Press release
The general public and professionals turned out in large numbers to discover the creations and innovations from watch brands, jewellery brands and related sectors. Over 104,000 visitors strode the halls of Baselworld this year, and in doing so cast a last glance at this unique stage-setting, testifying their attachment to the Show.
Within a tough environment, the watch industry is holding up well – and even setting new records. Baselworld 2012 followed on from an excellent year that saw 29.8 million watches exported representing a total value of 19.3 billion Swiss francs. A unique and yet fairly logical economic case, since demand for luxury products continues to increase and the potential of certain emerging markets, including Asia and the Middle East, favours its development. While it is always difficult to anticipate results, this 40th edition augurs well for positive progress in 2012. The 20 billion franc export threshold should be easily crossed and thereby represent the third consecutive growth year.
Baselworld is a can't-miss venue for all actors in the industry: for exhibitors on the one hand, since they achieve a certain proportion of their sales on this occasion; and for retailers and distributors on the other, since the Show represents an amazing showcase for new trends and innovations in all sectors. Baselworld also offers unmatchable opportunities for networking, information gathering and establishing long-term relations. These eight days generally prove decisive for the coming year.
Born pioneers, Swiss watchmakers once again paid tribute to the legacy they share, while achieving remarkable feats by tirelessly innovating, whatever their budgets. The trends initiated in 2011 were confirmed. Vintage is once again in the spotlight. This delicate task of reviving brands' heritage involves reinforcing the characteristics of historical models while associating them with contemporary design codes. The Baselworld 2012 vintage features an extremely pure aesthetic, demurely interpreting monochrome or two-tone variations in shades of black, white or silver. The mechanical watch and finely openworked “in-house” movements were the stars of the show, playing on the theme of transparency to reveal their intricate inner workings. Finally, straps were the focus of considerable attention and ranged from classic or brown leather to synthetic materials in a broad palette of colours. Materials, textures and colours have been rethought in order to enhance ever-greater creativity and comfort.
In 2013, Baselworld will write a new chapter in its history. The high-quality transformation has been entrusted to Basel-based architects Herzog & de Meuron, who also designed the famous Bird's Nest national stadium in Beijing. The revamped facilities are characterised by their modern sophistication and exceptional aesthetic. The new hall complex will provide a total 141,000 m2, and the resulting infrastructure will offer Swiss Exhibitors a first-rate new showcase. See you in Basel on April 25th 2013 to discover this fine architectural achievement ready and waiting to welcome you!
BASELWORLD 2012 facts and figures
Date: March 8th to 15th 2012
Visitors: 104,300 (+1%)
Journalists: 3,320 (+9%)
Number of exhibitors: 1,815 (from 41 countries)
Swiss Exhibitors: 441
Exhibition area: 160,000 m2
