Top watch maisons, including Cartier, Montblanc and Panerai, demonstrated their unique expertise at Watches & Wonders from the 25th to the 28th of September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Inspired by strong growth in the Asian markets, the inaugural event was dedicated to the continent’s collectors and connoisseurs of fine timepieces. Each participating maison presented its latest creations, sharing their history and expertise inside an exceptional setting.
Fabienne Lupo, chairwoman and managing Director of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, organiser of the event, stated: "Watches & Wonders provides a rare opportunity to meet the creators and craftsmen behind fine timepieces, and a chance to experience firsthand the cultural heritage of one of Europe’s most exquisite traditions."
Demonstrations by highly specialized craftsmen and women, including watchmakers, engravers, enamellers and gem-setters, provided attendees with a glimpse inside the world of Fine watchmaking. The Mastery of Time, an exhibit chronicling the history of time measurement using timepieces on loan from Swiss museums and private collections, emphasized the industry’s past and development through the centuries.
Presently, Asia is the top market for Swiss watches. In 2012, exports to China totalled CHF 1.6 billion, CHF 4.1 billion to Hong Kong, and CHF 2.4 billion to South-East Asia. Purchases by Asian customers travelling abroad are also growing significantly.
