IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2020
MCH Group to Decide Baselworld’s Fate in the Next Few Weeks
The announcement that five major brands are leaving the show has organizers reconsidering its future.
This shot of Baselworld 2019 shows the fountains and seating areas that replaced the space once occupied by Swatch Group, which left the show in 2018. The trade show sustained another blow this week when Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor pulled out. (Photo courtesy of Baselworld)
Basel, Switzerland—In the coming weeks, MCH Group will decide whether Baselworld—once the annual event for the global watch industry—has a future or if it is out of time.
After news surfaced Tuesday morning that five huge brands were pulling out of the show and reorganizing around FHH-run Watches & Wonders Geneva, MCH Group followed with a statement in which it expressed “great surprise and equally great regret” over the loss of Rolex and its sister brand Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chanel and Chopard.
The brands said they are leaving Baselworld “following a number of a number of unilateral decisions made without consultation by Baselworld management, including the postponement of the watch show until January 2021, as well as its inability to meet the brands’ needs and expectations.”
But in its statement issued Tuesday afternoon, MCH Group reiterated earlier claims that it consulted exhibitors when choosing 2021 dates and said the companies now leaving Baselworld—including Rolex—were in favor of a postponement to January 2021.
The company also said the exiting brands have representatives on the Baselworld Exhibitors’ Committee, where “the future vision of Baselworld has been discussed on several occasions and has met with a positive response.”
“The intention to move to Geneva has never been mentioned,” MCH Group said, leading it to conclude that plans for this new show have been in the works for a while and the brands are using the row over its refund policy as a cover for something they’d planned all along.
Rolex and its fellow departees either declined or did not respond to request for comment on MCH Group’s statement.
Tuesday’s announcement that Baselworld would be losing its remaining keystone brands could be the death knell for a once-massive trade show that’s seen more than a few key brands exit.
In 2018, watch behemoth Swatch Group, which had 17 brands in the show, announced it was pulling out and would not return in 2019, dealing a major blow to Baselworld.
Following the 2019 show, Breitling said it wouldn’t return in 2020.
This year, the major cancellations have been piling up, due at least in part to the coronavirus.
Baselworld lost Gucci, Bulgari, Seiko and Grand Seiko, and Citizen and Bulova before announcing in late February that it was “postponing” Baselworld to Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2021 after Switzerland put a ban on large public gatherings because of COVID-19.
Last
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
week, the remaining exhibitors—backed by a Rolex executive—blasted MCH Group for its 2020 show refund policy, which they view as unfair, particularly in light of the fact that the show is moving from April to dates in January that don’t work for a lot of them.
Baselworld 2020 was scheduled for April 30-May 5, right after Watches & Wonders Geneva (formerly SIHH), which the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie organizes.
In 2021, Watches & Wonders is sticking with April dates while Baselworld is scheduled for Jan. 28 to Feb. 2.
That means it is no longer coordinated with Watches & Wonders, and it also conflicts with VicenzaOro, The Original Miami Beach Antique Show and the Tucson gem shows.
MCH Group said it will decide on “the continuation of Baselworld and on investments in its further development” in the next few weeks.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
