Baselworld takes a momentous decision. Yes dictated by the contingent emergency linked to the spread of Covid-19, but also in line with the loudly expressed demands of the industry.
Finally, the biggest Swiss watch fair will therefore be held at the beginning of the year.
For health and safety reasons, in accordance with the ban on large-scale public and private events issued today by the Swiss federal and cantonal authorities, Baselworld has in fact announced the postponement of the fair to 2021, from Thursday 28 January to Tuesday 2 February.
A decision that was reached together with the Show's partners and the responsible health authorities. "We are deeply sorry," said Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld, "that we had to postpone the event due to the coronavirus, in full consideration of the needs of the watch and jewellery industry to be able to benefit from this platform for the development of its business. This decision was all the more difficult in light of all the positive aspects that have been achieved over the last few months, which have led to new concepts and new solutions that have led some exhibitors to return and some new ones to decide to participate. We registered encouraging growth in all sectors: watchmaking, jewellery, gemstone and pearl trade, and also in the technical sector. By postponing the show to January 2021, we have found a solution that allows the industry and all our customers to avoid losing an entire year and at the same time reset their calendars for the beginning of the year, a period favourable for the presentation of new products, new trends and the taking of orders. This postponement will also allow Baselworld to continue to develop and bring new formats and solutions, as well as improvements to the new concept we are proposing.
Bernd Stadlwieser, Group Ceo of MCH says: " (...) Baselworld is not only the world's largest watch and jewellery show, it is also set to become the industry's largest year-round global community platform. In the coming weeks we will introduce a new essential and useful digital service for our entire community, which we believe will meet the needs of brands that have become even more important in these difficult and turbulent times.
