One of the industry’s most prestigious events is finally upon us: Baselworld. Before you start heading into the show, here’s what you should keep an eye out for.
Baselworld celebrates its 100th anniversary
In its 100th year, Baselworld has undeniably become an unmissable event on the trade’s calendar.
“The very essence of a show is to reflect the market, to meet the expectations of its various players and therefore to be continually changing. Baselworld has never been static and will never stand still,” says Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld.
Ritter notes that this year’s show comes with a few improvements. “New adaptations have allowed us to offer the independent watchmakers, previously in the Palace, a space of first choice in Hall 1,” she says. “The creation of this space, called ‘Les Ateliers’, has enabled us to meet the growing demand in this sector.” Hall 1 also features a ‘Design Lab,” a space “dedicated to designers, mainly in jewellery, featuring unique innovative pieces and avant-garde creations.”
However, some aspects of the show have never changed.
“Year after year, Baselworld resonates throughout the world and is of great importance for the industry as well as for Switzerland and the city of Basel,” says Eric Bertrand, President of the Exhibitors’ Committee. “It is here and nowhere else that all the exhibitors have the opportunity to present their innovations and creations to the most influential and eminent retailers and media around the world.”
“We know from experience that the new collections presented as a world premiere at Baselworld will make the news for the next 12 months and that the trends that emerge here will spread throughout the world,” he adds. “To achieve this, Baselworld has not only made significant changes but has always been proactive in reflecting the market. This envied status as a global platform only gets stronger when all players are looking for secure values and stability. The essence of Baselworld is to reflect the entire world watch and jewellery market and reflect it at its best.”
Watchadvisor goes live
This Baselworld, watchadvisor.com celebrated with the launch of its offline-to-online commerce platform for watch brands, retailers, and watch lovers.
WatchAdvisor is a Swiss Internet start-up company with the aim of stimulating the Swiss watch business with innovative, digital solutions. It also hopes to link all watch brands and all official retailers with the rapidly growing international online watch community.
This initiative acts as the Swiss watch industry’s first neutral and cross-brand platform for detailed information on high-end watches. The novel platform allows users to engage directly with official watch retailers, as well as find unique models through the service’s powerful search engine.
New launches ahead
Of course, many brands have released new models in time for baselworld. Some of our favourites include:
- MyKronoz – ZeTime
This unique model is the world’s first touchscreen smartwatch with real mechanical hands. For Baselworld, the company launched a Kickstarter campaign, allowing backers the opportunity to receive a special early bird price of $119.
- Coronet by Reena Ahluwalia
Coronet has partnered with award-winning designer Reena Ahluwalia to create Inner Brilliance, a diamond jewellery collection. Each piece rotates on a central axis, reminding each wearer to stay true to the centre of his or her being.
