8 September 2015 – The 34th edition of the prestigious HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair opened today and will run through 12 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair is the biggest event of its kind in the world with more than 780 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions taking part. Among them, Bermuda, Denmark, Lebanon, Russia, and Spain are joining the fair for the first time.
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd, the Watch & Clock Fair gathers exhibitors, buyers and industry experts from around the world for five days of networking, intelligence sharing and deal making.
Prestigious timepiece brands
Running alongside the fair, Salon de TE, a premium exhibition area, features exhibitors showcasing close to 160 top brands in five thematic zones, namely, World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment and Wearable Tech.
World Brand Piazza highlights the superior craftsmanship of leading global brands Blancpain, BOVET, Breguet, BVLGARI, Chopard, CORUM, DeWitt, FRANCK MULLER, Glashütte Original, H. Moser & Cie, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget and Zenith. The Wearable Tech zone displays the newest technological innovation by grouping together branded smart watches from such leading brands as COGITO, Garmin, Kairos, Pebble and Sony. Renaissance Moment, which provides a platform for exquisite European designs, has a strong Swiss influence this year.
Swiss standard time
Switzerland’s watchmaking expertise is highlighted at two pavilions, which are making their fair debut. The Swiss Eminence pavilion features the latest creations from such brands as Cyma, Enicar, DOXA and Sultana. Meanwhile, at the SIWP (Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion) timepieces by Charriol, Pilo & Co, Rebellion, Traser and WATCHe are among those on show. Both pavilions are located in the Renaissance Moment zone of Salon de TE.
In the spotlight
A number of watch parades are being held during the fair to spotlight the latest designs to trade buyers. Local celebrities including Joe Ma, Nancy Wu, Myolie Wu and Luk Chan are also on hand to support the product launches of such brands as Kairos, Memorigin, Romago and Sultana. A highlight of the activities on the opening day is a product launch by Tonino Lamborghini, MINI, Van Gogh and Versus Versace.
Gauging the latest trends
A range of seminars shine a light on the emerging trends in the timepiece industry, including today’s Hong Kong International Watch Forum. Meanwhile, the Asian Watch Conference tomorrow will feature speakers Nick Gu, Co-founder and Chief Designer, Eone Timepieces and Sam Yang, Founder, Kairos Watches.
Super Saturday welcomes the public
On Saturday (12 September) the Salon de TE Public Day welcomes the general public, giving them a chance to experience the excitement of the timepiece industry at its very best. Public visitors can enjoy watch parades, celebrity events, lucky draws for new watches and much more. Entry is free of charge for the public (aged 12 and above).
Award-winning designs on display
The winning entries from this year’s Watch & Clock Design Competition are on display at the fair. This year’s competition received about 200 entries in the Open and Student categories built around the themes of “Freedom & Peace” and “Sharing” respectively. Some of the winning pieces are also on show at the The Mira Hong Kong until 12 September.
This year’s winners are Tam Kwok-tung, who took top prize for his versatile GEAR TRACK design. Chan Cheuk-yan of the Hong Kong Design Institute won the Student Group for his creation MIS, a watch that can record and share fitness results with other wearers nearby.
Market potential
Hong Kong is the world’s largest importer of complete watches by value and the second-largest exporter of complete watches and clocks. In 2014, the city recorded US$10.8 billion worth of imports and US$10.3 billion of exports. The United States, Switzerland, the Chinese mainland, Macau and Japan were the leading destinations for timepiece exports from Hong Kong last year.
Winning entries of the 32nd Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition
http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkwatchfair-en/s/8057-Other/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Watch-and-Clock-Fair/The-32nd-HK-Watch-And-Clock-Design-Competition.html
Fair Website http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkwatchfair-en/
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Joe Kainz Tel: (852) 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
