timekeeper” made its debut under Omega.

Beginning in the 1950s, watch manufacturers began investing increasing amounts of money in sports sponsorship as a way of showcasing high precision. In 1964, Japanese watch company Seiko — using the precursor to quartz wristwatch technology — ousted Swiss watchmakers by becoming the Official Timekeeper for Tokyo’s Olympic Games. Four years later in Mexico, Omega returned, and then retired from the event due to rising financial costs.

After the 1972 Munich games, Longines also passed the baton. Then the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry intervened; Omega and Longines committed to fair play by Olympic standards and were adopted under its aegis. This led to the formation of the Société Suisse de Chronométrage Sportif — now known as Swiss Timing, owned by the Swatch Group. Tag Heur joined for a while, notably for timekeeping the 1980 Olympic Games. Although Seiko sponsored the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, Swiss Timing has been fighting tooth and nail for Swiss watchmaking ever since, and the Japanese brand continued to be timekeeper for other competitions instead, like the World Championships in Athletics and Tennis.

OMEGA, FROM THE MOON TO THE OLYMPICS

Swiss Timing has been the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games multiple times, often shining a spotlight on Swatch Group watch brands. But Omega came back solo for the 2006 games in Turin and the Beijing games. The effect on its reputation (and sales) in Asia was so remarkable that Swiss Timing gave the company a full monopoly for using

Tokyo, 1964. The finish line judges each keep eyes on different competitors. At the 1948 Olympic Games in London, Omega’s “Magic Eye” photoelectric cells drew attention from athletes, like Rune Larsson, a Swedish participant in the 400 metres hurdles, who wanted to learn more about the new equipment.

event-branded marketing. The brand’s storytelling, which up until then had been tied to the first moon landing, then shifted to also encompassing the Olympic Games. Paris 2024 marks the 31st time the brand has been associated with the event.

START, STOP, RESET

Let’s go back in time. In 1932, Omega brought 30 manually activated watches, which were certified for accuracy by the Observatoire de Neuchâtel, to California for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Then from 1940-1960, an electronic revolution took place in timekeeping: computers began to replace pocket watches and chronographs because they were more precise. Three generations later (in 2018), the introduction of positioning systems and motion systems once again revolutionised the game. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the Real Time Tracking System (RTTS) saw electronic chips built into competitors’ race bibs, which transmitted live, real-time tracking. Even better, these timing devices also benefit elite athletes, offering vast opportunities for self-improvement.

In Paris, these technologies offer a chance to reach new record heights with the collection of 2,000 data updates per second, combined with high-definition cameras, which are crucial for that photo finish. Artificial Intelligence is also in the mix for the first time, allowing new levels of interpretation, which are translated by computer systems into graphics that suit various audiences. But what role does emotion play amongst all this data? A perfectly enhanced role, in fact: these technologies allow billions of people to see and appreciate these athletes’ exceptional performances exactly as they were meant to be seen and appreciated.

Chopard Happy Sport

The joyous dial of the Happy Sport has featured floating, sparkling diamonds for over 30 years, which tinkle gently together. This version of the iconic Chopard watch, in sporty and versatile steel, boasts a sweet skyblue colour and celestial accents for any occasion, whether you’re going for an elegant look or something with more pop.

chopard.com

Rolex Perpetual 1908

Since last year, a (relatively) classified Rolex has come onto the scene: the Perpetual 1908, a new — but classically inspired — collection named after the year the company was founded. This timepiece’s elegant lines make a comeback this spring, adorned with a platinum case and an ice blue dial that’s enhanced by a never-before-seen 3D guilloche rice-grain motif.

rolex.com

Vacheron Constantin Égérie Phase de Lune

With her visionary and intuitive work in Haute Couture, Yiqing Yin was a natural choice to epitomize the Égérie collection as part of the brand’s exclusive “One of Not Many” partners. This gorgeous new Égérie Phase de Lune features a 37 mm case in rose gold, while the interchangeable bracelets fulfil all your fantasies and allow your creativity to run free.

vacheron-constantin.com

Hublot MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire

Available in several sapphire and ceramic colour combinations, the MP-11 now boasts a brand new radiant and translucent water blue. It’s ideal for observing the inner workings of the watch, which feature an impressive 14-day power reserve made possible by 7 coaxial and vertical barrels that are set in front of the movement.

hublot.com

Baume & Mercier

Riviera 10765

The very essence of Swiss sporty chic is embodied in the recent iteration of the Riviera, which first launched half a century ago. This model shines with simple elegance, featuring a night blue dial with a transparent wave motif, a steel dodecagonal bezel that’s set with 44 diamonds, large roman numerals, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a metal bracelet.

baume-et-mercier.com

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

Six decades after its original launch, the Carrera cuts across time with this new 39 mm “Panda” iteration made of fine-brushed and polished steel. Now more than ever, its sapphire glassbox offers maximum readability and the bezel-free case enhances ergonomics. And for the first time ever, the Carrera is paired with a three-row steel bracelet.

tagheuer.com

Zenith

DEFY Extreme Diver

Since it first launched in 1969, the DEFY collection has been pushing the boundaries of sturdiness. This new model adopts an undoubtedly contemporary 42.5 mm titanium case that’s been meticulously designed to resist even the most extreme conditions. The unidirectional bezel boasts bright colours and Super-LumiNova markers for easy readability underwater.

zenith-watches.com

Chanel

Montre J12 Atelier Couture

Automate Calibre 6

More chic and iconic than ever, Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel returns to grace the face of this playful and inventive watch. Over 350 components work together to bring Mademoiselle’s silhouette to life with the simple push of a button. With her scissors in hand, the animation shows her working on a small black vest that’s set on a dress form.

chanel.com

Hermès

Arceau Duc Attelé

Hermès has unveiled two new impressive complications with its latest timepiece. This numbered limited edition features a central triple-axis tourbillon — which is visible from within a curved, eccentric hour-circle — and a ‘tuning-fork’ minute repeater that announces the hours, quarters, and minutes with a sound that’s reminiscent of cathedral chimes.

hermes.com

Tudor

Black Bay 58 GMT

This certified Master Chronometer harks back to classic 1950s dimensions, with a 39 mm steel case that’s an ideal format for this GMT timepiece. The Black Bay 58 GMT features a bidirectional bezel with a black and burgundy insert and iconic “snowflake” hands, which first appeared in 1969 on Tudor’s original diving watches.

tudorwatch.com

1. Swatch Coral Dunes

With its seemingly endless variety of options, Swatch has long been an icon of watchmaking creativity. This nature-inspired model is rather simplistic, with a desert-sand-coloured bioceramic case and dial that features a vibrant pop of coral pink on the minute ring, minute hand, and crown, while the quartz movement ensures reliable timekeeping.

swatch.com

4. Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope

This special model, launched to celebrate the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, may inspire everyone to keep time for the event. Featuring a pulsometer, tachymeter, and telemeter, this watch leaves little to be desired, with its silvery white opaline dial, blackened subdials, and three dark grey timing scales in a 1940’s “snail” design.

omegawatches.com

2. Hamilton

Jazzmaster Open Heart

Like a heart that beats in time to music, Hamilton’s Jazzmaster Open Heart strikes a harmonic balance between technical achievement and stunning aesthetics. Its partially transparent dial face reveals its intricate inner workings, complete with rubies and golden gearwheels. Its available in 9 different colour and bracelet combinations.

hamiltonwatch.com

5. Piaget

Polo Date 150th Anniversary Edition

In 1979, the sporty-chic Piaget Polo burst onto the scene with its ornamental patterns and bright gadroons. Today, the new Polo Date reinterprets that signature look in a limited-edition series of 300 pieces. This 42 mm steel timepiece is powered by the manufacturer’s self-winding movement 1110P and features a stylish rubber strap.

piaget.com

3. Longines Mini DolceVita

How can one resist such a beautiful jewellery-watch? Wrapping your wrist in a double tour of gold Nappa leather, this piece benefits from an ingenious and refined interchangeable bracelet system. This charming model brings enhanced flair to the collection, which was inspired by a Longines legend in 1927 and the original DolceVita collection from 1997.

longines.com

6. Jaeger-LeCoultre

Duomètre Heliotourbillon Perpetual

Launched in 2007, the Duomètre mechanism features two separate barrels and gear trains, a brilliant innovation that reconciled adding complications without reducing accuracy. This new model pushes the boundary even further, with a grande date Perpetual Calendar and a tourbillon that spins on three axes for a captivating “spinning-top” effect.

jaeger-lecoultre.com

Van Cleef & Arpels

Lady Arpels Brise d’Été

Van Cleef & Arpels have brought poetry to life on the dial of the Brise d’Été, with butterflies that not only tell the time, but also flutter thanks to an on-demand animation module. The Maison’s exceptional expertise shines in the miniature paintings and plique-à-jour enamel, which give this piece vibrantly coloured three-dimensional effects.

vancleefarpels.com

Cartier

Animal Jewelry Crocodile

In 1914, Cartier first made felines stars of the watchmaking world. Now the animal kingdom returns, with a breathtaking sculpted crocodile in white gold that’s magnificently set with diamond scales and emerald eyes. The entirely gem-set dial matches the sparkling reptile, requiring over 400 gemstones (!!) to complete this masterpiece.

cartier.com

Patek Philippe

Aquanaut réf. 5268/461G

The sporty-chic allure of the Aquanaut is taken to new heights in this model with a shower of gorgeous diamonds and blue sapphires that are a song of sparkling colour. Connoisseurs will recognize the emblematic pattern of the centre dial, paved with baguette-cut precious gems that form a luxurious checkerboard pattern.

patek.com

Chopard

L’Heure du Diamant

The know-how of Chopard’s watch and jewellery makers have united in this beautifully precise mechanical watch that marries ethically sourced rose gold, malachite, and diamonds. A clever claw setting allows the light to dance across the gemstones, while the inset dial houses a small mechanical movement within the heart of the watch.

chopard.com

1. Givenchy Printed draped dress in silk chiffon with lavallière givenchy.com

2. Bottega Veneta Small Clam bottegaveneta.com

3. Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto globus.ch

4. Hermès Oran sandal hermes.com

5. Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole bracelet, 7 flowers vancleefarpels.com

6. Prada Lip balm prada.com

1. Vilebrequin

Men wool swim shorts super 120S vilebrequin.com

2. Louis Vuitton Afternoon Swim fragrance louisvuitton.com

3. &Tradition

Table lamp VP9 Flowerpot globus.ch

4. Ray Ban

Sunglasses Magellan bio-based ray-ban.com

5. Fendi

Blue denim slides fendi.com

6. Bang & Olufsen

Beosound Explore

Waterproof outdoor speaker bang-olufsen.com

1. La Prairie Skin Caviar Harmony L’Extrait laprairie.com

2. Dior Dior Book Tote Blue Cannage raffia dior.com

3. Loewe Lago slipper in suede calfskin loewe.com

4. Ligne Roset Saparella Settee outdoor ligne-roset.com

Discover the legacy of Switzerland in an exclusive new collection of teas

The helvet tea collection is a journey through alpine landscapes that capture the very essence of Swiss character. More than just a simple infusion, each leaf tells a story of the soul of Switzerland.

In collaboration with Chill Tea Atelier