This month was set to shine the spotlight on coveted new timepieces from a slew of luxury brands, however, due to the current pandemic, Watches & Wonders — formerly known as the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) — cancelled its first iteration. Along with Baselworld, too.
The future of major watch exhibitions calls for uncertainty and whilst several brands have opted out of Baselworld already, five more major brands have decided to follow suit and withdrew from the Baselworld 2021 show.
The big five, which includes Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor, made an unprecedented move to all exit Baselworld and instead, create an entirely new establishment with the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie.
Set to make its debut in Geneva by April 2021, the new watch trade show at Palexpo has an aim to “offer partner brands the best possible professional platform, applying a shared vision to successfully meet future challenges in the watchmaking industry,” read an official statement. “It will also give crucial prominence to the sector’s expertise and innovations, both in Switzerland and internationally. Other brands may also be added, according to terms that have not yet been defined. This new event will be geared predominantly towards retailers, the press and VIP customers.”
Now, discover how Cartier are fighting against COVID-19.
