The 42nd Hong Kong Watch And Clock Fair and the 11th Salon de TE, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades And Industries Ltd, was held last week.
The four-day physical fairs welcomed nearly 15,000 buyers from 95 countries and regions. The Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion (SIWP) and Franceclat returned to the fairs while the International Luxury Group (ILG) debuted.
"As the world's leading watch and clock fair, we are delighted to see more than 700 exhibitors attended our first watch and clock fairs since Hong Kong reopened,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong.
“Many exhibitors even received orders on the spot. Buyers who attended the fairs were very international. There has been a satisfactory increase in attendance from Mainland China, Middle East and ASEAN countries, adding to the fairs' vibrancy."
The debut 'Guo Chao' theme was the centre of attraction, and numerous Chinese watchmakers showcased timepieces that blended Chinese cultural elements with exquisite craftsmanship.
“Salon de TE was an excellent platform for identifying business partners and OEM suppliers. We achieved very satisfactory results at the exhibition that exceeded our expectations. We have identified Asia-Pacific retailers and distributors as potential business partners,” said ILG Chief Operating Officer Chavadi M.S.
The HKTDC also conducted an on-site survey and found nearly 60 percent of respondents expect overall sales to grow in the next two years.
Most consider South Korea, Australia and the Pacific Islands, North America and Japan to offer the best growth prospects among traditional markets, while India, the Middle East, Mainland China and ASEAN countries are the most promising among emerging markets.
"The Wearable Tech Zone inside Salon de TE provides an important platform for us to promote our smartwatches and look for cooperation opportunities. We have connected with new buyers from France, Germany, Iran, Mainland China, Russia, Sweden and Turkey interested in our OEM and ODM services. We will also collaborate with a famous horologist to produce innovative hybrid smartwatches,” said Dayton Industrial Director Paul Anthony Yuen.
The fairs also launched the Scan2Match function, which helped buyers bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information and e-floor plans, make product enquiries and continue discussions online.
"Due to COVID-19, we could not attend last year's physical fair. We are happy to be coming back this year and have high expectations. The HKTDC's Click2Match service has helped us set up six business matching meetings,” said Rami Taher, Marketing Manager of Ribawatch (Suisse) Sarl.
“We have found a Turkish buyer interested in our OEM services and two buyers from France and India who want to be distributors of our Rama and RSW brands, respectively. I am confident in securing new orders through this fair. I expect the fair will generate US$1 million in sales for our company."
The HKTDC will also hold the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia in October.
