Fairs and Wonders

The excitement is palpable. It begins to mount as the autumn progresses, explodes in the depths of the winter and makes its mark again with the arrival of spring. It’s the feverish elation of watchmaking fans, the endless murmuring of speculation and postulation, as all eyes turn towards Switzerland in heightened anticipation of the two most important watchmaking and jewellery trade fairs in the world. What will be the trend that marks the months to come? To what tempo will the market beat this year? Will creativity rise to the occasion once more? In Geneva and Basel – the unmistakable and indisputable capitals of watchmaking and jewellery – this explosion of luxury sparkles in gold letters through thrilling creations that are the stuff of dreams.
Starting in January, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) kicks off the feast in Geneva. In an elegant setting punctuated with felted booths, thirty-five fine watchmaking maisons bring out their latest collections to meet the cameras of journalists from the four corners of the world, the expert eyes of collectors, and, starting in 2016, the general public — though admittance of the latter is limited to the last day of the fair. On the menu: mechanical excellence and the prowess of design, in a singular world première. “For 28 years, SIHH has stood as an exceptional platform that highlights the extraordinary creativity and innovation of the great watchmaking houses,” emphasizes Fabienne Lupo, SIHH Managing Director. “Held in the cradle of fine watchmaking – Geneva – it’s an indispensable event that sets the trends and fashions for the year ahead.” The 2018 event, held from January 15 to 19, is expected to once again welcome an estimated 15,000 visitors.
Two months later, from March 22 to 27, it is Basel’s turn to roll out the red carpet for the stars of the watchmaking and jewellery universe. Baselworld’s numbers speak for themselves: with over 100,000 buyers of 100 different nationalities, and nearly 4,400 representatives of international media hailing from 70 countries, for a week the city transforms into the true nerve centre of the global luxury industry. The great houses of fine watchmaking, the signature jewellery makers of prestige, independent designers, diamond merchants, and a host of representatives from all sectors of the industry, come together in one place for a unique opportunity to admire and physically touch the magic of these precious creations. “It is here that, for over a century, watchmakers and jewellery makers have presented their creations to visitors from Switzerland and clients from other countries,” explains Sylvie Ritter, the fair’s Managing Director. “Baselworld is an essential fixture in the watchmaking and jewellery annual calendar, and each year’s event is anticipated with marked interest and earnest impatience.” The feverish excitement of watchmaking fans, the endless murmurings of speculation and postulation — the anxiousness to discover the new arrivals that will make 2018 shine is real indeed! 

Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie
Geneva, 15–19 January 2018
www.sihh.org

Baselworld
Basel, 22–27 March 2018
www.baselworld.com