Change is in the works at Basel
The 100th anniversary of the Basel watch fair this year saw 200 fewer exhibitors (down 13.3 per cent) than last year, with attendance falling to 106,000, as a result of market turmoil. At least one other major brand will be absent from the 101st edition next year, with Hermes having announced its participation in January at the International Haute Salons in Geneva.
"The watch industry is going through a challenging period, especially for smaller brands," Sylvie Ritter, general manager of Basel Watch, said in a recent statement. After extensive consultation with exhibitors and in consultation with committee members, the organizing committee has decided to shorten the duration of the exhibition and adjust ticket prices accordingly."
The slimmed down Basel will run from March 22 to March 27 next year, cutting the length of the show from eight to six days. Although in the competition with the Geneva Salon, the foundation of Basel Watch exhibition has not been shaken, the organizing committee will take follow-up measures, let us wait and see.
