The world’s largest watch and clock trade event, the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, opened with over 700 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions taking part.

The world’s largest watch and clock trade event, the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, opened with over 700 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions taking part.

The fair, which runs until 10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) together with the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Fair Organising Committee Co-Chairman Peter Sin noted that the 29th edition includes 68 buying missions from 64 countries and regions. “Their presence speaks of the recovering global economy,” he said.

Mr Sin pointed out that, in the first half of 2010, Hong Kong exported watches and clocks valued at more than US$3.14 billion. “That’s up 24 per cent over the same period last year. Indeed, most of Hong Kong's export markets recorded double-digit growth, including the Chinese mainland, Italy, Japan, Switzerland and the United States.”

Name Brands, New Piazza “The Brand Name Gallery, which features about 100 brands, is a fair centerpiece,” according to Fair Organising Committee Co-Chairman Joseph Chu. Mr Chu said that well-known names on display include DUNLOP, EVERLAST and NBA, fashion labels COSMOPOLITAN, elite MODELS’ FASHION, Levi’s and MC marie claire, and prestigious labels ICE-WATCH from Belgium, FIYTA from the Chinese mainland, odm and TEMPORIS from Hong Kong, Tonino Lamborghini from Italy and FOCE from Korea. .

The Brand Name Gallery’s Wine Cellar, where visitors can also enjoy wine and coffee, is hosting fashion shows throughout the fair period. Models will wear selected timepieces at 10 fashion parades.

Members of the public, 12 and above, will be allowed free admission to the Brand Name Gallery on the fair’s final day, giving exhibitors instant market feedback on their new offerings.

Other highlights include World Brand Piazza, new this year. Located in the concourse leading to the Brand Name Gallery, the Piazza is sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch Company and pays homage to the art and craftsmanship of haute horlogerie, featuring limited-edition timepieces from such global brands as Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Cartier, Omega, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin.

The fair also sees the return of the Pageant of Eternity. Located in Hall 1, the special zone showcases timepieces of outstanding beauty and craftsmanship.

Timely Design In addition to established brands, the fair is also a showcase for innovative new timepiece design. Finalist and prize-winning entries from this year’s Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition are on exhibit at the Hall 1 Concourse. Team 1 Design Ltd’s “Spring & Winter” was selected champion in the Open Group, and Kin Waily’s “Garden Clock” won top honours in the student category.

Industry Insight The Wine Cellar is also the venue for seminars to be held on the final day of the fair. Watch collectors will hear experts discussing successful watch brands, as well as a focus on luxury watches.



The Asian Watch Conference also returns with a half-day session on 7 September (Tuesday), featuring Will A Stein, President of the Philip Stein Group. Mr Stein joins Chinese mainland government official Ren Xing-zhou. Ms Ren is Director of the Institute of Market Economy Research in the Development Research Centre of the State Council.

Mr Stein’s address will cover several topics, including “Natural Frequency Technologies,” used to keep watches in tune with the wearer’s body, while Ms Ren will offer insights about the latest Chinese mainland consumption patterns and their impact on the watch market. Industry trends will also be the focus at this morning’s Hong Kong International Watch Forum, which brings together leaders of world watch associations.
POST: 2024-11-25