The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Watches & Wonders 2020 Is Going Digital
Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie will unveil a platform Saturday to bring the watch community and 30 brands together online.
Geneva—Watches & Wonders Geneva might have had to cancel its physical event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but organizers will still provide a place for the watch community to interact in 2020 by going digital.
Show organizer Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie announced it will take the event virtual starting this week, providing a forum for product releases, brand highlights and watch education.
The new digital platform at WatchesandWonders.com will go live on Saturday, April 25 (what would have been the opening show day in Geneva) at 12 p.m. CET/6 a.m. EST, free for all to access.
It will roll out in phases, FHH said, with phase one featuring dedicated pages for each of the 30 participating brands—including Baume & Mercier, Bovet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai and Vacheron Constantin—where visitors can learn about each watch brand and see new timepieces for 2020.
For opening day of WatchesandWonders.com, FHH also organized a series of product launch presentations, in which executives will showcase their watches through 10-minute streaming videos.
The clips will be made permanently available on the website.
The site also will provide a range of content, like product analysis, trend forecasts, in-depth looks at design, craft and technical innovations, plus business talks from watch experts.
FHH said it intends for the digital platform to act as a key location for the watch community beyond its launch this month.
This summer, the site will feature more product launches as well as strategic partnerships with maisons and various e-commerce sites.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the finest watchmaking brands in the world to bring the Watches & Wonders concept to life online at a time when our industry needs it the most,” FHH Chairwoman and Managing Director Fabienne Lupo said.
“This dynamic new platform will allow watch lovers everywhere to discover exciting new products, engage in enriching experiences and connect directly with our participating brands in one place.”
FHH announced the cancellation of Watches & Wonders Geneva, which was scheduled for April 25-29, in late February.
This was to be the first year for the revamped show formerly known as SIHH.
FHH said in fall 2019 it would open the once trade-only affair to the public in 2020 and shift its timing from January so it could be held back-to-back with Baselworld, which also has been canceled this year.
Dates for the 2021 Watches & Wonders Geneva event have yet to be announced.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.