OPINION LEADERS ISSUE 10

EVENTS
BASELWORLD 2017
A CENTURY OF PLACING PASSION, PRECISION AND
PERFECTION ON A PEDESTAL
Baselworld 2017 - The 100th anniversary of the most important show and
premier event for the world’s watch and jewellery industry reaffirmed its status
as the global trendsetting show. This unrivalled premier platform celebrated the
convention of the creme de la creme of the entire industry who united once again
to take the pulse of the market, marvel at the new collections and witness the
start of a new trendsetting cycle
Baselworld 2017 was the focal point for more than 106.000 buyers (-4%
vs 2016) from over 100 countries. With the world’s best-known and most celebrated
brands from every sector revealing their newest collections, Baselworld
2017 lived up to its reputation as the hub of the global industry. Attendees
benefited from the unique opportunity to feel the mood of the market, discover
those new trendsetting collections that will prevail for the following 12 months,
and equally importantly, to capitalise on the enormous business opportunities
that are available at Baselworld.
A DYNAMIC AND INNOVATIVE INDUSTRY WITH AN
ENDURING SPIRIT OF SUSTAINABILITY
Passion, precision and perfection presided once again as the world’s best
brands showcased their innovations and newest collections for all the world to
discover.
Eric Bertrand, President of the Baselworld Exhibitors’ Committee, underlined
the significance of Baselworld for the watch and jewellery industry. “In
the last week, we have experienced the value of this show for the entire industry
especially in difficult times, which makes the show’s role as the global platform
even more compelling at a time when all players are looking for secure values
and stability. We know from experience, our new collections and creations will
be all the talk in the coming 12 months thanks especially to the immense press
coverage of the show and the global interest we have observed.”
François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee,
concurred and was full of praise for this anniversary of Baselworld.
For him, taking a show from a small event with just 29 brands in 1917,
and transforming it into the unparalleled global leader is “thanks to
Baselworld being the only show that fully reflects the excellence of the industry
by uniting everyone, representing every sector and putting each
and every player on a pedestal to present themselves in the best light.“
Regarding the outcome of this year’s show, Mr Thiébaud said that: “Although
it has been a challenging year, Baselworld 2017 dispelled any concerns about
the market as the event has fuelled a renewed spirit of creativity and innovation.
The show confirmed that the innovation and passion that epitomise our
industry, continue to hold centre stage. “
Regarding his estimation of the 2017 edition, Thierry Stern, President
of Patek Philippe, found that “the organisation of the show was
good as were the number of visitors, our retailers and the press.”He added
that there was a “good general reception of our novelties.”Mr Stern
also listed a number of reasons why Baselworld is an important platform:
“lmportant in terms of an annual meeting with our network of retailers and
partners from all over the world. lmportant in terms of public visibility and
especially in terms of world press resonance. A very important communication
platform.”
For Jean-Claude Biver, President of the LVMH Watch Division , CEO TAG
Heuer and CEO Zenith, “Baselworld is not just a show of the best Swiss watch
brands, but more importantly the showcase of the entire Swiss and international
industry. During eight days, people do not only enter into the heart of the
industry, but also feel the pulse of it, getting a vision of the future”.
Commenting on the essential nature of the show, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele,
Co-President of Chopard, stated that: “Baselworld continues to be the most important
event for the watchmaking and jewellery industry. lt is also a unique
networking opportunity in terms of brand communication”. He added that at
this year’s show, “the overall mood was positive and the level of business conducted
satisfactory”.
This sentiment was shared by Frédéric Grangié, President of CHANEL
Watches and Fine Jewelry , who concurred saying: “Baselworld is essential to
the watch industry, it enables us year on year to display our creativity and
know-how to the most important opinion leaders, journalists and watch retailers.”
ESSENTIAL ANNUAL EVENT FOR EMINENT INTERNATIONAL
RETAILERS
Baselworld is an essential date in the calendars of internationally renowned
retailers and buyers because it offers them the opportunity to discover and explore
the innovations, creations and new collections that are unveiled here.
What makes Baselworld additionally indispensable is the show’s renown as a
market mood and trend baro meter.
Willie Hamilton, Chief Executive of the Company of Master Jewellers, UK,
clearly states that “Baselworld is the most important show of the year for anyone
who is serious about buying and selling timepieces. For the UK independent
retailer it is not only a chance to see and buy the latest watch trends, view
new jewellery brands and buy precious gemstones, but it offers a chance to
network with the most important players in our industry and catch up with our
peers both in the UK and across the globe.”
“Nowhere else in the world does so much expertise and know-how come
together as at Baselworld,”said Kim Eva Wempe, Managing Director Juwelier
Wempe, Gerhard D. Wempe KG, Germany. She added that: “It’s important for us
to have the greatest possible number of our employees here”.
Greg Simonian, President, Westime, USA, is of the opinion that “Baselworld
is truly unique, it’s the only chance I have every year to see virtually everyone
from the industry”.
“I attend for the innovations that are introduced, but also to participate in
the single most important gathering of the world’s watch community”, says
long-term attendee Michael Tay, Group Managing Director of leading luxury
watch retail group, The Hour Glass Ltd., Singapore, who is convinced that “the
opportunities for week-long engagement, exchange and learning are second to
none”.
A LIVE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR THE WORLD´S PRESS
An impressive number of accredited journalists and those following from
afar are a clear indicator of the immense interest generated by the show internationally.
News of the novelties and latest collections from Baselworld are
relayed instantly to every comer of the planet creating a singular global impact
with repercussions that last for a whole year. More than 4,400 representatives
of the press from print, television, radio and digital from over 70 countries
attended the show underlining the unmissable character of Baselworld. Paying
further tribute to the global reach and significance of this show, an overwhelming
86,000! (vs 11,000 in 2016) viewers around the world followed the
Baselworld 2017 press conference in real time.
Rachael Taylor, Contributing Journalist, Financial Times: “Baselworld is an
invaluable barometer of the year ahead, both in terms of design innovation and
direction, and also how the marketing is reacting to current opportunities. Attending
the show this year has given me a snapshot of the global industry and
I’ll be leaving armed with fresh story ideas, new contacts and an Instagram feed
bursting with some of the most inspiring new products the market has to offer”.
Karan Karer, Editor/ Associate Director, Hours & Minutes Australia:
“Baselworld is an institution, rather than just a show; it’s THE place to be for
all the watch and jewellery manufacturers. A show of this scale has never been
done before”.
Karishma Karer, Editor, Hands on Time: “I think Baselworld sets the trend
and the mood for the year; it sets the benchmark for how the year is going to
pan out, both in terms of the tone and the products”.
“Golden editorial opportunities”, says Maria Doulton, Editor-in-Chief of
The Jewellery Editor, explaining why she travels to Basel. “Baselworld offers
a great overview of what is really happening. We get months’ worth editorial,
insight, great interviews and fantastic content for social media - this is exactly
what we’re looking for”.
For Ariel Adams, Founding Owner and Editor, aBlogtoWatch: “Baselworld
is a pivotal moment for our business as we get more traffic to aBlogtoWatch
than at any other time of year.”
BASELWORLD 2017 - THE PEDESTAL FOR THE GLOBAL
INDUSTRY
Baselworld 2017 was once more the global point of convergence where
the leading players in the watch and jewellery industry shone in the spotlight
for a full eight days. Reflecting on the show that has such a rich and illustrious
history, Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld, said: “Baselworld once
again gave the sector a positive impulse by putting it on a pedestal to shine. The
passion behind the innovative spirit that distinguishes the industry has been
reaffirmed which will undoubtedly drive them forward with renewed vitality”.
OUTLOOK FOR BASELWORLD 2018
Commenting on the outcome of this year’s show, Sylvie Ritter, Managing
Director of Baselworld, said that the industry is currently going through a challenging
phase, which particularly affects smaller companies. Listening to our
exhibitors and in agreement with the members of the different Committees,
we have decided to reduce the duration of the show and adjust the prices accordingly.
Thus, Baselworld 2018 will be held from Thursday 22 to Tuesday 27
March 2018, with the traditional press day on Wednesday, March 21. Ms Ritter
emphasised that: “Baselworld will maintain the attractiveness of the show and
its global impact by remaining faithful to our strategy which favours quality
and leverages diversity in all sectors.”
Mattia Cielo’s creations have a striking and
immediately recognisable personality. They are
designed by thinking ahead of the curve and the
technology they contain can be seen in their movement
and signature style. Ergonomics, dynamism
and sparkle are the key words of a revolutionary
style, in which the finest Italian artisan tradition is
at one with the energy of industrial design. These
magical masterpieces have met with great favour
on international markets.
BOHÈME
Fancy. Casual. Feminine.
The BOHÈME diamond necklace from GELLNER
embodies everything that today‘s confident woman could
wish for.
With attention to detail and casual elegance the
unconventional loop chain in 750 rose gold ensures an
impressive appearance. The detailed decoration with
numerous, delicate diamond roses and finely-faceted
diamond briolettes lends an air of colorful playfulness to
the voluminous necklace. BOHÈME – exciting design of
the highest standard.
Among the new creations,
the AURA collection,
holds a special place:
it stays true to the creative
concept between the colours
of gold and ceramic,
and it dares with new chromatic
experimentations,
creating the ultimate fashion jewel.
Baby pink, red, electric blue and brown are the shades that
interpret this new era of contemporary jewellery, made to add
a bit of preciousness to a playful and joyous femininity, which
can be gutty and delicate at the same time, always maintaining
its charme.
The choice of colour represents a true debut for Roberto
Demeglio, since the eclectic designer is known for its “black
and white” creations.
Inspired by the universal fascination
of man for the moon, Lebeau-Courally
reveals its new celestial star
Phase de Lune. Developed for over 6
years and handcrafted in our newly
acquired manufacture d'horlogerie in Le Locle, this new iconic watch
fuses gold with enamel. It merges the DNA of watchmaking with the
genes of bespoke arms making.
Inspired by the universal fascination of man for the moon, Lebeau-
Courally reveals its new celestial star Phase de Lune. Developed for over
6 years and handcrafted in our newly acquired manufacture d'horlogerie
in Le Locle, this new iconic watch fuses gold with enamel. It merges the
DNA of watchmaking with the genes of bespoke arms making.
After celebrating its 40th anniversary with The
Beatles in 2016, Raymond Weil continues its collaboration
with the world’s most famous rock band. This
second limited numbered edition of 3,000 watches is
a symbol of the timelessness of a group whose success
and history are etched in our minds for eternity.
Housed in a 39.5mm steel case, the dial of the
maestro 'The Beatles “Abbey Road” Limited Edition'
is a copy of a vinyl record engraved with microgrooves.
At the heart of the dial and on the sapphire crystal
case-back of the watch, the most iconic logo in the
music industry beats to the tempo of the mechanical
self-winding RW200 movement.
SWING
Classic beauty with a new impetus
Sometimes a mere twist is enough to make a classic
a distinctive eye-catcher. Michael Weggenmann, the new
Creative Director of the jewellery manufacture GELLNER,
achieves this masterfully with the new SWING rings. The
colourful SWING diamond rings are classic beauties –
with an unusual detail: a small, mobile diamond glitters on
a fine chain, lending new impetus to the solitaire. Various,
distinctive colour combinations make the playful SWING
rings individual treasures. Classic and refreshingly vibrant
at the same time.
In 2017, the Elite collection welcomes
a new model housed within a
case that is smaller than previously: the
Elite Lady Moonphase 33 mm, a combination
of technical excellence and timeless
distinction.
It conveys its elegance through
five variations made of 18K rose gold
or stainless steel. The ultra-thin 33
mm-diameter case, water-resistant to
50 metres, is fitted with a fluted crown
enabling smooth moon-phase adjustments.
Its exhibition case-back provides
a chance to admire its mechanism powered
by an oscillating weight adorned
with a “Côtes de Genève” motif.
Surrounded by a diamond-set or
polished bezel, the pure mother-of-pearl
dial is graced with a star-studded deep
blue moon disc. Slender leaf-shaped
hands sweep over stylised engraved
hour-markers, or else slim Roman numerals
on one of the versions.
The new version of Classico U-1001 TIT
is a watch that pays tribute to one of the Italo
Fontana’s passions, diving. One of the biggest
watches available today and one of the biggest U-
BOATs of all time. The watch is water-resistant to
1001 meters and features, in the event of pressure
changes, a well hided helium escape valve and a
double screw-down crown underneath the massive
signature crown cap. The bezel keeps the 6,4
mm thick shappire glass locked to the case and
it is framed by 4 external and prominent screws
set at 2,4,8,10 meanwhile the back of the case
consists of one piece only screwed to the case. On
the side of the case is highly visible the sapphire
glass pressured by the case and the bezel.
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