Events & AwardsMay 24, 2021
Next Edition of GemGenève Show Scheduled for NovemberEvents & AwardsJun 24, 2021
Baselworld Is Returning in 2022
Now, it will cater to mid-range luxury brands.
After toying with rebranding as “HourUniverse,” Baselworld is sticking to its name and planning a comeback.
New York—Baselworld is back.
Despite the watch and jewelry show asserting it would not return to the trade show calendar under its original moniker and even teasing the new name HourUniverse, this week organizers MCH Group announced the show will return in 2022 as Baselworld.
Baselworld Managing Director Michel Loris-Melkof said, “After the [coronavirus] pandemic had stalled Baselworld over the last two years, we took a lot of time to talk to our partners and exhibitors. One thing became very clear: the Baselworld brand must remain, but it must fundamentally change.”
Following Switzerland’s national guidelines, Baselworld cancelled its 2020 show in January of that year, but its refund policy sparked an outcry from exhibitors, who found it to be less than generous considering the circumstances.
Citing years of frustrations with the show, the refund policy proved to be the final straw for several brands. Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor said they would create their own show held in conjunction with Watches & Wonders Geneva.
TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith were next to drop the trade show.
Baselworld’s reimagining doesn’t include these luxury brands, however.
In a press conference, Loris-Melikoff said MCH Group will cater to smaller watch, jewelry, and gemstone companies, which it classified as the “mid- to top section” of the industry, as well as “mass brands.”
The show will have room for about 300 brands in 2022, though that number could grow in the future.
Set to happen March 31 through April 4 in Basel, MCH Group said the dates align with other watch trade shows happening in Geneva.
Related stories will be right here …
Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022 is scheduled for March 30 to April 5.
Though focused on business-to-business, Baselworld will host all manner of watch enthusiasts, who should be able to touch and interact with the products rather than just admiring them through showcases, Loris-Melikoff said.
He did not clarify if the show will be open to the general public or only to specific collectors and influencers.
Baselworld will also have a digital component, to launch this fall, described as a platform in which buyers and brands can connect through imagery and media, and not just brands showing at the trade show. Instead, it will be open to any brand in the watch and jewelry sector.
“Everyone will meet on our platform,” said Loris-Melikoff. “The brands, the manufacturers, the retailers, the fans and the media. We will offer attractive conditions and prices for all brands that want to benefit from this unique platform."
He emphasized that the new Baselworld, both digital and in-person, will focus on listening to exhibitors and taking their feedback into account, something it has been accused of not doing in the past.
According to Loris-Melikoff, booth prices will be lower, as will the cost of eating and staying in Basel.
He touted Baselworld’s digital platform as the most economical option at less than 5,000 CHF (about $5,439) for a year. Booth prices start as low as 20,000 CHF (about $21,756) for the full run of the show.
For emerging brands, there will be an incubator with smaller booths that are even less expensive.
Loris-Melikoff also hinted at future events in Asia and the United States, as well as a small presence in Geneva concurrent with Baselworld and the Geneva watch shows.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 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.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
