2020 has seen many events cancelled or postponed due to the backlash of Covid-19. Not only has the Jewellery Awards been moved to September, Baselworld had also been moved to January 2021, though it was supposed to begin on the 30th of April.
The managing director of Baselworld, Michael Loris- Melikoff stated:
“We deeply regret having had to postpone the event as planned due to the coronavirus, in full consideration of the needs of the watch and jewellery industry to be able to benefit from the platform to develop their business. This decision has been all the more difficult in view of all the positives that have been achieved through listening and dialogue over the last few months, which resulted in new concepts and new solutions, that have attracted exhibitors to return and new ones to sign on. We registered encouraging growth in all sectors; watchmaking, jewellery, the gemstone and pearl trade, as well as in the technical branch.”
Since the news was originally announced, there have been new developments as Baselworld’s top five brands pull out of the awards completely which include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor. The brands said in a joint statement that they would no longer be participating in the world’s biggest watch event and have plans to start a new watch trade show with the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie. The decision from the brands came after recent choices by Baselworld’s management did not meet the needs or expectations of the brands.
The new show is to be held in April 2021 at Palexpo, Geneva and will be linked to Watches and Wonders which is also organised by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie. It is the desire of these top brands to create a shared vision that successfully meets the future challenges in the watchmaking industry as well as a professional platform.
What are your thoughts on the news that the top five watch brands exit Baselworld? Let us know in the comments below!
