In a dazzling display of horological excellence, the 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 11th Salon de TE are set to captivate enthusiasts, industry experts, and the public alike when the show opens on 5 September.
The event, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd, promises to be an unforgettable celebration of time.
With the participation of over 700 exhibitors hailing from 17 countries and regions, the show is poised to redefine the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship in the world of watches and clocks.
The EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode will usher in the physical fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), while Salon de TE, an exclusive segment of the event, will welcome industry connoisseurs and the public on the final two days of the fair, September 8 and 9. Until September 16, the event will also host a dynamic online platform via the AI-powered Click2Match.
The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair has continually served as a launch-pad for the industry, facilitating orders and networking. Sophia Chong, HKTDC deputy executive director, expressed her optimism, stating: “Last year, Hong Kong’s total export value of watches and clocks reached almost HK$54.8 billion (US$7 billion).
“From January to July this year, the export value amounted to HK$31.62 billion. Meanwhile, Hong Kong remains the world’s largest wristwatch import market and the second-largest wristwatch export market, following Switzerland.
“The watch and clock export index has risen from 47.5 in the first quarter to 48.8 in the second quarter, indicating improved sentiment among Hong Kong’s watch and clock exporters.”
Ms Chong further emphasised HKTDC’s commitment to innovation, adding that the exhibits have diversified this year to cater to evolving industry needs. The event will witness the debut of exhibitors from Greece and Dubai, along with the inclusion of Guangdong, Guangzhou and Taiwan pavilions.
Showcasing Chinese Design Excellence Salon de TE, dedicated to presenting internationally acclaimed watch brands, will feature five thematic zones: World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment, and Wearable Tech.
These zones will showcase more than 130 watch brands and designer collections from France, Switzerland, Italy, the United States and beyond.
A noteworthy highlight is the debut of the Guo Chao theme, welcoming exceptional watchmakers from mainland China. These artisans will unveil timepieces that intricately blend Chinese cultural elements into their designs.
For instance, Ma XuShu, a respected independent watchmaker, will unveil his masterpiece, the Starry Night wristwatch. This silver-award-winning creation features a dial with a retractable pointer indicating both hours and minutes, with the back depicting the starry night sky over Beijing, engraved with 北京星空 (“Beijing starry sky”).
Another standout, Wei Guang Wen, will showcase Guangzhou clocks, a timepiece that carries historical, cultural, and artistic significance, inspired by the classic Guangzhou clocks style from the Qianlong period (mid-to-late 18th Century).
The Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion (SIWP) and Francéclat will make a return this year, along with the debut of the International Luxury Group. These segments will feature an array of Swiss and international watch brands, including H992, Pilo & Co, Adriatica, Epos, and Ollivier Saveo, each unveiling unique designs and intricate artisanship.
The World Brand Piazza Sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch continues to stand as a beacon of luxury. This year’s line-up features 10 international watch brands, including Bovet, Carl. F Bucherer, Corum, CVSTOS, DeWitt, Franck Muller, Jacob & Co., Kerbedanz, Parmigiani Fleurier, and Sarcar Geneve.
These exquisite pieces are a testament to luxurious and rare timepieces, such as the Bovet Récital Grand Récital Tourbillon and the 578-component Jacob & Co. X Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon.
Salon de TE’s Wearable Tech zone has tripled its exhibiting area since 2019, showcasing a range of smartwatches and the latest technology brands. Meanwhile, other international timepiece brands will present wristwatches of diverse styles and personalities, including Swiss brand ROMAGO’s collaboration with Snoopy, Hong Kong brand Memorigin’s limited-edition Mermaid Tourbillon, and King-Wear’s feature-packed offering from Mainland China.
Forums, seminars and networking events will also be held to discuss the global trade situation and industry trends and directions.
To foster the next generation of watch designers and technical talents and promote innovation in watch design, the 40th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition will be jointly organised by the HKTDC, Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd, and Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd.
The competition includes two categories – The Beauty of Perspective for the Open Group and Game Code for the Student Group, with award-winning works and finalists displayed during the Watch & Clock Fair.
At the Salon de TE there will be a plethora of captivating public events and opportunities. Designed for those aged 12 and above, these two days promise to be a thrilling journey into the world of horology and fashion.
From captivating watch parades that showcase timepieces at their finest, to mesmerising watch and painting demonstrations that blend artistry and precision.
There will also be the unveiling of exciting product launches, where the latest innovations and designs in the watch and clock industry will take centre stage.
And what’s a celebration without prizes and surprises? Visitors can partake in thrilling lucky draws to win watches, accessories, dining vouchers, and more. For the savvy bidders, the Smart Bidding feature allows enthusiasts to bid on their dream watches, with the potential for discounts of up to a staggering 90% off the retail price.
Concurrently, Asia’s premier fashion event, CENTRESTAGE, will grace the HKCEC from September 6-9. This dynamic gathering will bring together designer brands from across the globe, creating an inspiring synergy of fashion and timekeeping. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the latest offerings from over 350 watch and fashion brands all under one roof.
