HKTDC Watch & Clock Fair attracts over 19,000 buyers

The 33rd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, the world’s largest watch event,

ended yesterday, with more than 19,000 buyers, up 2 percent over the previous year. Buyers from a number of key and emerging markets recorded significant growth, including the United Kingdom (23 percent), France (14 percent), Germany (7 percent), the Chinese mainland (8 percent), India (37 percent), Korea (30 percent) and Thailand (28 percent).

The fair, staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries. During the fair, the HKTDC organised close to 80 buying missions with some 3,800 buyers from around the world, creating huge business opportunities. Among them were quality global buyers such as Maurice de Mauriac from Switzerland, Ur & Penn AB from Sweden, Moscow Jewelry Factory from Russia, Rivoli Group from United Arab Emirates, Synalia from France, JD.com from the Chinese mainland, and PT Gilang Agung Persada from Indonesia.

The HKTDC commissioned an independent research agency to conduct an on-site survey during the first three days of the fair. The agency surveyed 405 exhibitors and 705 buyers, gathering their views on issues such as market prospects, product trends, e-tailing and sourcing patterns. The majority of buyers and exhibitors interviewed expressed optimism about the overall sales for the coming year, mainly because retail prices continue to rise.