Edition number 43 for the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, the Asian watchmaking event taking place from 3 to 7 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, together with the 12th Salon de Time.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, together with the concurrent Salon de Time, will run from 3-7 September as part of the hybrid physical-online EXHIBITION+ model. This model integrates the artificial intelligence-enabled online business-matching platform, 'Click2Match', running from 27 August to 14 September. An event focusing on the theme 'Be on Time': from luxury and fashion watches to technologically advanced and sustainable models.
The 2023 edition, the first after the lifting of travel restrictions, welcomed more than 15,000 buyers from 95 countries and as many as 700 exhibitors for the 2024 edition. Encouraging numbers that point to excellent results for the next edition. The division of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair into special zones helps to better meet the needs of buyers. The 'Pageant of Eternity' exhibits a variety of high-end watch collections. The other categories include 'Complete Watches', 'Used Watches', 'Watches', 'Machinery and Equipment', 'OEM Smart Watches' (where OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer), 'Packaging and Displays', 'Parts, Components and Accessories' and 'Commercial Services'.
The Salon de Time is open to buyers and the public during the five days of the Fair
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: events, seminars and networking opportunities.
Among the most popular areas within the Salon de Time, an exclusive segment of the event, there will once again be the World Brand Piazza, dedicated to numerous prestigious international brands. The other thematic zones are: 'Chic & Trendy' with the most fashionable and trendy watches, including manufacturers from all over the world; 'Craft Treasure' with mechanical watches and jewellery exemplifying craftsmanship; 'Renaissance Moment' for classic and elegant watches produced by European labels, such as the Italian GaGà Milano. Among them, the Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion, the International Luxury Group (ILG) and Francéclar will exhibit various independent brands. In Wearable Tech there will be the latest and most innovative smartwatches.
A series of events, including seminars and networking opportunities, will take place during the days of the fair. All with the aim of facilitating the exchange of information between the key players in the global watch industry. On 3 September, representatives of the world's leading watch associations will gather at the Hong Kong International Watch Forum to discuss global trade performance. As well as trying to predict market trends for the coming year and promote sustainability in the global watch industry.
Watch & Clock Design Competition: an award for young designers
For the first time at the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair the 'Made-to-Sell Award'.
To promote creative exchange in local design the Watch & Clock Fair hosts an annual Design Competitionorganised in cooperation with the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association and the Federation of Hong Kong Watches Trades and Industries. The 2024 edition is under the theme 'Talent Moment' for the student group and "Go Beyond Innovation"for the open group. The winners will be announced at the fair and the winning pieces will be displayed in Hall 1 Concourse.
In addition, this year also saw the introduction of the new 'The Made-to-Sell Award', given to the student group's work that demonstrates exceptional marketability. The winning piece will be produced under the guidance of the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association and will be officially launched on the retail market at the HKTDC Design Gallery. Buyers can register at this link.