Couture 2020, the last significant watch event in the world this side of summer, has been cancelled.
The show, due to take place at the same time as JCK in Las Vegas from June 1 to 5, could not continue amid growing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic that has already felled the mighty Swiss watch shows.
Watch executives are now starved not only of the opportunity to be presented with the latest collections, but also to spend time catching up with friends in the industry.
A statement from the organiser of Couture says: “Maintaining the health and safety of every member of this incredible community, as well as that of the Couture team, is paramount to us. With that said, amidst growing concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, and after having extensive discussions with many of you, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Couture 2020, which had been scheduled for June 1-5, 2020 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
“This is due to recent developments regarding Covid-19, that include, but are not limited to, the declaration of a National State of Emergency by President Trump; the various statewide states of emergency declared across the nation; the latest federal measures, including travel restrictions placed on foreign nationals traveling to the United States from certain EU member states and other places; the declaration by the WHO of Covid-19 as a pandemic; the accelerating pace of confirmed cases worldwide and domestically; the current quarantines, containment areas and restrictions on congregating and large gatherings imposed by states and other government and public health authorities; various company-imposed travel restrictions on employees affecting attendees and participating companies; and the resulting cancellations made by several key Couture customers, partners and speakers. These developments have made it impossible to effectively execute a June event that delivers the level of education, connection and value that our community expects.”
