For new watch sellers or for those in the watch industry, it is very important to understand the industry trends and understand the market consumers, so one way is to go to exhibitions, one is read magazines, and forums to see what people are talking about and what they are the trending styles.
In the watch industry, there is the baselworld watch fair in Switzerland, the HKTD fair in Hong Kong, the International Watch and Clock Fair in China and the Canton Fair, which are the more recognised fairs for Chinese suppliers. The Hk watch & clock trade show, Baselworld, JCK Las Vegas is the most famous watches trade show for Chinese watches manufacturers.
So what are the exhibitions, magazines, forums and associations in the watch industry? Let’s start with the exhibitions
Fairs/Exhibitions in Watches Industry
In addition to showcasing the latest products, the watch fair is also a platform for exchange and cooperation. It is a place where brands can learn from each other, exchange experiences, and find the right partners.
At the same time, the fair allows consumers to learn about developments and trends in the watch industry.
Baselworld
Most Famous in Watches industury
Website： https://www.baselworld.com/
Address： Messeplatz, Basel, Switzerland, Basel Exhibition Centre, Switzerland
Fair organizer： MCH Group
Fair Cycle: once a year, held annually in March and April, once a year
Display category：Jewelry category: diamonds, gold jewelry, silver jewelry, diamond jewelry, gemstones, crystal jewelry, brown stones, pearls, artificial stones, artificial jewelry ornaments, fashion jewelry category, etc. Accessories and tools: jewelry displays and decorations, precious metals, amber, jewelry accessories, antiques, watches, jewelry tools, and equipment, Also, read about the Baselworld。
Attendees：The main countries were China, India, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil and several European countries. The largest pavilions are from Hong Kong, China and Thailand. The Hong Kong pavilion is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and has participated in the show for many years. The Thai pavilion, organized by the Thai Jewelry and Jade Chamber of Commerce, has more than 100 booths clustered together in a clear scale effect.
Introduction to Baselworld：Baselworld is a key global gathering for top brands, retailers, and media in the watch and jewelry industry. Exhibitors are grouped by country in pavilions, with Hall 6 hosting Chinese brands. Despite its remote location, it draws buyers seeking various products.
Newest Update：All Baselworld watch fair was canceled, and no further information On the official website, you can see “No further editions of Baselworld are planned at this point”
Baselworld 2020 was postponed and then cancelled due to COVID-19. High-profile brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe withdrew over fee disputes. The 2021 show was also cancelled due to the pandemic and exhibitor exits. Many brands turned to online channels or independent shows, and the 2022 Baselworld was also cancelled. The watch industry is indeed changing!
To see the historical evolution, please refer to this article, which is very clearly written.
HKTD-Hongkong Watch & Clock Fair
Most Famous in Watches industury
Website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/en
Address: Hong Kong, China
Fair organizer: Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
Fair Cycle：Held annually in September, once a year
This year’s Exhibition time: The 2023 Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair will be held in Hong Kong for five days from Tuesday, September 5 to Saturday, September 9, 2023. you can register on their website if you are a buyer
Introduction of HKTD-Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair ：
The HKTDC Watch & Clock Fair is an annual event organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). It is one of the largest trade fairs in the watch and clock industry, attracting exhibitors and buyers from around the world. The fair showcases a wide range of timepieces, including wristwatches, pocket watches, clocks, and related accessories.
The fair typically features various sections, including brand-name galleries, which showcase renowned watch brands and their latest collections, as well as specialized zones for specific types of watches. It provides a platform for manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and industry professionals to network, explore business opportunities, and stay updated with the latest trends in the watch and clock industry.
See also：https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Watch_%26_Clock_Fair
CWCF
Most Famous in China watches manufacturer, many factory find supplier are there
Website： http://english.szwatchfair.com/
Address： In China (Shenzhen city), Shenzhen Futian Convention and Exhibition Centre
Fair organizer： China Watch and Clock Association and Shenzhen Watch and Clock Association
Fair Cycle: Held annually in July, held once a year, this year’s 31st edition,
Exhibitors: Over 500 branded companies
Location: Hall 1 and Hall 9
Ticket Price: Free admission for professional visitors by online application, RMB50/person（7.58usd） for general visitors
Watch fair Introduction: The China Watch and Clock Fair (CWCF), the largest of its kind in China, is a major global event for showcasing watches. It’s a hub for international brands to penetrate the Chinese market and a platform for professionals in the industry. Admission is free for online applications, with a RMB50 fee for general visitors. Note, attendees must be over 16 years old. 😊
New Updates：
The 31st China (Shenzhen) International Watch and Clock Fair is set to reopen in September after a three-year hiatus since 2019. The exact date is yet to be announced, but it’s expected to coincide with the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair for convenient scheduling for attendees. The fair will be a blend of online and offline formats, offering a fresh, diversified platform for watch culture and consumers. Stay tuned for new experiences and expectations from the re-launch of the Shenzhen Watch and Clock Show. 😊
Comment: The China Watch Fair reveals that the watch industry is mainly in the east and south, with mature sectors in the north and west. Shandong, Tianjin, Beijing, and Liaoning excel in technical R&D, while the South shines in management and marketing. North Watch and FIAT lead the industry by integrating these strengths.
時計 & Wonders (W&W)/SIHH
New for LVMH
Website： watchesandwonders.com
Address： In Geneva
Fair Cycle： Held annually in July, this year’s is the 31st edition, held once a year.
Fair fare： The public ticket price is CHF 70 per day.
Fair organizer: It is organized by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), a Swiss organization dedicated to promoting fine watchmaking and preserving its traditions.
Introduction of the Exhibitions：
Watches and Wonders is the international trade fair for the watch and jewelry industry. It is organized by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie and takes place at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland.
Watches and Wonders (formerly known as Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, SIHH) is the international trade fair for the watch and jewelry industry. It is organized by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) and takes place at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. Mainly attended by Richemont brands, Watches and Wonders was originally scheduled for April 2020 but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and converted to an online format. the 2023 event was open to the public for two days.
New Update：
The 2024 “Watches and Wonders” exhibition in Geneva was another grand event in the world of horology. This year, Vacheron Constantin unveiled the world’s most complex watch with 63 complications, including the first-ever Chinese perpetual calendar. Piaget introduced the world’s thinnest tourbillon watch, and Rolex launched what could be the heaviest diver’s watch ever at 322 grams. The event welcomed over 49,000 visitors, setting a new record. The success of the event and the innovative creations displayed signaled a positive outlook for the watch industry.
See also：https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watches_and_Wonders
Canton Fair
It is a mixed show, not specifically for watches
Website： https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US
Address： In Guangzhou city
Fair Cycle: Annual autumn and spring exhibitions
Fair organizer: China Foreign Trade Center (CFTC), as a direct subsidiary of the Ministry of Commerce
Introduction of Canton Fair:
China Import and Export Fair, also known as Guangzhou Fair, or Canton Fair (formerly known as China Export Commodities Fair), is a comprehensive international trade fair jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government, and hosted by China Foreign Trade Center, which is known as the “No. 1 Fair in China” and is also known as the “wind vane” and “barometer” of China’s foreign trade. It is also known as the “wind vane” and “barometer” of China’s foreign trade.
Founded in the spring of 1957, it is the largest and most effective international trade fair in mainland China. It is held annually in spring and autumn at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. The Canton Fair is known as one of the four major national exhibitions in China, together with the China Import and Export Fair, the Consumer Expo, and the Service Trade Fair.
See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canton_Fair
LVMH Watch Week
new in watches industry
Website： https://www.lvmh.com
Address： Around the world, in various locations, on tour
Fair organizer: LVMH Group
Fair Cycle: it is still the 4th edition, the 3rd edition is in Signapore(see news from LVMH: https://www.lvmh.com/news-documents/news/lvmh-watch-brands-are-previewing-their-latest-creations-for-guests-from-around-the-world-at-the-fourth-edition-of-lvmh-watch-week-from-january-10-12-in-singapore/)
Introduction of LVMH Watch Week: LVMH Watch Week is an exclusive industry event organized by the LVMH Group to show the world the dynamism of the LVMH brands and the watchmaking industry as a whole.
Since 2020, several major watch brands of LVMH Group have started their own watch exhibition “LVMH Watch Week”, which is held in January before the major Swiss watch exhibitions in March-April every year, and most of the products released are also the revised models and women’s models for the show, which is considered as the pre-show season of the year.
Dubai Watch Week (DWW)
Website： https://www.dubaiwatchweek.com/
Address： In Dubai
Fair Cycle: Held every two years，newest is 16-20 Nov. 2023, you can registered the newest watch weeks from here： https://www.dubaiwatchweek.com/
Fair organizer: Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons
Introduction of Dubai Watch Week:
Founded in 2015 by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Dubai Watch Week is held every two years and provides an educational platform for sharing knowledge, networking, and celebrating the watchmaking industry. As an industry pioneer, Dubai Watch Week aims to build bridges for the community and establish itself as a key event in the Dubai calendar.
Dubai Watch Week will be held for the sixth time this year. The event, which will take place at The Gate at DIFC from November 16 to 20, 2023, will return after a hiatus with an immersive programme that will further cement its importance in the luxury and watch industry.
JGT Dubai
(Mainly display Jewellery, not watches)
Website：https://www.jgtdubaijewelleryshow.com
Address： Dubai World Trade Centre
Fair Cycle： annually
Next year’s Exhibition: JGT Dubai in the Year 2024，
Time： Feb. 06~Feb. 08, 2024，
Address： UAE – Dubai-Sheik Zayed Road Convention Gate Dubai UAE-Dubai World Trade Center
Audience Qtys：28000 people，The number of exhibitors and exhibiting brands reached 500。
Fair organizer: informa markets，
Display category of Exhibits: jewelry, gifts, jewelry category: fine jewelry, diamond jewelry, gold jewelry, gold and silverware, luxury watches, watches, pearls, fine jewelry, gemstones, precious metals, crystal boutique, jewelry boxes, antique jewelry, gift jewelry, ornaments, accessories, jewelry processing machinery, jewelry-related services, etc.
Introduction of JGT Dubai Show: JGT Dubai is currently the world’s six largest professional international jewelry trade fair and the most prestigious in the Middle East.
It attracts renowned manufacturers and distributors of jewelry and luxury watches, including local brands such as Istana, Damas, Dhamani, Al Anwar, Salem Al Shueibi, and Samra, as well as international names such as Rosy Blue, Europearls, Chantila, Aspeco, Eros and Eternity Jewellery from Antwerp. Eros and Eternal Jewelry.
Market Introduction:
The UAE, especially Dubai, is a hub for gold and jewelry with over 650 retail stores. Annually, Dubai trades jewelry worth about $3.01 billion. The region’s market for high-end products was valued at $100 billion in 2010, including $8 billion from fine watches and jewelry. UAE’s fine watch sales reached around $500 million in 2010, expected to double over the next four years. This lucrative market attracts many exhibitors.
Inhorgenta Munich
(most famous in China watches manufacturer)
Website：https://inhorgenta.com/en/inhorgenta-munich/exhibition-sectors/
Address： In the Germany
Europe’s leading platform for jewelry, watches and gemstones
Midora Leipzig
Website：https://www.tradefairdates.com/all_cities_de.php
Address： in Leipzig, Germany
Fair organizer: Held once a year
Fair Cycle: Once a year
Introduction of Midora Leipzig：Midora in Leipzig is Germany’s watch and jewelry show, which is held once a year. It is an order and information fair for watch and jewelry dealers, jewelers, goldsmiths and watchmakers and is only open to professional visitors.
At Midora, exhibitors showcased the latest trends from watches and real jewelry, fashion jewelry, pearls and gemstones to goldsmith’s tools and fashion jewelry.
The focus of the exhibitors is on young buyers with individual tastes, and the show features fashion and trendy jewelry. The in-depth experience with exhibitors, the presentation of the latest products and trends and the attractive program make Midora a must for every professional in the industry.
Midora is held together with Comfortex, the interior design trade fair and the autumn Cadeaux trade fair, the home and gift ideas trade fair at the Leipzig Exhibition Centre, with a first-class infrastructure and easy access by train, regional train and car.
Munichi Watch Fair
Germany Munichi Watch fair
Website： https://www.munichwatchfair.com/en-gb
Address：Messegelande, 81823 Munchen, Germany
Fair organizer: Messe Munchen GmbH
Fair Cycle: Next fair: September 3rd, 2023
Introduction of Munichi Watch Fair：Hundreds of exhibitors from all over the world offer a large selection of new and pre-owned watches. You will also find jewelry, spare parts, watch-specific literature, rare items and luxury accessories at Europe’s largest luxury watch trade fair. Eight times a year we welcome you to the Ballhausforum in Unterschleißheim and look forward to seeing you there.
JCK Las Vegas
(Most Famous in U.S, also for China supplier of watches)
Website：https://lasvegas.jckonline.com/
Address： In U.S, Sands Expo & Convention Center
Fair organizer: JCK official
Fair Cycle: Once a year, Next show: May 31 – June 3, 2024
Register below: https://lasvegas.jckonline.com/en-us/forms/pre-register.html
Exhibit area: 60000 Square meters
Number of Exhibitors：2300 countries
Product Category: Jewelry: gold jewelry, platinum jewelry, silver jewelry, pearl jewelry, diamond jewelry and gemstone jewelry, etc; Gold products: gold bars, gold coins, gold leaf, gold watches and other gold products, etc; Technical tools: diamond, jade, pearl, and gemstone machinery and equipment, tools and techniques, etc; packaging: packaging and display supplies, related products and services, etc;
Introduction of Exbihition: Started in 1991, JCK LAS VEGAS (USA) is the world’s largest and most influential jewelry industry event. It is recognized by the industry as one of the top three professional jewelry fairs in the world, including Vicenzolo in Italy, Baselworld in Switzerland and JCK Las Vegas in the United States.
JCK LAS VEGAS had 2,177 exhibitors from Italy, India, Belgium, Israel, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Dubai and China. JCK Las Vegas”, the jewelry and watch show in Las Vegas, USA, has gained worldwide attention. In order to give visitors a better understanding of the latest trends in the jewelry industry, the organizing committee has arranged a series of lectures, product demonstrations and interactive networking activities on the regional stage of the Design Center, so that you can be at the forefront of jewelry industry trends.
JCK LAS VEGAS, as an internationally renowned jewelry professional exhibition, brings together internationally renowned jewelry brands and attracts professional buyers from all over the world. It has become an excellent platform for jewelers to expand their international business, build their brand image and seek international cooperation.
SIAR | Salón Internacional de Alta Relojeria
Haute Horlogerie Mexico
Website：https://salonaltarelojeria.com/en/
Address: unknown
Fair organizer: unknown
Fair Cycle: unknown
Introduction of SIAR：
Recognized as one of the largest annual watchmaking shows in the world, SIAR is an important event for the Latin American watch industry.
The growing popularity of events such as SIAR reflects the growing interest in watches in Latin American countries.
While Mexico City may not be the luxury must-see destination of choice for most North American watch enthusiasts, thanks to Carlos Alonso, publisher of Tiempo de Relojes magazine, SIAR has become the North American watch fair for those who appreciate fine watchmaking.
SIAR takes place in October and, like Dubai Watch Week, it has the advantage of being at the end of the northern hemisphere summer rather than flu season. If that’s still on anyone’s mind.
Also read:
SIAR México 2022: Todo listo para el evento más emblemático de la alta relojería
In Its 16th Edition SIAR Mexico Sets the Pace Bringing Together More Than 50 Watch Brands
Geneva Watch Day
Website：https://www.gva-watch-days.com/
Address: Geneva, Switzerland
Fair Cycle: unknown, next watch will be 29, Aug-2th, Sept. 2023
Fair organizer: by eight prestigious watch brands: Breitling, Bulgari, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie., MB&F, Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk.
Introduction of Watch Fair：Geneva Watch Day is an industry salon created in September 2020 by eight prestigious watch brands: Breitling, Bulgari, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, Henri Musso, MB&F, Ulysse Nardin, and Urwerk. The event is based on a modern and unconventional concept that emphasizes collaboration while avoiding complications.
It is an independent and collaborative organization, self-managed, light, flexible, and agile, offering a public space to present the latest watchmaking techniques while giving participating brands the opportunity to hold decentralized events. Organized in partnership with État de Geneve and the City of Geneva, the show is open to retailers and the press, while being completely open to the public.
New Update：
The Geneva Watch Days 2023 will take place from August 29 to September 2 for the fourth edition of the unforgettable Watch Days, ready for the ultimate watch event.
This year’s exhibition will be the largest to date, with nearly 40 watch brands at the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc pavilion on Lake Geneva, as well as boutiques and venues throughout the city.
Watch and Clock Association
- National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC), Website: https://www.nawcc.org/
- The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute（AWCI), Website: https://www.awci.com/
- Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry(FH), Website: https://www.fhs.swiss/zhs/members.html
- China Horologe Association(CHA), Website: http://www.chinahorologe.com/
- Guangdong Province Horologe Industry Association(GDHA), Website: http://www.gdzbha.com/
- Shenzhen Watch & Clock Association, Website: https://cdasz.com/shenzhen-watch-clock-association/
- The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades& Industries, Website: https://www.hkwatch.org/
- Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association, Website: http://hkwatchworld.com/Common/Reader/Version/Show.jsp?Pid=1&Version=0
Wrist Watches Forums
- Reddit ,Website: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/?rdt=55237
- WatchUseek, Website: https://www.watchuseek.com/
- The watch forum, Website: https://www.thewatchforum.co.uk/
- Time Zone, Website: https://forums.timezone.com/
- Watchfreeks, Website: https://www.watchfreeks.com/
- The Watch Site, Website: https://www.thewatchsite.com/
- Watch Talk Forums, Website: https://www.watchtalkforums.info/
- Wrist Watches Magazine, See also: https://blog.feedspot.com/watch_magazines/
- A Watchtime, Website: https: //www.watchtime.com/
- Wrist Watch review, Website: https://www.wristwatchreview.com/
- Iwmagazine, Website: https://iwmagazine.com/
- Monochrome, Website: https://monochrome-watches.com/
- Hodinkee, Website: https://www.hodinkee.com/magazine
- Revolution Watch, Website: https://revolutionwatch.com/
- Haute Time, Website: https://www.hautetime.com/
- WatchPro, Website: https://www.watchpro.com/
- Scottish Watches, Website: http://www.scottishwatches.co.uk/
- ESCAPEMENT Magazine, Website: https://escapementmagazine.com/
- Fratello, Website: https://www.fratellowatches.com/
- Europa Star Magazine, Website: https://www.europastar.com/
- Gear Patrol Magazine, website: https://www.gearpatrol.com/
- Town & Country Magazine, Website: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/
Also read: https://blog.feedspot.com/watch_forums/
The above information may not be comprehensive enough, but it is enough for you to understand the watch industry, pay attention to it every day, follow in their footsteps, and you also step to the top of the watch industry!
