The 2018 edition of Baselworld, positioned as the world’s most important show for watches, jewellery and gemstones, drew to a close on March 27 after seven successful days.
In a post-show release Baselworld’s managing director Sylvie Ritter said that the 2018 edition had proved to be successful. The overwhelming majority of exhibitors reported very satisfactory business results and the overall number of visitors remained unchanged though the show was two days shorter than last year, she stated. According to her, “The new format, with fewer exhibitors and a shorter duration was positively received.”
Most of the large watch companies Rolex, Swatch Group, Patek Phillipe, LVMH, Chopard, Breitling and Chanel present at the show have commited to 2019.
Rene Kamm, CEO of the MCH Group described the show’s “present dimensions with 650 brands” as “optimal” and added, “We now have a tailwind for 2019”.
Rolex CEO, Jean-Frédéric Dufour said, “We are very happy with this year’s edition. Our products were well received by both our clients and the press. This annual event remains a must for the Siwss watch industry.”
Similarly, Patek Phillipe President Thierry Stern stated that the company was “very satisifed with the positive feedback that our new products received from the specialised trade and press.”
And, Chopard Co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele also opined, “Baselworld remains one of the most important networking opportunities for the group, a unique window to meet our international business and media partners in a condensed time frame. Overall, the mood was very positive and the level of business conducted was highly satisfactory.”
Media reports suggest that while the sectors where large brands were present saw good footfalls and largely satisfied exhibitors, the response from other sectors and halls was more varied. Many exhibitors are reported to have indicated that business was comparatively not as brisk elsewhere, particularly for smaller brands, and those focusing on mass market jewellery, loose diamonds and gemstones.
Baselworld authorities announced that next year’s show would be held from March 21-26, 2019. The organisers said that they will work with exhibitors to define new formats for the various sectors and will offer medium sized businesses a presence in the show in line with their needs”.
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