Baselworld 2019 is approaching and thee have been a lot of mixed expectations in regards to what changes the organization made in order to keep the concept fresh after years of exhibitions. Many CEOs of brands that are recurring presences in the event have manifested their expectations in regards to the upcoming event.

One of the brands that see the full potential in Baselworld as a whole is Dr. Jan Becker, CEO of Porsche Design. He’s discussed the importance of the event as an opportunity for top brands to come forward to unveil new products. He’s promised that the brand will be showing a “unique exhibition concept” and unveil an incredible new product to set “set new standards in terms of functionality and design”.

“(…) For Porsche Design, Baselworld remains extremely important, not only for presenting new products and concepts – like we are doing in 2019, but also to meet with our partners, clients, media, and end-consumers from all over the world in just one week. We expect to generate sales and have interesting conversations at Baselworld. (…)”

Another veteran of the event is Jean-Daniel Pasche, President of the Swiss Watch Federation FH, who will be attending his 26th edition of the event. Aside from presenting an extremely optimistic perspective in regards to the market this year, he also recognizes that despite some absences, the changes in the event have everything to make it turn out okay.

“Although some important players are gone, there are very important brands there. Baselworld remains the world’s most important watch show. We hope that it will be an optimistic show for brands and for visitors. (…)”

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One of the most enthusiastic testimonies comes from Jean-Marie Schaller, CEO of Louis Moinet. He’s admitted that ever since he was a child the two main events in his life were Christmas and Baselworld. However, he also urges many people in the watch industry to adapt to the digital era, a factor that has completely transformed the panorama of this market.

“I think that Baselworld is the greatest show in the world. Now it’s time for it to improve and adapt to today’s realities. There’s still some way to go in this respect, but I have every confidence that the new management will make Baselworld even better in the years to come. (…)”

Mark and Candy Udell, owners of London Jewelers, from Long Island and New York City have also manifested their enthusiasm for the event. This is a good example of a business run by generations of a whole family who have never missed an edition of the event so far, defining it as being “vital to our business”. Mark has elaborated on the importance of this showcase show:

“The big brands expect you to be there if you are a major player in the marketplace, you need to go to Basel to see all the new introductions and get an idea of the trends and what’s going on. You can’t be in the business the way we are and not attend Baselworld.”

Julien Tornare, CEO of Zenith, had a more reflective testimony in many matters regarding the future of the watch business worldwide as well as Baselworld. Aside from addressing some issues still present at the current watchmaking market, he’s, however, seeing positive changes at the event that might end up taking it in the right direction

“(…)Like the Swiss watchmaking industry as a whole, Baselworld has not always been very creative. There has been a lot of repeating the past, but like the industry, this is starting to change with a great focus on introducing new technology and the introduction of new partnerships that will benefit exhibitors and the visitors alike from a cost perspective. (…)”

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Many of the participants of the event have underlined the importance and influence that the Asian market has had in this industry. One of the main personalities of that continent is Mohammed Mahmood Jaffar, chairman of Asia Jewellers, who’s been attending the event for the past 13 years. He focused on one of the biggest challenges that retailer will have to face in a technological era: the online platforms. In regards to Baselshow 2019, he states:

“Of course attending the show is a must as it is a great way to judge the new trends in the watch and jewellery sector, and a great way to see what novelties and ideas brands introduce for the new year.”

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