Hong Kong once had the largest market in the world for Swiss watch exports, but the special administrative region’s increasing globalization came to a halt in 2020 when the pandemic largely froze international trade.
WatchPro recently reported that Swiss watches Hong Kong dropped from CHF 2.7 billion in 2019 to CHF 1.7 billion in 2020; a drop of 37%, compared to America’s dip of 18%. Exports to China however grew in the first year of the pandemic.
China’s rigid enforcement of lock downs and travel restrictions continued until the end of 2022, by which time Swiss exports to Hong Kong had dropped even further to CHF 1.9 billion, 29% below 2019.
However, the region is looking to draw back international trade and reaffirm the region as a market as a key player with the return of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair on 2-6 September this year.
But it’s got its work cut out. For the first four months of this year so far, exports to China (including Hong Kong) dropped by 20% compared to the same period last year, meaning that it looks to finish 2025 with exports worth CHF 3.2 billion – half the size of America’s CHF 6.2 billion.
The 44th iteration of the event, put on in collaboration with Salon de TIME, will utilise a “Click2Match” business-matching platform that it hopes will encourage traders to connect.
This year’s fair will run under the theme “Our Time. Our Moments” and will feature an expansive range of timepieces, from luxury and high-fashion watches to sustainable and tech-driven models. Around 702 exhibitors will showcase new models, pre-owned pieces, clocks, OEM smartwatches, packaging, accessories, and trade services – offering a one-stop sourcing destination for 16,594 buyers (2024 statistic).
The 13th Salon de TIME will return as a highlight, showcasing renowned international and independent brands. World Brand Piazza will feature rare and limited-edition pieces from top names: Chic & Trendy will spotlight fashion-forward collections from Ice-Watch, Quantum, and more. Craft Treasure focuses on mechanical excellence and jeweled artistry, while Renaissance Moment brings elegant European styles from Pierre Lannier, ROAMER, and co. Oskron will lead the Wearable Tech zone, showcasing next-gen smartwatches.
The fair will also host industry events including the Hong Kong International Watch Forum on 2 September and the Asian Watch Conference on 3 September. Here, market leaders will share insights on the longevity value of independent watches, and join industry representatives in discussing the implications of the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulations (ESPR) and discuss the lasting value of the life cycle in sustainable watchmaking.
With the aspiration of stimulating creative exchange in local watch design, the fair sees another return in the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition, as well as a “Made-to-Sell Award” which will be presented to a student group entry demonstrating exceptional marketability. The timepiece will then be manufactured under guidance of the two watch associations and receive its official launch at HKTDC Design Gallery.
Visit hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair for more information and tickets.