Some refer to it simply as “the Geneva show.” Others default to an older iteration of the watch fair, calling it S.I.H.H. (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie).

But everyone, from first-time invitee to seasoned collector, seems to agree on one thing: Preparing for a week of debuts, appointments and conversations — otherwise known as Watches and Wonders Geneva — takes months.

The first four days of the show, from April 9–12, are strictly by invitation only. So the initial effort has to be convincing one of the 54 brands exhibiting this year to register you. The alternative is attending during the three public days, April 13–15, which require a ticket (an adult pays 70 Swiss francs, or $78, for Saturday or Sunday admission, or 50 Swiss francs, or $55, for Monday admission; ticket packages and discounts are available.)

Here, a group of collectors, ranging from show newbies to veterans, weigh in on preparations, including must-take items and best practices at the fair.

Packing Essentials

“A bag without a wheel is a death sentence,” said Cameron Barr, 38, the founder and chief executive of Craft + Tailored, a Los Angeles watch retailer. “I always take Rimowa bags, because in every major city in the world there are service centers.”