On 14 April 2020, it was announced that Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Tudor, Chanel and Chopard are abandoning Basel World to start a new watch trade show in Geneva in partnership with the Fondation De La Haute Horlogerie (FHH). It is reported that Baselworld management failed to meet the needs of their partners and didn’t involve them in key decisions such as postponement of the watch show until January 2021. As a result, Baselworld has arguably, lost their biggest partners.
This new watch trade show will provide the participating watch brands a different platform to showcase their creations and run an event that is aligned to the vision of their companies and the future of the watch industry as well as better serve the needs of their customers. According to the release notes, this show will be targeted towards “retailers, press and VIP customers”. It is anticipated that this show will be held in early April 2021 at Palexpo, Convention Centre in Geneva.
Executive leaders of these brands have shared their sentiments on leaving Baselworld and starting a completely new event.
Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO Rolex stated “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 of Patek Phillipe said “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”. He continues with “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 Grangié, President of Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery has commented “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, CEO Chopard stated, “Chopard first exhibited at the Basel fair in 1964 with a stand of some 25 square metres. 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.”
Whilst this may be a disappointing outcome for Baselworld, fans of these brands can look forward to the pieces that will be released at this new event that is yet to be named.
