Today, April 14, 2020, it was just announced by the Fondation Haute Horlogerie —FHH— that Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard, and Tudor will no longer participate in Baselworld and will create a new trade show in Geneva in collaboration with the FHH. The new trade show will be somehow linked to Watches & Wonders Geneva and will also take place at the Palexpo in 2021. With this announcement, the demise of Baselworld is right around the corner, especially after the recent decisions MCH Group —Baselworld’s Organizer— has made regarding reimbursement of monies to the exhibitors after Baselworld 2020 was cancelled back in February.
For over 100 years, Baselworld has been ‘The World Watch and Jewellery Show’; however, with the departure of these huge five brands, along with other brands —Breitling and the whole Swatch Group—that have already made the decision to leave the show as of last year, the end of Baselworld is right in front of our eyes. Not to mention that LVMH has already been hosting their own show—in addition to Baselworld— in Geneva and now in Dubai, so they are very likely to follow the decision of these five brands.
Below please find the statements from the CEOs of the five different brands regarding this announcement:
Jean-Frédéric Dufour, Chief Executive Officer, Rolex SA, and Board Member, Tudor
“We have taken part in Baselworld since 1939. Unfortunately, given the way the event has evolved and the recent decisions made by MCH Group, and in spite of the great attachment we had to this watch show, we have decided to withdraw. Following discussions initiated by Rolex, it seemed only natural to create a new event with partners that share our vision and our endless, unwavering support for the Swiss watchmaking sector. This will allow us to present our new watches in line with our needs and expectations, to join forces and better defend the interests of the industry.”
Thierry Stern, President, Patek Philippe
“The decision to leave Baselworld was not an easy one to take for me, being the fourth generation of the Stern family to participate to this traditional yearly event. But life evolves constantly, things change and people change as well, whether it is at the level of those responsible for the watch fair organization, the brands or the clients. We constantly have to adapt ourselves, question what we do, since what was right yesterday may not necessarily be valid today! Today Patek Philippe is not in line with Baselworld’s vision anymore, there have been too many discussions and unsolved problems, trust is no longer present. We need to answer the legitimate needs of our retailers, the clients, and the press from around the world. They have to be able to discover the new models from Swiss watchmakers each year, at one time, in one place, and this in the most professional manner possible. That is why, following several discussions with Rolex and in agreement with other participating brands, we have decided to create, all together, a unique event in Geneva, representative of our savoir-faire.“
Frédéric Grangier, CEO of Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery
“Like its partners, Chanel shares the same independence and the same desire to protect and promote the values, know-how, utmost quality and precision of Swiss Watchmaking. This initiative marks a key milestone in the history of Chanel Watchmaking and is part of a long-term strategy, which began with the launch of this activity in 1987. This exhibition will allow us to present all of our new creations in an environment that meets our high-quality standards.”
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President Chopard et Cie SA
“Chopard first exhibited at the Basel fair in 1964 with a stand of some 25 square meters. After careful consideration, our family decided to support the Rolex initiative and retire from Baselworld — a painful decision. The creation of this new watch show in Geneva, in parallel to Watches & Wonders, will allow us to better serve our watchmaking partners and our customers. Through the alliance, these grandes maisons will also be able to collaborate in promoting the values and best interests of Swiss watchmaking.”
Jérôme Lambert, on behalf of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie Council
“The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is delighted to welcome a new salon which will strengthen the historical Watch & Wonders event in Geneva next year in early April.”
