Certain to attract watch enthusiasts and industry players from around the world, the 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 11th Salon de TE commence in early September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organisers are bringing new elements and themes to this year’s gathering.
The parallel events are jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd. and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd. More than 700 global exhibitors from 17 countries and regions are anticipated.
Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode, the physical fair will run from 5 to 9 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Salon de TE will open its doors to both industry buyers and the public on the final two days (8 and 9 September). From 29 August to 16 September, exhibitors and buyers from across the world can engage in online and offline meetings through the AI-powered Click2Match smart business-matching platform.
Globally significant fair
According to Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, the globally renowned Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair has consistently served as an effective platform for the industry to secure orders and establish business connections. This is especially the case given the fact that Hong Kong remains the world’s largest wristwatch import market and the second-largest wristwatch export market, following Switzerland, she highlighted.
Chong also pointed out that the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair exhibits are more diversified this year to serve changing industry needs. “This year also welcomes a first-time exhibitor from Greece and Dubai, and will feature Guangdong, Guangzhou and Taiwan pavilions, hoping to create business opportunities for the industry,” she said.
The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair includes several key zones. The Pageant of Eternity zone showcases OEM and ODM high-end complete watches. Other product zones cover clocks, machinery and equipment, parts and components, packaging, and trade services.
Five themes at Salon de TE
Salon de TE, dedicated to showcasing internationally renowned watch brands, will feature five thematic zones: World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment, and Wearable Tech. These zones will present more than 130 prominent watch brands and designer collections from France, Switzerland, Italy, the United States and more.
The debut Guo Chao theme welcomes several remarkable mainland independent watchmakers and watch designs. They will showcase timepieces that intricately blend Chinese cultural elements. Ma XuShu, an independent watchmaker from Mainland China, will present his masterpiece Starry Night wristwatch. Another watchmaker Wei Guang Wen will showcase Guangzhou clocks, a timepiece of historical, cultural and artistic value.
Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion (SIWP) and Francéclat are returning this year, together with a debut by the International Luxury Group, presenting a range of Swiss and international watch brands.
Sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch for the 13th consecutive year, the World Brand Piazza zone remains a fair highlight. This year it will feature a lineup of 10 international watch brands and will showcase an exclusive selection of luxurious and rare timepieces.
The Wearable tech zone this year has tripled its exhibiting area compared to 2019, displaying a series of smartwatches and the latest technology brands, including Microwear, DTNO.1, DO and MYZI etc.
Other international timepiece brands will present wristwatches of different styles and personalities. This includes a limited-edition Mermaid Tourbillon by Hong Kong brand Memorigin, with just 100 pieces worldwide. First-time exhibitor King-Wear from Mainland China will feature one-touch Bluetooth pairing for calls, built-in music and video playback, body identification sensors and more than 100 sports modes. Young watchmaker Ricky (see below), cultivated by Hong Kong brand ANPASSA, has made his own tourbillon, a creative work described as a 15-year-old dream.
Networking opportunities
In addition to EXHIBITION+, the fair will also launch the Scan2Match function, which brings communication from offline to online. Buyers can use the HKTDC Marketplace app to scan exhibitors’ QR codes during the exhibition period, bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information and the e-Floor plan, and continue to chat with exhibitors online during or after the exhibition period, extending their sourcing journey.
Seminars
Forums, seminars, watch parades and networking events will provide first-hand market information. At the Hong Kong International Watch Forum on 5 September will discuss the global trade situation and industry trends.
Global market research agency Euromonitor International will discuss sustainable watch design development around this year’s theme “Shaping the Future Watch: The Next Design Trends” at the Asian Watch Conference on 6 September.
On the same day, Noel Wong, a watch collector, and William Bai, a watch culture expert and founder of Watch Traveler, will discuss affordable luxury watch prospects, a hot topic among celebrities.
To cultivate a new generation of watch designers and technical talents and promote the innovation and development of watch design, the HKTDC, Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd have jointly organised the 40th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition.
The competition has two categories – The Beauty of Perspective for the Open Group and Game Code for the Student Group. Artist Jessica Hsuan was invited as a guest judge this year. Award-winning works and finalists will be exhibited during the Watch & Clock Fair, and the award ceremony will be held on 9 September at the Infinite Galaxy in Hall 3FG of the fairground.
Events, lucky draws, shopping discounts
Activities at Salon de TE (open to the public aged 12 and above) will include watch parades, watch and painting demonstrations, embroidery watch crafts, product launches and more. Visitors can participate in lucky draws, with prizes including luxury watches, fashion accessories, dining vouchers and more. They can also join Smart Bidding to bid on their desired watches starting at as much as 90% off the retail price. Some exhibits will be available for on-the-spot sale.
In addition, Asia’s premier fashion event CENTRESTAGE will be held from 6 to 9 September at the HKCEC, assembling designer brands from around the world to create synergies. Visitors can view the latest products of more than 350 watch and fashion brands at the same time.
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