Baselworld 2014 is considered THE event of the year for the watch making and jewellery industry. The Baselworld show was opened by Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, Member of the Cantonal Council of Basel-Stadt Christoph Brutschin and prominent representatives from the watch making and jewellery industry. Around 100,000 visitors and over 3,500 journalists from all over the world attended this year's event. This year, just like every other year, there were many highlights at Baselworld. With their luxurious and sometimes spectacular presentations, the 1,400 exhibitors ensured that their pavilions showcased highlights every day, almost round the clock. Baselworld 2014, which was also open to the general public, was slated from March 27 to April 3, 2014. The pavilions, which were specially designed for the event, were exceptionally elegant and conveyed to visitors the luxurious and perfectionist world of the watch and jewellery brands.
Opening the conference, René Kamm, CEO of MCH Switzerland, the company that owns Baselworld, was confident that this year's edition would once again be characterised by the numerous new features, innovations and trends that this industry brings forth and presents here every year. For the MCH Group, the internationality of the show is really important as with shows such as Baselworld and Art Basel in Basel, Miami Beach and Hongkong, the group definitely counts among the global players in the show scene. “And with that comes an obligation to continue to develop and innovate no less than the exhibitors,” said Kamm. Baselworld Managing Director, Sylvie Ritter said, “Our show is a microcosm of the industry, where for one week a year all the leading players in the world of watchmaking and jewellery unite; it is a true and highly focused reflection of the changes, trends and innovations within the entire industry.” She also went on to mention how much the market for watches and jewellery had evolved over the past decade and that Baselworld strives to be an accurate reflection of the reality of the industry and its players, one that combines modernity, luxury and aesthetics with comfort and efficiency. “To preserve a perfect harmony between tradition and demands of the moment, we must constantly demonstrate foresight and skill.”
Baselworld was as glamorous as always and watch industry dominated the show and did very well. The Hall 3 which had the precious stones and diamond dealers had a decent response but felt bit slow than previous years. They felt that the traffic was less and important big buyers had done business in Hong Kong two weeks ago while the small ones can't afford to be in Basel as everything from the show to the city is an expensive affair. The jewellery companies in Hall2 had a mix response as big brands which did their homework well had fix appointments and hence were doing okay while others were waiting for clients to come. Indian pavilion was at Hall 3 with 9 booths as well as in Hall 2 with jewellery booths. Russians and Americans were less at the show, the majority were European buyers and Chinese were there as well.
Baselworld 2014 came to a close having once again succeeded in bringing together around 150,000 attendees (including representatives from exhibiting companies, buyers, journalists and other visitors) from every continent, underlining its position as the most important marketplace and trend-setting event for the world's watch and jewellery industry. The eight outstanding show days were comprehensively covered by extensive global media presence. With enthusiastic feedback from all players, Baselworld 2014 ended on a high note, having met and exceeded expectations in terms of business, quality, media presence and exposure.
Baselworld is the ultimate meeting place for the entire industry with all sectors represented: watchmaking, jewellery, diamonds, gemstones and pearls, machines, and supply industries. It is the annual event, where around 1,500 exhibitors, including all the leading brands, from over 40 countries first showcase their innovations and novelties. On top of that, the economic impact is enormous. The Swiss watch industry, 95 per cent of which is represented at Baselworld, had exports of around 21.8 billion Swiss francs in 2013. And it is not only the watch and jewellery industry that benefits; the whole of Switzerland profits, as Baselworld directly and indirectly generates an income of around 2.4 billion Swiss francs a year and thereby approximately 13,000 jobs.
Overall, the exhibitors enthusiastically expressed their general satisfaction both with the show and with the business outcome.
BUZZWORD FROM EXHIBITORS
“Historical! It's been a great Baselworld for Bulgari and it will be remembered for a long time,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari. For him, “Baselworld is that moment in time that determines the future. In the course of one week, we unveil our novelties to business partners and to the press of the whole world; possibly one of the most intimate exercises of a brand, the creation. In return, we feel the emotions that our creations evoke. A capital experience for the future to continue to improve ourselves.”
Thierry Stern, CEO of Patek Philippe, found the whole show to be a very smooth process with pleasant ambiance and excellent attendance of the press. He went on to say, “We have been present in Basel since 1931, as it is the most important platform for meeting all of our retailers and an excellent platform for our media partners. This year, we received more than 1,000 journalists in a few days.”
“Baselworld 2014 has been a good edition, similar to 2013,” said Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, adding that, “Baselworld reaffirms its dominant position as ‘The Rendezvous’ of the industry.”
Fawaz Gruosi, Founder and Creative Director of de GRISOGONO said, “Baselworld 2014 has been an extremely positive event for our brand. In addition to the launch of the Allegra watch collection that has encountered a great success both commercially and in terms of media buzz, all of our products have had a remarkable success. Our brand is continuing its wholesale expansion while we are strengthening our retail presence throughout the world.”
Stressing the importance of the show, Zenith CEO, Jean-Frédéric Dufour said, "Baselworld is an indispensable annual event that allows us to meet our clients, partners and journalists in one unique location."
Tag Heuer CEO, Stephane Linder, was really positive about the business done, saying, "Another excellent year! Sales are in line with our objectives, which were very ambitious. In terms of volume we have already exceeded our 2013 sales at Baselworld by +50%!" When asked about what the show means for his company he said, "This is the trade show of the year where we see all our retailers and our agents in the space of a few days, the only venue where we feel the pulse of the market in the 'blink of an eye'. In addition, it is also a wonderful platform for communication."
Walter von Känel, President of Longines, says: “We are very satisfied with Baselworld this year; it has again been a great success.”
According to Sowind CEO Michele Sofisti, “Baselworld has been very strong for us both in terms of image and product presentation as well as sales. We had double the appointments of last year and a clear increase in all our numbers for both the Girard-Perregaux and Jeanrichard brands.”
SPARKLING RESULTS FOR THE JEWELLERY TRADE
The jewellery sector has also benefitted from a good business environment. Pasquale Bruni, CEO of Pasquale Bruni said, “We experienced very good traffic during the show. In particular, the American and Arabian markets are experiencing strong growth and are of great importance to us.” His daughter Eugenia Bruni added: “Baselworld is the most important show of the year for us. We have felt great energy and have a very positive vision for the future.”
Furrer Jacot CEO, Walter Häusermann, found that Baselworld 2014 was good and maintained the high level set in 2013. He added, “In terms of business, the setting was ideal for acquiring new customers and to present the expansion of our range to existing customers.” In his opinion, “Baselworld is highly significant particularly for brand positioning and also as a launch pad for new models and product segments.”
PARAMOUNT FOR THE DIAMONDS, GEMSTONES & PEARLS BUSINESS
“Baselworld provides the platform for fostering and forging international contacts” said managing director Bernd-Willi Ripp of Groh + Ripp, who was more than satisfied with the show, adding that, “For us Baselworld has been very positive with very good transactions.”
Raj Mehta, CEO of international diamond merchant Rosy Blue, stressed the importance of the show for his company, saying, “It is vital for us to be at Baselworld because it is the most important trade show on the calendar that brings together clients, prospects and colleagues from around the globe and also because Baselworld is the perfect platform to represent our new products, and also to understand new trends of the industry. Due to its immense audience, its way of allocating exhibitors, it attracts the best players in the industry. It complements what Rosy Blue manufactures.”
Baselworld is also the place where exhibitors achieve a large percentage of their annual turnover, and in the words of Oz Masiah of Novel Collection, a leading international colour diamond speciality company, “Baselworld is one of the most important shows in the world especially for the diamond industry. All the big dealers in the diamond industry participate in this show and the biggest customers visit and show a lot of interest in our goods.”
BEST OF THE BEST COLLECTIONS SEEN AT BASELWORLD
DIAMOND STUDDED WATCHES:
The Graff Hallucination
The iconic jeweller unveiled a $55 million multicoloured diamond watch on the opening day. Aptly dubbed the ‘Graff Hallucination,’ the watch was created with over 110 carats of fancy coloured diamonds. “The Graff Hallucination is a sculptural masterpiece; a celebration of the miracle of coloured diamonds. For many years I have thought about creating a truly remarkable watch that illustrates our all consuming passion for diamonds. The Hallucination has made my diamond dream a reality,” said Laurence Graff, Chairman, Graff Diamonds. According the Graff Diamonds, the watch is the most valuable in the world.
Chopard : Happy Sport Tourbillon Joaillerie
— Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie thus combine to give birth to an entirely diamond-studded watch providing a precious backdrop for an L.U.C tourbillon movement. The Happy Sport joins the world of Haute Horlogerie with the Happy Sport Tourbillon Joaillerie model housing a L.U.C 02.16-L movement produced by the Chopard Manufacture. Available in 18-carat white or rose gold, this creation stems from the most delicate gem-setting techniques such as the snow setting that entirely carpets the dial with a flurry of diamonds. The tourbillon bridge are also gem-set, as is the bezel embellished with the refined touch of 36 trapeze-cut diamonds. The crown features baguette-cut diamonds and a briolette-cut diamond. Last but not least comes the seven famous moving diamonds spinning between two sapphire crystals.
Hermes Ladies Watch: Japanese ‘Hand Ball’ inspired Jewellery Watch
Hermes Arceau Temari model is decorated with 675 diamonds on 34mm Diameter case. Crown adorns 27 diamonds, neatly embedded. Total weight of diamonds is about 4.43 carats. Hermes jewellery watch is made in 42.6 gms of white gold. Dial alone, has another 176 diamonds and onyx marquetry. The splendid Hermes diamond dial can be wrapped around the wrist with matt black alligator leather straps. The overlaying of black strips and diamond strips depicts an ancient Japanese method. These diamonds are put together with a special snow setting technique. Temari means ‘hand ball’ in Japanese. The design on dials is inspired by the pattern seen on Japanese hand balls. Diamonds are combined with a marquetry composed either of white mother-of-pearl, onyx, lapis lazuli or opal.
Rolex DateJust Pearlmaster 34 (mm)
Rolex DateJust needs no introduction. By now, Rolex might have produced a DateJust watch to go with every outfit, in an elitist wardrobe. A collection that has been the first choice for many fashionistas who won’t settle for anything less than a Rolex. Just in case you were still waiting for that one watch with diamonds on dial and a coloured gem border to compliment that Chanel dress. It’s finally here!
Harry Winston Premier Chronograph 40mm
One of the timepieces that premiered at Baselworld is this special feature from the Premier Collection. Being the first watch collection in Harry Winston’s range, it’s also the most famous for its luxury and impeccable aesthetics. This charming piece has an 18k rose gold case featuring the signature arches of Harry Winston’s Fifth Avenue Boutique, the famous architectural masterpiece. The case, dial and indexes are adorned with 236 brilliant-cut diamonds and a subtle shade of Tahitian mother-of-pearl. This soft ensemble is finished with a bold and resistant alligator strap. It’s a glamorous choice aimed for a cosmopolite powerful woman.
Corum: Heritage Artisans Feather Watch
Plumasserie (better known as feather art) requires tremendous patience, care and a masterful hand. With Swiss watchmaker Corum's two new Heritage Artisans Feather Watch limited editions, a peacock feather setting dazzles on the dial. Each feather is hand-selected, cleaned, steam-stabilized and re-cut. It's then placed atop the brass dial and glued and, in one version, framed by 120 round-cut diamonds. The overall watch shape is a throwback to the brand's '70s editions, but the plumage within conveys more than past grandeur. It's a very rare experience to see a peacock in flight; equally rare are the skill-sets required to compose these exquisite automatic timepieces.
DIAMOND JEWELLERY
Staurino Fratelli
Not to be missed are the novelty pieces from the MAGIC SNAKE and MORESCA Collections, two core collections, which stand out and characterised by their captivating design innovation. The new items have been enriched through technical detail, making them even more comfortable and versatile. These are geared towards a younger yet sophisticated individual, who values a unique style, and has the possibility of wearing fine jewelry throughout their day. Also, not missing are the more researched and sophisticated pieces from the NATURE Collection, yet another iconic line of Staurino Fratelli, find their highest levels of artistic interpretation.
Stephen Webster
Characterising Webster’s renowned wit and humour, the playfully titled Stargazer collection references the legendary Cornish delicacy, the Stargazy Pilchard Pie. Spectacular chandelier drop earrings and collars feature gem-set cascading stars to create a stunning showpiece suite which rivals the most awe-inspiring constellations in the night sky.
Jewellery Theatre
Every piece of jewellery in the ‘Flowers’ collection is a miniature masterpiece. The work is so delicate and profound, that the flowers seem to come alive, full of warmth and freshness. A unique shape of the thinnest gold petals, studded with precious stones, minute leaves, curved stems and the heart of each flower fascinating us with its enigmatic depth, entwined together into delicate rings, earrings and necklaces of an astounding beauty. To our amazement, large precious and coloured stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, tourmalines, emeralds and amethysts come to life and sparkle with a new and special light.
Mattia Cielo
Mattia Cielo is once again pushing the frontiers of jewellery-making by crafting pieces with the ‘material of the future’ - the name of which will only be revealed during the forthcoming edition of Baselworld. In the Armadillo collection, the influence of the aerospace industry gave intriguing colours to gold whilst futuristic titanium provided the base of the Ghiaccio and Rugiada ranges. This year, the forms of the new jewels will be created from the unique and unpredictable texture of a material never before used in jewellery making.
Martine Hul
It is said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. To Hul, every girl and woman is a princess, and they all deserve to wear their beautiful Principessa pieces: these girl ‘s best friends have beautiful diamonds and each sport their own little crown, in every shade of gold.
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