Time Out

Many notable brands have announced their intention to leave Baselworld in 2019. Most significant was Swatch Group, the fair’s biggest client with 17 brands showing each year. “It is necessary that [trade fairs] reinvent themselves, responding appropriately to the current situation and demonstrating more dynamism and creativity,” the group noted in an official statement. “At the moment, the trade fairs are failing to do so.”

In similar news, Corum, after participating for 62 years and Maurice Lacroix after 30, also announced that they will leave the fair. Raymond Weil, whose decision is “reinforced” by Swatch Group’s resignation, also announced that they’ll exit the fair, after more than 40 years of attendance.