THE DEATH OF BASELWORLD?

Perhaps a gross exaggeration but there is plenty of truth as Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewellery trade fair, as we know in the current format is no longer sustainable. The latest to depart is the alliance of Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chopard, Chanel and Tudor. The alliance will form a new and yet-to-bechristened trade show at the same time as Watches and Wonders (rebranded from SIHH) in Geneva. The straw that broke the camel’s back appeared to be the Baselworld management’s unilateral decision to postpone the 2020 fair to January 2021 without prior consultation and consensus with its stakeholders – brands and retailers. The new show will take place in April 2021 at Palexpo, organised by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, which is also the organiser of Watches and Wonders. Access to the new show will be on a restricted basis, targeting primarily at retailers, the media and VIP clients.