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Swiss Exhibitors are in a positive mood. Despite a small drop in the number of buyers (-3%), this year’s edition drew a record number of 4,300 media representatives (+7.5%), bringing total attendance to 150,000, in line with last year. Professionals travelled from around the globe to admire the latest Swiss-Made innovations from the 288 Swiss brands that put on a Show this year. Next meeting 17-24 March 2016
More Swiss watch brands than anywhere else
The 43rd Baselworld watch and jewellery show pulled out all the stops from March 19th to 26th. 288 Swiss brands chose Basel to present their latest products in booths that are tailored to their message. Baselworld is the exclusive international watch and jewellery show, which also welcomes the leading names from the diamond, pearl and precious stone sectors, together with machine suppliers and contractors.
Baselworld mourns Jacques Duchêne
At the opening press conference on March 18th, journalists were informed that Jacques Duchêne had passed away the previous evening in Basel. Mr Duchêne devoted his entire working life to Rolex, and served for 20 years as President of the Baselworld Exhibitors’ Committee. The Swiss Exhibitors are indebted to him for his dedication, and offer their condolences to his wife and family.
Slight upturn in January-February
In January 2015, Swiss watch exports increased 3.7%, then fell by 2.0% in February, as did all exports. The situation for the first two months of the year is nonetheless positive, despite withdrawal of the floor rate, as Swiss watch exports gained 1.0%.
A meeting-place for global media and the trade
The 2015 edition of Baselworld attracted more media and television networks from around the world than ever before. Interest in smartwatches played its part, but it was first and foremost the continued excellence of Swiss watchmaking that brought journalists out in force. Baselworld remains a unique opportunity for them and members of the trade to discover the latest creations from brands large and small. Only a dozen or so of the 219 Swiss watch brands came to Baselworld with a smartwatch, a new theme that prompts even more extensive media coverage of this not-to-be-missed event. Connected watches also generate renewed interest, innovation and create a buzz around certain brands. A watch, and all the more so a Swiss watch, is made to last more than a lifetime, and stands for much more than counting the hours, minutes and seconds.
The difficult climate in certain markets was reflected in reduced attendance from Asia and Russia. Meanwhile, there was a rise in the number of visitors coming to Basel for the first time from Europe and the Americas. The announcement made on January 15th by the Swiss national bank no doubt influenced this trend.
In terms of business, the 2015 edition of Baselworld ended in a positive atmosphere across all sectors, despite crosswinds resulting from the crisis in Ukraine, the slowdown in China’s economic growth, and most recently the scrapping of the floor rate. Exports show that Swiss watchmaking is weathering the storm well, having increased 1% for the months of January-February compared with 2014. Indicators are already positive for 2015, the impact of the strong Swiss franc having been partially absorbed. Imponderables notwithstanding, this will allow exports to grow by a few percent over the rest of the year and the watch sector to post stable growth.
BASELWORLD 2015 in figures
150,000 attendees (representatives from exhibiting companies, buyers, journalists and other visitors)
Journalists: 4,300
2016 Edition: March 17th – 24th
2017 Edition: March 23rd – 30th
