Collection Pan Arab Luxury Magazine
Related Articles
The 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, held in conjunction with the 11th Salon de TE, has once again demonstrated its position as the premier global event for watch enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, this four-day extravaganza witnessed nearly 15,000 buyers from 95 countries and regions, resiliently braving extreme weather conditions to explore the world of horology.
Despite facing unexpected challenges, the fairgrounds buzzed with excitement and opportunities as attendees marveled at the latest innovations in timekeeping. Under the innovative EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, the virtual component of the exhibitions will continue until 16 September, offering buyers additional chances to explore products and engage in business exchanges.
Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, expressed her delight at the event’s success, noting that over 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions participated. Many exhibitors secured orders on the spot, underscoring the fair’s global reach. Attendance from Mainland China, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries witnessed significant growth, contributing to the fairs’ vibrancy.
The Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion (SIWP) and Francéclat, along with the debut of the International Luxury Group (ILG), featured a diverse array of Swiss and international watch brands. ILG’s Chief Operating Officer, Chavadi M.S, Acknowledged Salon de TE as an excellent platform for forging business partnerships and sourcing OEM suppliers, with results surpassing expectations.
One of the highlights of the fair was the debut of the ‘Guo Chao’ theme, which garnered significant attention. Esteemed Chinese watchmakers showcased timepieces that artfully fused Chinese cultural elements with exquisite craftsmanship.
The HKTDC conducted an on-site survey during the fairs, interviewing approximately 900 exhibitors and buyers to gauge industry trends for the coming year. The survey revealed that nearly 60% of respondents anticipate overall sales growth in the next two years.
Regarding product trends, smartwatches continued to dominate, with 26% of respondents predicting they would remain the most popular watch category. Mechanical watches (22%), automatic watches (16%), and quartz analogue watches (14%) followed closely. In terms of future growth potential, fashion watches (34%), smartwatches (32%), and leisure-type watches (23%) were identified as key categories.
Hong Kong’s Dayton Industrial Co., Ltd., a well established Company in the watch business for over six decades, showcased its expertise as a world-class smart analogue watch developer and manufacturer. Dayton Industrial Director Paul Anthony Yuen emphasized the importance of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE as the world’s largest marketplaces for watches, clocks, parts, and components. The Wearable Tech Zone within Salon de TE provided a crucial platform for promoting their smartwatches and seeking cooperation opportunities.
The fairs introduced the Scan2Match function alongside the Click2Match service, enriching the experience for attendees. Buyers could scan exhibitors’ QR codes with the HKTDC Marketplace app to bookmark their favorite exhibitors, access product information and e-floor plans, make inquiries, and continue discussions online, bridging the gap between offline and online interactions.
The 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE have once again demonstrated their pivotal role in shaping the world of horology.
