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Some interesting news just hit our inbox. The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva (otherwise known as SIHH) and Baselworld, two of the biggest industry events, will host their shows one after the other starting in 2020, and this coordination is slated to go through 2024.
This is good news. There’s been a lot of doom and gloom surrounding Baselworld, and, to a smaller extent, other mainstay industry shows as large industry fairs have come under increased scrutiny in recents years. The biggest development this year was the exit of Swatch Group from Baselworld, which had people asking (I’d argue, rather prematurely) if this was a sign that Baselworld is on its way out. My suspicion was that the brass behind Baselworld wouldn’t go out without a fight, and that ultimately the show would retool to the betterment of all involved.
“Baselworld and the SIHH are working for the industry and its clients. We have sought dialogue with the SIHH and together have found a solution, which benefits visitors, the media, and the entire watchmaking industry enormously”
– Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld
“Our two events have always been different, yet complementary. Resynching with Baselworld will further confirm Switzerland as the foremost destination for watchmaking in the world. This is something we welcome wholeheartedly, as it is in the interests of all.”
– Fabienne Lupo, President of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie
Now we’re seeing real coordination from two of the most prominent industry fairs, and, without knowing any of the behind-the-scenes machinations, it looks like everyone wins out here. I can only really speak to the press side of things, but this certainly makes it easier for us and our colleagues to attend both shows, rather than having to plan and make two separate trips out to Switzerland, which are costly affairs.
I might also add, and perhaps this is less significant, but it also makes the two shows feel less adversarial, and I for one welcome cooperation within the industry. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
