Tag Archives: Baselworld

The End of Baselworld as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, Chopard and Chanel Withdraw

The writing was on the wall in January 2020 as LVMH launched their inaugural Watch Week in Dubai with a rather optimistic albeit pointed opening address by Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin citing the late dates of the year’s edition of the Baselworld Watch Fair as being incongruous with product and sales cycles of their watch retailers, prompting a group decision to hold their product launches at the beginning of the year rather than so close to the middle of the year.

The end of Baselworld, long discussed and pontificated among the world’s watch journalists and subject to rumours following Swatch Group’s mass exodus, Breitling following suit, and then eventually leading to the exit of Seiko consisting of both Grand Seiko and Seiko, and Citizen Group comprised of Bulova, Citizen and Arnold & Son, already sounded the death knell for the beleaguered MCH Group AG, the organisers of Baselworld watch fair and Art Basel.

The End of Baselworld as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, Chopard and Chanel Withdraw

Today 14 April 2020, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor announced their decision to leave the annual watch fair, ending Baselworld which has roots as far back as 1917 with the opening of the first Schweizer Mustermesse Basel which devoted a hall to watches and jewellery. The watch fair was eventually Baselworld, The Watch and Jewellery Show in 2003.

With Baselworld attendance down 22% for the 2019 edition after Swatch Group announced their shocking decision to depart, opting instead to hold their own Time to Move fair in Zurich. With Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor leaving the Messeplatz halls, they will create a new watch trade show in Geneva with the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, the organisers of the now-defunct SIHH, recently renamed Watches & Wonders Geneva.

The decision comes after a communique from Rolex Head of Investments & Logistics Hubert J. du Plessix, and current president of the exhibitors’ committee of Baselworld was leaked to watch press and later rebutted in Le Temps by Michel Loris-Melikoff, director-general for Baselworld. MCH had postponed the Baselworld watch exhibition as a result of the worsening coronavirus pandemic but refused to offer any significant refunds, opting instead to offer unpalatable options to carry forward the majority (from 70%) of the exhibition fees to the next edition and reminding exhibitors that exhibitors’ contracts do not compel it to provide any refunds.

Mr du Plessix, speaking on behalf of the small exhibitors last week on 7 April 2020, denounced MCH for hiding behind a “rigorous reading of contractual provisions to justify its position” of only making partial refunds amidst extenuating, unforeseen circumstances. Insult to injury, exhibitors received reminders in February, during the growing outbreak, to pay outstanding fees for Baselworld 2020 and later followed up with deadlines to accept partial-refund proposals by end April.

“The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is delighted to welcome a new salon which will strengthen the historical Watches & Wonders event in Geneva next year in early April.” – Jérôme Lambert, on behalf of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie Council

With the biggest legacy exhibitors, Rolex and Patek Philippe and Chopard departing, the latest move signals the end of Baselworld. The show will be held early April 2021 at Palexpo, will be linked to Watches & Wonders Geneva.

Other brands may also be added, and the new event will be geared predominantly towards retailers, the press and VIP customers, similar to Watches & Wonders Geneva. LUXUO and World of Watches have published the brand CEOs’ full remarks without edits:

Jean-Frédéric Dufour, Chief Executive Officer, Rolex SA, and Board Member, Montres Tudor SA, said: “We have taken part in Baselworld since 1939. Unfortunately, given the way the event has evolved and the recent decisions made by MCH Group, and in spite of the great attachment we had to this watch show, we have decided to withdraw. Following discussions initiated by Rolex, it seemed only natural to create a new event with partners that share our vision and our endless, unwavering support for the Swiss watchmaking sector. This will allow us to present our new watches in line with our needs and expectations, to join forces and better defend the interests of the industry.”

Thierry Stern, President, Patek Philippe said: “The decision to leave Baselworld was not an easy one to take for me, being the fourth generation of the Stern family to participate to this traditional yearly event. But life evolves constantly, things change and people change as well, whether it is at the level of those responsible for the watch fair organization, the brands or the clients. We constantly have to adapt ourselves, question what we do, since what was right yesterday may not necessarily be valid today!

Today Patek Philippe is not in line with Baselworld’s vision anymore, there have been too many discussions and unsolved problems, trust is no longer present.
We need to answer the legitimate needs of our retailers, the clients and the press from around the world. They have to be able to discover the new models from Swiss watchmakers each year, at one time, in one place, and this in the most professional manner possible.

That is why, following several discussions with Rolex and in agreement with other participating brands, we have decided to create, all together, a unique event in Geneva, representative of our savoir-faire.“

Frédéric Grangié, President of Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery said: “Like its partners, CHANEL shares the same independence and the same desire to protect and promote the values, know-how, utmost quality and precision of Swiss Watchmaking. This initiative marks a key milestone in the history of CHANEL Watchmaking and is part of a long-term strategy, which began with the launch of this activity in 1987. This exhibition will allow us to present all of our new creations in an environment that meets our high-quality standards.”

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President Chopard et Cie SA said: “Chopard first exhibited at the Basel fair in 1964 with a stand of some 25 square metres. After careful consideration, our family decided to support the Rolex initiative and retire from Baselworld – a painful decision. The creation of this new watch show in Geneva, in parallel to Watches & Wonders, will allow us to better serve our watchmaking partners and our customers. Through the alliance, these grandes maisons will also be able to collaborate in promoting the values and best interests of Swiss watchmaking.”

 

New Sensation: Gucci unveils new watch collections at Baselworld 2019

 

If you are in favour of the Alessandro Michele-led fashion renaissance at Gucci, then it is very likely that the current trove of Gucci watches would hit the sweet spot for you.

Founded in Florence in 1921, the Italian luxury fashion label began designing, developing and manufacturing watches in the early ’70s to create the world’s first “fashion” watches. Gucci watches have always been Swiss-made, holding sway for their innovative design, quality and craftsmanship.

Above all, they are sought after for a unique and creative mix of traditional elegance and contemporary spirit, wrapped irresistibly around iconic House emblems.

At Baselworld 2019, Gucci Timepieces and Jewelry made a splash with not one but two stands in the main hall dedicated to its myriad of novelties. One of the stands, a glass-encased conservatory replete with eclectic furnishings and a mini garden, housed a multitude of displays featuring the star timepiece called “Grip”. Inspired by the skateboarding culture, the timepiece’s snug fit around the wrist references how trainers stick to a skateboard’s grip tape.

Unisex and androgynous, the Michele-designed watch follows from the gender-fluid universe of the creative director’s reimaginings of Gucci. Its sui generis, quirky design and clean lines—a rounded square case displaying a trio of windows with white rotating disks to indicate the hour, minute and date in a top-to-bottom sequence—gives it a strong vintage appeal.

GUCCI GRIP

The quartz-powered Gucci Grip has four variants in 35 mm and 38 mm: yellow gold PVD case and bracelet; steel case and bracelet; yellow gold PVD case with bordeaux calf leather strap; and steel case with green calf leather bracelet. While the full-metal ones are engraved with Gucci’s signature interlocking G logos on the case and bracelet, the leather versions feature a simple “GUCCI” engraving on the dial’s bottom right-hand corner.

Offered with a sheer variety of sophisticated strap options in leather type and colour, the Grip is infinitely versatile, straddling the realm of a fashion accessory and timepiece with its audacious and unexpected details.

GUCCI G-TIMELESS AUTOMATIC

Giving this year’s G-Timeless a new spin are eight striking new editions, making an entrance with stone dials embellished with bees—a House signature—as hour markers and a decorative motif. For a luxurious take, the three 38-mm variations come with an 18k yellow gold case, alongside black onyx, brown tiger eye and green malachite stone dials partnered with black alligator, brown lizard, and precious skin with printed pattern straps respectively.

The next two 38-mm G-Timeless models are mixed-metal versions with steel cases and lapiz stone dials, finished with a steel-and-gold buckle and a blue lizard strap for one, while the other is adorned with an 18k yellow gold and steel bracelet.

Simple and classic, the G-Timeless with a steel case and bracelet, and a black onyx stone dial are available in 38-mm and 42-mm cases. Last is a 42-mm steel case rendition paired with a black onyx stone dial and shanghai calf leather strap with a steel buckle. Showcasing their Sellita automatic movement, all eight watches feature transparent case backs with anti-reflective sapphire crystal, while their adjustable buckles are tamped with the interlocking G motif.

GUCCI G-TIMELESS CONTEMPORARY

The more flamboyant G-Timeless Contemporary line with its proliferation of Gucci-isms gives us two quartz models, displaying seamlessness from dial to strap, on top of a revolutionary printed mesh technique. The first is a 38-mm all-steel creation: case, mesh-pattern dial and mesh bracelet, imprinted with a Gucci Kingsnake visual, sleekly slithering from dial to bracelet.

The other 42-mm edition is a shout-out to the brand’s enduring green-red-green graphic Web pattern running in linear fashion from dial to bracelet.

As Gucci Timepieces and Jewelry president and CEO Piero Braga says, “Gucci creates fashion watches that are different from anything else you will see in the industry. Our timepieces bring together a unique combination of Italian creativity, Swiss watchmaking and Gucci DNA. They are bold and distinctive, and designed to encourage self-expression.”

Not only are gender codes and other social mores being blurred, but the fashion and horology worlds at Gucci are also now walking in unison more than ever before.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com

New Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

On the night of July 20, 1969, our world changed forever: two men, representing the sum of humanity, traversed the surface of the moon. 50 years since mankind took its first daring steps onto the moon, Omega is celebrating with a Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition.

“I believe this nation should commit itself, before this decade is out, to landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.” – President John F. Kennedy committing NASA resources to landing a man on the moon

For the golden anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Omega is celebrating the occasion with a brand new Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition that binds the astronauts and the legacy of human advancement in one historic mission.

New Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

When President. Eisenhower left office in 1961, the future of NASA’s space program was uncertain to say the least. There were no earmarked funds in the budget proposal for NASA’s Project Apollo, and President-elect Kennedy’s closest advisors were skeptical that there was any value launching humans into space. That said, the geopolitical reality and intense ideological rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Republic would convince the Executive Branch of the political value (even if they didn’t understand the economic value) of the monumental achievement of sending a man to the moon at the time and Swiss watchmaker Omega was lockstep with them (even if they didn’t realise it at the time).

“We choose to go to the moon! We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things—not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” – President Kennedy on the immense challenges that await

Given the immense funding thrown at getting a man to the moon before the end of the decade, it is interesting to note that rather than commission a watch designed for space travel, NASA aeronautics engineer James H. Ragan decided to seek COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) timepieces – that is models which civilians could purchase and the future ‘Moonwatch’ Omega Speedmaster was among the many models chosen. Little did he know, many of the Flight Crew were already using Omega Speedmasters on their daily missions.

Omega Speedmaster ‘Moonwatch’ – Made of the Right Stuff

Thanks to its robust, reliable and easy-to-read design, the Speedmaster developed a reputation  as the “pilots’ choice” and was adopted by those in the U.S Air Force. Many of those aces became Mercury astronauts in NASA’s first manned space programme and, in 1963, one of those astronauts, Walter Schirra, took his own Speedmaster CK2998 on the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. Orbiting the Earth six times, his privately-owned model became the first Omega Speedmaster to be worn in space.

“The watch was a backup. If the astronauts lost the capability of talking to the ground, or the capability of their digital timers on the lunar surface, then the only thing they had to rely on was the Omega watch they had on their wrist. It needed to be there for them if they had a problem.” – NASA aeronautics engineer, James H. Ragan

While the Apollo 11 landing is the most culturally significant as a milestone, one aborted moon landing (the infamous Apollo 13) and five other moon landings were the most scientifically relevant because the astronauts stayed on the surface longer and ventured farther from their landing crafts, especially once they had lunar rovers on missions Apollos 15–17, each time, accompanied with their Omega ‘Moonwatch’ Speedmasters. The Apollo 13 mission was considered “NASA’s most successful failure” but for Omega, it was indeed testament to NASA engineer Ragan’s faith in Omega has a backup. When computers completely shut down in the Apollo 13 module, Commander Lovell only had his Omega Speedmaster to do precision timing of the positioning thrusters – Mis-timed firing of the rockets would have condemned the astronauts to certain death as they bounced off Earth’s atmosphere into the infinite void of space. That said, the milestone success of Apollo 11 is the one most fervently celebrated around the world. On the 25th of November 1969, a special “Astronaut Appreciation Dinner” was held in Houston, Texas, in tribute to the moon landing heroes.

The original solid gold Speedmaster BA145.022 in Appreciation of Astronauts

Crafted from 18K yellow gold and included a rare burgundy bezel, the solid gold Speedmaster housed the calibre 861 and was the Bien Manufacture’s very first commemorative numbered edition, with only 1,014 models being produced from 1969 to 1973. Created in appreciation of the remarkable accomplishments of NASA astronauts, the 18K yellow gold Omega Speedmaster and newly christened ‘Moonwatch’ was created for US President, Richard Nixon, with number two allocated to the US Vice President Spiro Agnew.

Model numbers 3 – 28 were given to the NASA astronauts, including 19 of those who were present at the gala dinner in Houston. These Limited Edition Omega Speedmasters bore a special inscription on the caseback that read, “to mark man’s conquest of space with time, through time, on time.” making these Moonwatches distinct from the models eventually offered to the general public. Civilian models bore three different inscriptions reading “OMEGA SPEEDMASTER”, “APOLLO XI 1969” and “Ω THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”.

 

 

Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition is a New Gold Alloy “Moonshine” remake of that legendary Moonwatch

Following the famous design of the Speedmaster BA145.022, this new Moonwatch marking the golden anniversary of the first moon landing has been crafted from an exclusive new 18K gold alloy called Moonshine. The case, bracelet, dial, hour-markers and hour-minute hands of the new Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition have been created in 18K Moonshine™ gold – a unique new alloy whose colour is inspired by the shining moonlight in a dark blue sky. Omega Moonshine gold is slightly paler (else virtually indistinguishable) than traditional 18K yellow gold yet offering superior resistance to tarnishing and fading over time.

Remaining true to the historical 1969 gold Speedmaster BA145.022, the  Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition is outfitted with a burgundy bezel ring in ceramic [ZrO2], according to a special patent pending process, with its tachymeter scale in Ceragold™ rather than anodised aluminium. However, while it differs materially from the original bezel, the aesthetic elements follow the first generation of the Speedmaster tachymeter scale, graduated to 500 units per hour, and features a marker dot above 90 or “Dot Over 90” (DON).

The Limited Edition Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary is powered by a brand new manual-winding Master Chronometer calibre 3861 with Co-Axial escapement, silicon Si14 balance spring, Moonshine™ gold-plated main plate and bridges and burgundy markings, produced in a limited edition series run of 1,014 pieces and accompanied with one of the industry’s longest warranty periods – five-years.

The biggest departure from full replication of the original gold commemorative Speedmaster resides in the lack of a caseback. Instead, a sapphire caseback shows off the gorgeously finished Master Chronometer calibre 3861 with an outer caseback ring featuring machine engraved markings: “1969-2019” and the Limited Edition number highlighted in burgundy, as well as uncoloured “Master Chronometer”.

The 18k Moonshine gold inner ring also holds a motifs of vital importance – a matte-finish blue ocean that surrounds a partial world map of the American continents (in polished finish), with a glimpse over the rocket’s lift-off site Cape Canaveral and a matte-finish black background which accentuates polished markings including, “APOLLO 11 – 50th ANNIVERSARY” and “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”; both produced through separate laser ablation processes, as well as two PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) colour treatments in blue and black.

Finally, a domed lunar meteorite inlay representing the Moon has been delicately set into the cavity of the ring in true Earth to Moon proportions of 3.67 : 1.

Hautlence HL Sphere

Hautlence made a big splash in 2013 with an innovative time display using chains. For Baselworld 2019, the Neuchatel Manufacture heralds the Hautlence HL Sphere. Powered by the brand’s 8th in-house calibre, it once again revolutionises time display complications, adding a jumping hour sphere to its pantheon of high novelty time indications like half-trailing hour chains and jumping hour discs.

With only a singular blue hand for minutes, the blue sphere indicating hours dominates your attention. Occupying the left hand of the case, the box sapphire with small dome amplifies the visual drama and majesty of the Hautlence HL Sphere’s raison d’etre. Featuring twelve engraved numerals filled with lacquer, the magic of the HL Sphere depends on its hidden three rotational axes which allow the sphere to perform its stationary orbit, as if in a seemingly random hypnotic dance.

Limited Edition Hautlence HL Sphere headlines Baselworld 2019 for the Neuchatel Manufacture

That said, it’s the mechanical wizardry of this new Hautlence Baselworld 2019 novelty which allows the HL Sphere to instill a sense of wonder – four conical gears that move around two crossed spindles inclined at an angle of 21 degrees. The namesake sphere is comprised of two polished blue PVD titanium cases capped over a conical differential to create a yin and yang composition. A feat of technical engineering which Hautlence used in a SIHH 2019 novelty – their table clock.

To the right of the time display complication sits another Hautlence horological motif – a retrograde minute display and the gear train which drives it. When the minute hand of the Hautlence HL Sphere snaps back to zero, the gears serve to regulate its speed so as to reduce the impact of forces which could potentially adversely affect the chronometry of the balance adjacent to it.

The differential and snail used to trigger the jumping hour can also be seen beneath the minute hand. The minute track and the applied silvered diamond-polished minute numerals are fixed to an intermediary sapphire crystal dial with a smoked metallic finish that adds contrast to the HL Sphere’s transparency, allowing you an unobstructed, legible view of important time display elements without the distraction (but still the perception) of the other gears and pinions which allow the finish and decoration of Hautlence’s 8th manufacture calibre to shine.

Entirely developed, designed and produced in-house, the manually wound HTL 501-1 calibre powers the Hautlence Baselworld novelty, the skeletonised balance bridge allows the owner to admire the oscillations of the proprietary balance spring produced by Precision Engineering AG, sister company within the group. The skeletonised drum reveals the mainspring, incidentally serving as a power reserve indicator of sorts. As with most high complications, Hautlence has incorporated mechanical safety features to prevent incorrect adjustment during reverse time setting.

Aesthetically, the signature Hautlence TV box case returns albeit slightly reworked – the rehaut lies a little closer to the sides allowing a wider opening for the dial and manufacture calibre lying beneath it in order to increase the dramatism of the fine engineering on display.

HL Sphere Limited Edition Price and Specs

Movement Manual winding HTL 501-1 calibre with 3 days power reserve
Case 39mm satin-finished and polished white gold case with 30 metres water resistance
Strap Blue alligator
Price S$150,000
Limited to 28 pieces

Casio designs 18k gold G-SHOCK watch

This is not your ordinary Casio watch. This is the G-D5000-9JR, an 18-karat yellow gold piece was revealed by Casio to celebrate their 35th anniversary of the iconic digital watch. The Japanese brand introduced the most expensive watch to date and only 35 pieces will be made available.

Casio reveals $70,000 G-SHOCK for its 35th anniversary

The G-D5000-9JR will be featuring its impact- resistant square case, brand and screws all made entirely of 18K yellow gold with a black LCD case – outrageously luxurious. As with all G-SHOCK, the G-D5000-9JR adopts the original G-SHOCK square case and is packed with Casio technology and function. This timepiece includes a split-second time correction owning to radio waves from six stations across the globe. This ultimate edition of G-SHOCK is powered via Casio’s trademarked Tough Solar charging system and boasts the same shock-resistant double-case construction.

It is no surprise that many would see G-SHOCK as a reasonably-priced watch option, typically retailing over a few hundred dollars or less. The concept model was presented at BASELWORLD, the world’s largest watch and jewellery fair held in Basel, Switzerland in 2015. Though many requested sales, Casio did not carry out the product evaluation as it was only a concept model. It was only made possible to sell once Casio developed for commercialization as “Dream Project” and cleared product evaluations and made it possible to sell. The 18K G-D5000-9JR is a rare release by Casio and is set to retail for approximately $69,500 (7.7m yen), excluding taxes.

Those interested can make reservations for the watch can be made at selected G-shock boutiques in Japan starting May 15, 2019, which the watch will later be shipped in December.

Baselworld 2019: Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”

More often than not, watch aficionados appreciate when a watch brand introduces a completely new model as a celebration of innovation. What new watch models tend to offer is a fresh perspective without any preconception. That being said, there are exceptions where subtle and more nuanced improvements are valued over an entire facelift as well. Indeed, for a brand like Rolex, it is exactly the case.

Introducing the New Rolex GMT-Master II Ref.126710 BLNR

Rolex brought to Baselworld 2019 an updated version of the Rolex GMT Master II “Batman”, modified with a new caliber 3285 movement and a Jubilee bracelet. Comparatively, the new GMT is more a revitalised version of last year’s GMT Master II “Pepsi” than the blue and black BLNR GMT Master II from 2013.

The new Batman echoes the same features as last year’s Pepsi – the emblematic two-tone bezel, 40mm Oyster case and slightly redesigned lugs to accommodate the new bracelet. There is not much evolution in terms of the design and its functions. The watch still flaunts the central axis, a date window and GMT hand, as well as the ability to display two different time zones simultaneously.

The most significant difference is the blue and black bezel in contrast to Pepsi’s red and blue, giving a modern twist to the slightly vintage looking watch. As far as a sports watch goes, this is about as charming as it can get.

Equipped with the new caliber 3285, the Batman boasts Rolex’s advancement in watchmaking technology. Despite being visually identical to the BLRO GMT and the original BLNR GMT, this model represents what Rolex does best to resonate with Rolex enthusiast: Taking a cult favourite model and improving them in minimal, tangible ways rather than flashing new models every now and then.

And since the old Batman and the BLRO GMT with an Oyster bracelet are officially discontinued, Loyal GMT lovers can now revel in the launch of the new BLNR available in a highly comfortable, perfectly executed Jubilee bracelet.

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref.126710 BLNR Price & Specs

Movement Automatic Calibre 3285 with 70 hours power reserve
Case 40mm Oystersteel with 100 metres water resistance
Bracelet Jubilee bracelet with Oysterlock clasp
Price From SGD12,430 or CHF 8,800

 

What to expect at Baselworld 2019?

The Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek has dropped a bombshell last month with an exclusive interview with Switzerland’s Neue Zürcher Zeitung and the news has quickly made to the headlines of every watch publications.

According to a statement issued by The Swatch Group, “Today everything has become more transparent, fast-moving, and instantaneous. Accordingly, a different rhythm and a different approach is needed. … In this new context, annual watch fairs, as they exist today, no longer make much sense. This does not mean that they should disappear. But it is necessary that they reinvent themselves, responding appropriately to the current situation and demonstrating more dynamism and creativity”.

In response to the statement, René Kamm, the former CEO of MCH Group – who has resigned after the departure of The Swatch Group from Baselworld – said, “We extraordinarily regret Swatch Group’s decision. The cancellation is all the more surprising for us because this news reaches us at a point in time when new management has arrived with a new team, new esprit and many new ideas’.

In the same month – when the news of The Swatch Group’s departure broke –, Baselworld has welcomed a new Managing Director, Michel Loris-Melikoff and he revealed that it will be an entirely brand new experience for Baselworld 2019 with the transformation of the annual event from a media andtrading platform to an attractive marketing, communications and events platform.

René Kamm has stepped down as CEO of MCH Group on 3 August.

The following are the low-down on what he shared about the plans for Baselworld 2019:

 

More exclusive contents
Baselworld will present Les Ateliers in Hall 1.0 South which provides a better opportunity for the independent watchmakers to showcase their creations. What’s more, the Hall 1.1 will be the venue for “The Loop”, a space for the presentation of watchmaking art.

A hub for jewellery makers
The “Show Plaza” in Hall 1.2 will feature a spectacular 240° catwalk with numerous LED screens to present the latest jewellery collections, which will also be used for wholly revised press day and a Retailer Summit.

The privilege of dining and accommodation
Baselworld will be offering a diverse selection of catering options, be it take away or dine-in at an exclusive three-star restaurant. Aside from dining, Baselworld plans to sign “Charta” with partner hotels to ensure a reasonable price for accommodation during Baselworld.

Information at fingertips
Baselworld will deliver all relevant information directly to the user’s phones via messaging services of chatbot and WeChat (for Asian audiences).

 

The Swatch Group was the largest exhibitor of Baselworld – with 18 brands under its helm such as Omega, Longines, Tissot and others – which funded the prestigious watch event with more than $US 50 million annually. Although Baselworld has survived from the departure of big brands like Cartier and Piaget previously, losing The Swatch Group as its main backer will definitely have an impact on Baselworld.

However, news about potent exhibitor leaving Baselworld did not come as a complete surprise as it has been happening throughout the decades. For example, the exit of Movado Group and Breitling last year; Vendôme Group in 1990; Hermes and others. The number of exhibitors has also dropped drastically from over 1300 to around 650 in 2018, which was only half the exhibitors in 2017.

The Swatch Group, which carries Omega has quit Baselworld.

Despite that, there are still 650 brands signed to exhibit in Baselworld 2019.