The end of March is a busy time in Switzerland, as international watch and jewelry experts head for Basel to attend the annual Baselworld, an eight-day event that showcases the biggest players in the respective industries. Baroque Access finds out all the details
From 23 to 30 March, industry leaders and specialists in jewelry and horology gather together to attend 2017 Baselworld, the most important marketplace and also the place to find out all about the latest trends in the watch and jewelry industry. Retailers, manufacturers, jewelers and aficionados gather together to exchange knowledge, make deals with international players and spread their reach in this luxury accessory market.
Every year Baselworld attracts more than 1,800 exhibitors (including suppliers, manufacturers and exporters) from 41 different countries around the world, who come to showcase their innovative products to the world. Exquisite state-of-the-art designer watches, prestigious jewelry and gemstones, components, tools and machines are all on display.
This year, the opening ceremony will take place on 23 March at 12pm. It includes a ribbon cutting at 10.30am (this is by invitation only). And then the doors will be open to Switzerland’s premier watch and jewelry exhibition, where creators and innovators in the international watch and jewelry industry present their products to the world. All the key world players, including the best-known international brands and buyers plus a large crowd of international press attend this unique event, which is the only one of its kind to have the entire accessories industry under one roof.
The show, which runs right through to 30 March, 2017 is open daily between 23 and 29 March from 9am to 6pm. On 30 March, visitors can attend from 9am to 4pm. To give you an idea of the crowds, Baselworld 2016 hosted 145,000 people from more than 100 countries, as well as 4,400 media representatives from over 70 countries.
This year marks a milestone for Baselworld, as it is the event’s centenary – exactly 100 years since the first trade show was held here in 1917. Since then, every spring, watch fans, dealers, retailers, horologists and the fashion-conscious head for Basel to find out what’s new, innovative and exciting in the world of watches and jewelry, especially the biggest and most popular brands in the industry. Sitting shoulder to shoulder, brands like Rolex, Carter, Ulysses Nardin and many more showcase their latest and most creative expressions for the coming year.
Baselworld is the focal point of this luxury industry, where all the players get together to find out what’s trending for the year ahead.
Highlight of brand events during Baselworld
Wed 22 March
1.30pm: Hublot Press Conference – Hall 1
3pm: Gucci Luxury Goods International Press Conference – Hall 1
5.15pm: Zenith, branch of LVMH – Hall 1
Thurs 23 March
10am: Seiko Press Conference – Congress Center
10.30am: Ribbon Cutting – Official Opening – North Foyer
11.30am: Tag Heuer Press Conference – Hall 1
12.00pm: Opening Ceremony – Press and by invitation only
2.30pm: RJC (Responsible Jewelry Council) – colored gemstones – Congress Center
Fri 24 march
2pm: Depeche Mode & Hublot Press Conference – Hall 1
4pm: Utinam presentation – Hall 1
5pm: Pianegonda Press Conference – Hall 1
6pm: Porsche Design Press Presentation – Diamond Restaurant
Sat 25 March
2.30pm: Shanghai Kimerblite Diamond – Harmony Series High Jewelry Release – Congress Center
5pm: Obaku 10-year anniversary party – Hall 1
6pm: Eberhard & Co 130th anniversary celebration – Hall 1
Sunday 26 March
4pm: Picchiotti Press Champagne Reception – Hall 1
5pm: Rei SL Uno 50th anniversary Uno cocktail party – Hall 2