It has been agreed that in 2020, SIHH will be held from 26-29 April in Geneva, followed immediately by Baselworld from 30 April to 5 May in Basel.
For the longest time, watch enthusiasts, professionals, press and journalists have had to make the difficult decision to choose between going for the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva or Baselworld in Basel, unmistakably the two biggest events in the watch industry. The former takes place in January and the latter, in March, resulting in either visitors flying into Geneva twice over the span of just a few weeks, or forgoing one.
Come 2020, that is about to be a thing of the past as the two fairs strike up a partnership to coordinate their dates, marking a significant breakthrough for the watchmaking industry.
It has been agreed that in 2020, SIHH will be held from 26-29 April in Geneva, followed immediately by Baselworld from 30 April to 5 May in Basel. This is an arrangement that has been locked down till at least 2024.
Fabienne Lupo, President and Managing Director of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, which organises SIHH, stated: “Our two events have always been different, yet complementary. Resynching with Baselworld will further confirm Switzerland as the foremost destination for watchmaking in the world. This is something we welcome wholeheartedly, as it is in the interests of all.”
“Baselworld and the SIHH are working for the industry and its clients. We have sought dialogue with the SIHH and together have found a solution, which benefits visitors, the media, and the entire watchmaking industry enormously”, declared Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld. “This partnership between the two most prominent exhibitions in the industry represents a major breakthrough for the future.”
For visitors attending both events, and in particular those from other continents, these agreed dates will make their trips to Switzerland far easier. This important and essential breakthrough for the Swiss watchmaking industry is also welcomed by major players in the sector.
SIHH 2019 will continue to take place from 14-17 January 2019 in Geneva and Baselworld 2019 from 20-25 March 2019.
(Source: Baselworld)