Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd, the 38th edition of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair will take place from tomorrow until 7 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The world's largest watchmaking event this year will host 830 exhibitors from 22 countries/regions, including Qatar and Indonesia, who are participating for the first time. "The watch industry is rising to the challenges arising from the ongoing trade dispute between China and the US and the global economic slowdown," said Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC. "For example, many manufacturers have expanded their reach, launching watches with a traditional flair and excellent craftsmanship, while increasing the desirability of their brands through cross-collaborations, particularly by developing smartwatches that employ the latest technologies to keep up with the fast-growing trend in wearable technology." Mr Chau also added that Hong Kong remains the country that exports the most watches, with total exports reaching HK66.3 billion in 2018, up 1.7% from 2017. In particular, exports to Indonesia grew by 26.3%, exports to the Philippines by 56.9%, and to Thailand grew by 20%. Returning to the Fair, of note is the presence of the area called Salon de Te, which hosts 140 international brands, divided into five thematic areas, namely World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment and Wearable Tech. Sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch (a renowned Hong Kong-based multi-brand boutique), the World Brand Piazza, in particular, hosts 13 world-famous brands such as Blancpain, Breguet, Chopard, Corum, Franck Muller, Glashütte Original, Jacob & Co., Jaquet Droz, Juvenia, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Sarcar Genève and Zenith. The Renaissance Moment area, for its part, hosts the Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion, which includes some new exhibitors, such as Francéclat (from France) and the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI), whose members have won more than 20 prizes at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. Some 30 events will also take place during the days of the Fair, with the aim of helping the players in the watchmaking industry to share information. On the day open to the public, i.e. 7 September, free admission will be allowed to all visitors over the age of 12. The date is therefore set for tomorrow and until 7 September, for the 38th edition of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair.
