Rules of the game are being rewritten in the world of watches. Swiss producers started to create their trade show formations with the support of Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie. Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard, and Tudor will no longer display their new models within Baselworld.
The formation, which will replace Baselworld, is planned to take place at Palexpo in April 2021 at the same time as Watches & Wonders. Besides the COVID-19 virus, which has turned into a worldwide epidemic, Baselworld being unable to meet increasing and changing expectations affected the watchmakers' decision as well.
The new formation will be open to professionals, press and VIP customers in the watchmaking world. With the lessons taken from Baselworld, it is aimed that the activities to be held within the company union will provide a unique experience to both customers and watch manufacturers.
It is also a matter of curiosity whether Baselworld will continue its life after these decisions of heavy hitters like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard, and Tudor. The executives of Rolex and Patek Philippe, the two leading brands in the announcement, state that the changing of Baselworld traditions has become a necessity rather than an option over the years. The fourth-generation manager of Patek Philippe, Thierry Stern, says that they no longer have the same vision as the Baselworld administration and that they have found such a method to adapt to the developing industry. Likewise, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex and Tudor's board member, says that their disagreements with Baselworld executives are effective in their decision.
Thierry Stern
Jean-Frédéric Dufour
