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There’s a particular energy that hums through the halls of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre during its most glamorous week, the sound of precision, innovation, and commerce, all ticking in perfect unison.
Last week, that energy reached a crescendo as the 44th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME, drew to a close, leaving in their wake a palpable sense of excitement and a robust optimism for the future of horology.
For five dazzling days, the twin fairs attracted a truly global congregation of over 16,000 trade buyers from 95 countries and regions, all converging to witness the art of timekeeping in its most exquisite and innovative forms.
“This year’s events brought together over 650 exhibitors, serving as a springboard for entering international markets and underscoring Hong Kong’s vitality as a global hub for commerce and creativity,” remarked Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, at the closing day. And indeed, the mood was confidently bullish.
The narrative emerging from the fair was one of expansive global ambition, beyond the glittering showcases and polished glass cases, the HKTDC’s on-site survey of 920 exhibitors and buyers painted a compelling map of the industry’s future. 59% of respondents expect sales to growover the next two years, with eyes firmly set on new horizons.
The survey revealed a fascinating shift towards vibrant emerging and established luxury arenas: the Middle East (82%), Taiwan (79%), Korea (78%), and ASEAN countries (73%) are now firmly on the radar, signalling a dynamic redistribution of global demand. When it came to product trends, the message was clear: the future is intelligent. An impressive 47% of industry insiders pinpointed smart watches as having the most significant growth potential, though not at the expense of style, with fashion (30%) and casual (26%) timepieces holding strong.
The true measure of the fair’s success, however, was found in the stories echoing from the exhibition floors. At Salon de TIME, innovation took centre stage, German brand Lilienthal Berlin, following last year’s breakthrough with a case made from recycled coffee grounds, captivated audiences once again with a new eco-luxury piece featuring a dial crafted from recycled tea leaves. “The response has been incredible,” shared Management Director Ruby Young. “We are in deep discussions with buyers from Italy, Japan, the UAE, and the US.”
The allure of ‘Guochao’ or ‘China-chic’, was undeniable, with brands like Sun International Concepts presenting masterpieces from independent watchmakers Ma Xushu and Tan Zehua. Executive Director David Sun reported a “more enthusiastic response than last year,” successfully securing exclusive distributors for the ASEAN market and projecting a six-figure on-site sales tally.
Meanwhile, in the dedicated Microbrands zone, a new generation of watchmakers found its audience. First-time exhibitor Ciff Luk of the YouTube channel Watchcatavlog brought four unique niche brands, captivating enthusiasts and sparking serious distribution talks with buyers from Canada to the UAE. It was a potent reminder that in today’s market, passion and authenticity are currencies as valuable as gold.
On the trade side, the orders reflected serious confidence. Yusuf Eyilmez, Production Manager for Turkish retail giant Saat ve Saat, finalized a monumental US$1 million annual order for automatic mechanical watches with Hong Kong’s Dailywin. From Myanmar, Su Hnin Aye of Su & Co Trading Company secured US$600,000 worth of branded watches and identified two new brands for her market, alongside a sole distributor agreement with Swiss maker Mathey Tissot.
As the physical curtains close, the conversation is far from over, the Click2Match intelligent business matching platform remains active until September 13, ensuring the momentum continues digitally. This hybrid EXHIBITION+ model is the new blueprint, a fusion of the tangible and the digital that defines modern global trade.
The final word goes to the enthusiasts themselves, Jovi Ha, CK Hung, and Ricky Tsang, who left the fair not just with bespoke timepieces, but with an unforgettable experience. “The diversity and value for money led us to spend nearly HK$100,000,” they shared, “leaving the event thoroughly satisfied.”
The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME did more than just display watches, they rather showcased an industry in brilliant motion, confident in its heritage and soaring towards its future.
