Baselworld is the ultimate meeting place for the entire industry with all sectors represented: watchmaking, jewellery, diamonds, gemstones and pearls, machines, and supply industries. It is the annual event, where around 1,500 exhibitors, including all the leading brands, from over 40 countries first showcase their innovations and novelties. On top of that, the economic impact is enormous. The Swiss watch industry, 95% of which is represented at Baselworld, had exports of around 21.8 billion Swiss francs in 2013. And it is not only the watch and jewellery industry that benefits; the whole of Switzerland profits, as Baselworld directly and indirectly generates an income of around 2.4 billion Swiss francs a year and thereby approximately 13,000 jobs.
A blockbuster for global brands
Overall, the exhibitors enthusiastically expressed their general satisfaction both with the show and with the business outcome.
Jacques J. Duchêne, President of the Exhibitors’ Committee, confirmed this: “We are extremely satisfied with this year’s Baselworld. The exhibitors made a very good turnover and were positive about the media exposure that has aroused interest in the Baselworld 2014 event. Baselworld is and remains the unmissable show for the watch and jewellery industry.”
According to François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee, “2014 has confirmed the excellence and global prestige of Baselword.” He went on to say that the “Extensive media coverage and articles published this year in the run-up to the show undoubtedly inspired journalists and retailers to come and discover this universe that is one of a kind: the combination of luxury, innovation and outstanding expertise are the major strengths of the watch and jewellery industry and related sectors.”
An unrivalled media magnet
Baselworld continues to draw major media interest from all around the globe and remains one of the best-covered events in the world. The world’s financial press, the major national dailies, the lifestyle publications, all the trade press, the world’s biggest TV channels, and the key players in the field of social media regularly disseminated news from Baselworld 2014 to every corner of the earth, underlining the show’s claim as the most important event for the watch and jewellery industry. Baselworld 2014 attracted around 4,000 accredited journalists from over 70 countries.
This year's edition was a true and highly focused reflection of the changes, trends and innovations within the entire industry.
Baselworld - Brilliance meets
During eight days, Baselworld was once again the focal point where all the leading players representing all sectors of the global watch and jewellery industry were able to shine. Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld, reflects on the end of the show with a great deal of pride in a brilliant Baselworld 2014: “This year’s edition was a true and highly focused reflection of the changes, trends and innovations within the entire industry,” said Ms Ritter, noting that, “Baselworld is the ideal platform for the watch and jewellery industry to showcase innovations, attract international interest and enhance business.” She was particularly pleased also with the extensive media presence and comprehensive coverage, which was undoubtedly another contributing factor to the show’s success.
All of the above reaffirm Baselworld’s premier position in the watch and jewellery industry and with that comes an obligation to reset the bar for next year. Not afraid to meet the challenge, Ms Ritter says, “And as we put the closing touches to Baselworld 2014, we are already applying ourselves to our mission of maintaining a perfect harmony between tradition and present day requirements so that Baselworld will continue to fully reflect the reality of the industry and its players next year and beyond.”
The next Baselworld will be held from 19 – 26 March 2015.