29 August 2017 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 36th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair will be held from 5-9 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The world’s largest event of its kind, the fair will feature more than 820 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions. The concurrent Salon de TE will open free of charge to public visitors aged 12 or above on the fair’s last day (9 September).
Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, said that Hong Kong is the world’s second-largest exporter of watches and clocks, with exports reaching HK$36.4 billion in the first seven months of 2017. Its top export markets are the Chinese mainland (HK$6.6 billion), the United States (HK$5.6 billion) and Switzerland (HK$5 billion), which together account for nearly half of Hong Kong’s total timepiece exports. Hong Kong watch and clock companies engage mainly in OEM business, but many have started developing ODM capability and even OBM business to move up the value chain. As wearable tech becomes more prevalent, Hong Kong companies are also keen to invest in developing smart watches.
Showcasing about 150 premium international watch brands and designer collections, Salon de TE comprises five thematic zones: World Brand Piazza, Renaissance Moment, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure and Wearable Tech.
The World Brand Piazza, sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch for the eighth consecutive year, will present 13 renowned international brands, including four newcomers – Jacob & Co, Jaquet Droz, Juvenia and Montblanc – as well as returning brands Blancpain, Breguet, Chopard, CORUM, DeWitt, FRANCK MULLER, Glashütte Original, Piaget and Zenith.
Exquisite timepieces at Salon de TE
Jacob & Co will bring two ultra-prestigious limited edition timepieces. The one-of-a-kind Billionaire Tourbillion Watch is valued at HK$160 million. The luxurious timepiece features a case and strap set with 239 pieces of emerald-cut diamonds weighing, in total, 260 carats, including a three-carat gemstone. The opulent case is made from 18K platinum. The Astronomia Solar Tourbillon Watch, valued at HK$2.8 million, features a 3D model on the dial, simulating the moon’s revolution around the earth. With a 3D celestial panorama where the edge of the dial displays the month, the intricate dial design showcases the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship.
Craft Treasure will present high-end functional mechanical watches and jewellery watches. Among them is a mechanical watch by Hong Kong brand H.I.D., a sporty timepiece that mixes heritage design with modern creative ideas and inspired by the vintage design of classic vehicles from the 1960s.
The Chic & Trendy zone will gather a variety of trendy and fashionable watches. Hong Kong brand odm will present a uniquely designed watch inspired by double moons revolving around Mars, where the traditional hour and minute hands are replaced by two silver balls to simulate their revolutions.
Renaissance Moment will present European watches in various styles. Swiss Eminence and Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion (SIWP) will return to showcase premium Swiss watches. Wearable Tech will showcase a range of smart watches equipped with the latest technology and functionality.
OEM Smart Watches zone returns
As smart watches have become fashionable in recent years, the HKTDC set up an “OEM Smart Watches” zone at the fair last year to showcase OEM smart watches and parts. Singaporean exhibitor KaHa Pte Ltd will present the PRiSM Slim Smart Series this year. The watches mix the old with the new, keeping the analogue dial with hands while incorporating smart technology and sport functionality. The PRiSM series is an innovative integration of the latest smart technology with the charm of an analogue interface in a single module. The fair also features the Pageant of Eternity zone to showcase high-end complete watches, as well as zones such as Complete Watches, Clocks, Machinery & Equipment, Packaging, Parts & Components and Trade Services, providing a one-stop sourcing platform for buyers.
Time to connect through fascinating events
More than 30 events will be organised to help industry players connect and share market information. The Hong Kong International Watch Forum on 5 September will gather industry elites to examine the challenges and opportunities ahead, while the Asian Watch Conference (6 September) will discuss future trends of fashionable branded smart watches. A Guide to the Swiss-made Label will feature several industry representatives to discuss the ordinance and its implementation. Watch parades and product launch sessions will feature a number of celebrities, including Karena Ng, Daniel Chan, Zoie Tam Hoi Ki, Max Cheung, Ricky Fan, Jim Chim, Milky Leung and the renowned magician John Fung.
On Public Day (9 September), Salon de TE will open free of charge to public visitors aged 12 or above. Visitors can enjoy a series of watch parades, tourbillon craftsmanship demonstration, sharing sessions and lucky draws. The HKTDC will also stage the concurrent international fashion event CENTRESTAGE (6-9 September) at the HKCEC to showcase fashion brands and designer collections, bringing more cross-over business opportunities to exhibitors.
Design competition to promote local creativity
To help raise the design standards of Hong Kong watch brands and encourage creative ideas, the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2017 Organising Committee, together with the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, co-organised the 34th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Competition. The competition was divided into open group and student group categories. ”Luxury Automobile” was the theme of the open group, while the student group adopted the theme of “Future Luxury.” This year, the competition received over 200 entries. The winning and final entries will be displayed at the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair at Hall 1B concourse to showcase Hong Kong’s creativity to international buyers.
