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Baselworld bosses say ‘all’ leading watch brands have signed on the dotted line for 2019

The industry’s leading watch brands have given ‘definitive commitments’ to attend the 2019 edition of Baselworld following this year’s revamp, organisers have claimed.

A raft of heavyweight brands have confirmed they will be at next year’s show, despite one of the largest events in the watch and jewellery sector’s diary reducing its size this year, going from approximately 1,300 exhibitors in 2017 to between 600-700 this year. The formerly-eight-day trade show also cut its duration to six days.

Definitive commitments have been received from Rolex, Swatch Group, Patek Phillipe, LVMH, Chopard, Breitling, Chanel and many other brands, according to the show.

Rolex’s CEO, Jean-Frederique Dufour, commented: “We are very happy with this year’s edition of Baselworld. Our new products were extremely well received by our clients and the press.

“This annual event remains a ‘must’ for the Swiss watch industry, its evolution and its dynamism, which was proven by the strong participation and avid enthusiasm. We are looking forward to Baselworld 2019.”

Patek Phillipe’s president, Thierry Stern, added: “We are very satisfied with the positive feedback that our new products for 2018 received from our partners in the specialised trade and from the press. This year will surely be a very positive one and will characterised by strong dynamism in all our markets.”

According to show organisers, the next edition of the show will work on new developments, with management liaising with exhibitors to more clearly define new formats with various sectors.

The first figures to be reported from the Switzerland-based trade show claim that it saw an 8% increase in footfall during the first two days, compared to the same period for the 2017 event.

Earlier this week, Watchpro’s editor Rob Corder revealed his verdict of the revamped format.

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1 Comment

  1. Maybe it’s because they still have a contract. As far as I know, Rolex still have a 2 year contract with Baselworld, og should I say Baselvillage

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