AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2019
Baselworld 2020: Breitling Exits, Rolex Expands
Breitling is focusing on a company-organized summit for retailers, customers and media instead of exhibiting at the watch and jewelry trade show.
Breitling announced Monday that it won’t exhibit at Baselworld next year, focusing instead on a company-organized summit for retailers, customers and media. Pictured here is one of the watches the Swiss brand introduced before Basel this year, the Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph Pan Am Edition.
Basel, Switzerland—Breitling announced Monday that it won’t return to Baselworld next year, making it the first—but possibly not last—big brand to back out of the show.
The watch and jewelry trade show traditionally has taken place in mid- to late March, but Baselworld 2020 is scheduled for April 30-May 5, immediately following SIHH in Geneva (April 26-29).
The shows agreed to synch their dates so retailers and the media, particularly from the United States and Asia, don’t have to travel to Switzerland twice in a few weeks’ span.
Breitling said Sunday that although it had a successful show this year, the 2020 dates don’t work for it.
So instead of exhibiting at Baselworld, where the brand’s massive fish tank was once the Instagram-ready centerpiece of Hall 1.0, the Swiss watch brand will invite retailers, media, customers and collectors to the second Breitling Summit.
The first summit took place in London in October 2018 to introduce the Premier collection. The brand hasn’t confirmed the dates for the second edition, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
See: 4 New Watches Breitling Introduced at Baselworld 2019
Breitling created the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition in conjunction with brand enthusiast and vintage watch fan @watchfred. The 30mm 1950s-style reboot is powered by the Caliber B09 movement with a 70-hour power reserve ($8,600, limited to 1,959 pieces). As in the original, the watch has a close caseback, acrylic instead of sapphire glass, and 94 beads on the bezel.
The Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph Pan Am Edition is powered by the brand’s in-house Caliber 01 movement, which has a 70-hour power reserve. It was the second watch released in Breitling’s Navitimer 1 Airline Editions capsule collection.
Breitling revamped its Superocean Collection of dive watches this year, creating five sizes ranging from 48-36 mm. They are all COSC-certified and powered by the Breitling Caliber 17, which has a 38-hour power reserve. Pictured here is the Superocean Automatic 42, which is available in black, white or orange.
The three new Aviator 8 Curtiss Warhawk watches honor American aircraft manufacturer Curtiss-Wright and its most famous plane, the P-40 Warhawk, which was produced between ’38 and ‘44. There are two chronographs, both powered by the Caliber 01 movement with a 70-hour power reserve, and a three-hand model (pictured here). Retail prices range from $4,230 to $8,180.
“We decided to focus on our global Summit format in 2020 and the subsequent local road shows,” CEO Georges Kern said in a company statement. “The decisive factor is first and foremost the new Baselworld date at the end of April, which cannot be reconciled with our planning.”
He said the company will decide later if it will return to the watch and jewelry trade show in 2021.
Breitling’s decision to leave Baselworld in favor of focusing on its own event underscores one of the major hurdles business-to-business trade shows face today: getting exhibitors to see the value in spending money on a trade show when technology has made it easier for them to organize their own events and reach customers with new product year-round.
Oris introduced a new Big Crown Pointer date in November, then followed up with the release of more new timepieces during a pre-Basel press trip to Vail, Colorado in January.
That same month, Breitling debuted its first capsule collection.
The Navitimer 1 Airline Editions is a series of three ‘60s- and ’70-style aviation watches that pay homage to three airlines from that era: Swissair, Pan Am and TWA.
Available beginning this month at Breitling boutiques and select retailers, the capsule collection watches are available in limited quantities for a limited period of time, mirroring what
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
fashion brands such as Supreme do through their “drops” to drive demand.
They are priced between $8,000 and $9,000.
While Breitling won’t be at Baselworld 2020, show organizers said Monday that Rolex is staying and will be expanding into the space where sister brand Tudor was this year.
Tudor will have its own booth in Hall 1.0.
On Tuesday afternoon, National Jeweler reached out to other Baselworld exhibitors to ask about their plans for 2020: Patek Philippe, LVMH-owned brands TAG Heuer and Bulgari, Roberto Coin and Citizen, which also owns Frederique Constant, Alpina and Bulova.
Patek Philippe was the only brand to respond by deadline, stating: “As in previous years, Baselworld 2019 was a real success for Patek regarding the attendance not only in terms of quantity but also quality.
“We believe Baselworld remains a platform to meet our partners/retailers and journalists from all around the world. We hope the fair will continue to develop in the future.”
They are priced between $8,000 and $9,000.
While Breitling won’t be at Baselworld 2020, show organizers said Monday that Rolex is staying and will be expanding into the space where sister brand Tudor was this year.
Tudor will have its own booth in Hall 1.0.
On Tuesday afternoon, National Jeweler reached out to other Baselworld exhibitors to ask about their plans for 2020: Patek Philippe, LVMH-owned brands TAG Heuer and Bulgari, Roberto Coin and Citizen, which also owns Frederique Constant, Alpina and Bulova.
Patek Philippe was the only brand to respond by deadline, stating: “As in previous years, Baselworld 2019 was a real success for Patek regarding the attendance not only in terms of quantity but also quality.
“We believe Baselworld remains a platform to meet our partners/retailers and journalists from all around the world. We hope the fair will continue to develop in the future.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
