Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chanel, And Chopard Leave Baselworld

[rockmastermike]

From Hodinkee:

This morning, it was announced that Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, Chanel, and Chopard, will be leaving Baselworld, the world's largest watch industry trade show, to start a new Geneva-based salon in conjunction with the FHH, the organizers of Watches & Wonders (formerly SIHH). The new show is set to take place in early April 2021 at the Geneva Palexpo at the same time as Watches & Wonders Geneva.

Hodinkee Linkee https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex ... baselworld

[JP Chestnut]

I can understand stopping the trade shows, but swapping out to a new one seems weird. I guess Baselworld really was too expensive like all the brands claimed.

[tmw]

Three thoughts....and maybe not independent.

Someone pissed the big guys off.

and/or

The big guys wanted more control.

and/or

The little guys got too much attention.

[rockmastermike]

From TRF:

Basel World Wouldn’t provide full refunds for this year’s show (30-40% only).
The new January 2021 dates weren’t discussed with exhibitors as they conflict with other events.
Also Baselworld tried to charge an additional 15% if exhibitors wanted to roll their space from this year to next year’s exhibit.

[rockmastermike]

Also sounds like there will be less access for consumers.

From the article:

"This new event," the FHH said, "will be geared predominantly towards retailers, the press and VIP customers."

[toxicavenger]

sounds like basel was trying to take their money an run. pretty shitty.

[SoCal C4S]

Sounds like MK must have been Basel’s advisor...

[matt.wu]

I don't know that these big watch fairs are long for this world anyway. Personally, SIHH/Basel are my least favorite times to read anything watch related (social, forums, etc...) b/c it's ALL THE SAME. And most watch journalism is garbage - terrible writing by someone who takes nice pictures.

[JP Chestnut]

And most watch journalism is garbage - terrible writing by someone who takes nice pictures.

Most watch journalism is basically brand PR restated and packaged with some supposed authority due to... reasons. The watch magazines started it, but Hoedicky perfected the art.

[JBZ]

Not surprising. Basel was on its way out anyways, but this whole situation is accelerating the exit. If the stuff about keeping the money and charging more is true, I'm not sure how Basel thought it could come out ahead against Rolex and Patek.

Plus, with social media the way it is, it's so much less expensive to get new release information out to the masses. I guess a modified fair open to journalists, retailers, and VIPs makes a certain level of sense (retailers so they know when they can expect new releases and journalists so there's a centralized release of news), but I would think even that could be overcome with a savvy social media marketing campaign.

[AtomicTom]

Holy cow, that's a lot of companies, and big ones to be leaving.
You really wonder like Matt pointed out, how shows like these can
survive in the long run. It seems like they are all fracturing, and
branching off in all different directions. Am conflicted if it is good,
or bad actually. But it is interesting at least Mike. Thanks so much !

[dinexus]

Nail, meet coffin. Baselworld organizers have been nothing but absolute dicks to their clients throughout all this. The team behind W&W runs a good show, so fingers crossed for next year.

[Panerai7]

After Swatch left the only real interest they had was Rolex/Tudor
And now they’re gone. What’s the point of Basel anyway at this point. To look at another integrated bracelet 70’s watch no one can afford or find? It’s over

[blkgsl]

As a whole, trade shows and exhibitions are heading the way of libraries.

[Jeep99dad]

Basel got greedy. Brands have resources and figured out they can do this without Basel. Plus it may return some more exclusivity to the whole affair. Anyway, i was Not surprised to read the news yesterday and quite happy to see some change, change is good. Looking forward to see how it goes

[dnslater]

As a whole, trade shows and exhibitions are heading the way of libraries.

Trade shows really help drive the local economy here where I live, but I agree as the industry really takes advantage of corporate expense accounts and needs reformed. My firm participates in a few local ones as we are obligated to be there.... but the trade show organizers just fleece you. Oh, you want carpet and chairs for your booth? That will be an extra $800/day. Oh you want an extension cord for power, that is $400/day......

As far as Watches go, some of the slow Instagram reveals that Omega and Tudor have done the past few years have been very successful in building drama and costs the brand next to nothing.

[rockmastermike]

LVMH Brands Bvlgari, Hublot, TAG Heuer & Zenith all Leave Baselworld

https://monochrome-watches.com/lvmh-bra ... aselworld/

[SoCal C4S]

And just like that, Basel was no more...

[drster]

Rip Baselworld. I wish I had been there to see it once in its glory days. Kind of like the auto shows. Nice to see once or twice. Now they are dead too. Coming soon to a mall near you - nothing. They will be gone before long.

[Abmw]

Rip Baselworld. I wish I had been there to see it once in its glory days. Kind of like the auto shows. Nice to see once or twice. Now they are dead too. Coming soon to a mall near you - nothing. They will be gone before long.

I attended once 9yrs ago for my bday. It was really great to see in person all the different watch brands congregated in one place. I felt like it was a big party for the exhibitors. They got to travel and party after hours.


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