Last edition of Baselworld saw closing down of several halls due to shrinking number of exhibitors. Besides, the show was also shortened by two days. The Swiss watch group Swatch has announced that it all of its brands will be leaving the March edition of Baselworld 2019.

The company statement by the MCH Group stated that they sincerely regret the decision by one of the most important exhibitors in the watch industry to no longer participate in the Baselworld watch and jewellery trade fair; nevertheless this development does not jeopardise Baselworld 2019.

The MCH statement further mentioned that after the success of Baselworld 2018 and the new concept for Baselworld 2019 which is in full swing under the new management, the cancellation by this exhibitor comes as a surprise. Baselworld's Comité Consultatif, consisting of representatives of all the important exhibitors from the watch industry, approved the new concept at its meeting of 4 July 2018. The MCH Group is convinced that this has laid a good foundation for a successful trade fair.

The MCH Group has a broad-based national trade fair portfolio. In the last few years, the Group has also selectively internationalised its portfolio in the field of "collectors markets" (in particular art).

The Swatch Group, which owns 18 watch brands including Breguet, Blancpain, Harry Winston, Omega, Longines, Tissot, Rado, Jaquet Droz, Glashutte Original, Hamilton, Mido, reportedly invests more than $50 million to exhibit at Baselworld annually.