HONG KONG — The world’s largest watch event returns to Hong Kong this week: the 42nd Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 11th Salon de TE, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd.
More than 700 exhibitors from 17 countries gathered at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for five days starting September 5, with the TE Show open to the general public on the last two days. The hybrid portion of the exhibitions will continue until September 16.
Much has changed since the last Hong Kong Watch Fair, and the organizers have fully embraced this evolution through the theme of “Guo Chao” (meaning “national wave”), a movement aimed at combining traditional elements with modern style and execution.
In addition to traditional watchmaking, TE Show has tripled the size of its Wearable Tech Zone compared to 2019, with a focus on smartwatches with cutting-edge features such as one-touch Bluetooth pairing for calls and integrated music and video playback. A sports watch debuting at the show features over 100 sports modes and workout programs. These offerings are juxtaposed with classic designs from watchmakers around the world, including the largest Swiss pavilion in the show’s history. The week will be capped off with a programme of forums, seminars and networking events as well as the 40th Hong Kong Watch Design Competition.
The last two days of the TE Show are open to the public and include fun activities such as watch parades, a watch and painting demonstration, raffles and an auction.
The two prestigious trade shows are a milestone in Hong Kong’s efforts to reclaim its place on the international stage since COVID-19 quarantines were lifted and it fully reopened to visitors earlier this year. Once Asia’s premier financial and tourism hub, the city is counting on the return of major conventions like this one and high-profile events like Art Basel, which took place in March.
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These shows run in parallel with another show, CENTRESTAGE, which presents fashion brands and designer collections from around the world. Together, visitors have the opportunity to discover the latest products from more than 370 watch and fashion brands under one roof.
Hong Kong is the world’s largest wristwatch import market and the second largest wristwatch export market after Switzerland. “Last year, the total value of Hong Kong’s watches and clocks exports reached nearly HK$54.8 billion (US$7 billion),” said Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC. “From January to July this year, the export value amounted to HK$31.62 billion.”
Contact Sophia Chong at +8521830668