Tokyo (SCCIJ) – A few months after its master event in Geneva, the Swiss watch fair “Watches and Wonders Shanghai” ended its third edition on a high note with 12,000 unique visitors. It featured 14 exhibiting Maisons and opened its door to the public for the first time.
The Swiss watch fair “Watches and Wonders” took place in Shanghai for the first time.
“Air of excitement”
Lovers of fine watchmaking again gathered at the West Bund Art Center within a completely redesigned Pavilion. The first three days were reserved, by invitation only, for retailers, the press, and the brands’ end customers, while about 5,000 end clients and public visitors could experience the journey into the heart of time on the two weekend days of the fair.
Social media shares helped expand the reach of the Salon to an even larger audience of 75 million people. The 14 exhibiting Maisons were A. Lange & Söhne, Arnold & Son, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Charriol, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-Lecoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Speake-Marin, U-Boat, Ulysse Nardin, and Vacheron Constantin.
“An air of excitement was palpable around the Salon’s halls, with international launches and the presence of Chinese celebrities such as actors Dilraba Dilmurat and Zhang Ruoyun, and former star swimmer Ning Zetao”, said the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation.
According to the press release, guests were able to take advantage of introductory workshops, special exhibitions, and presentations of different professional vocations that delivered a well-rounded and immersive experience, helping spark increased interest in watchmaking.
A ‘watch school’ enthused young visitors of the Watches and Wonders Shanghai.
A ‘watch school’ enthused young visitors of the Watches and Wonders Shanghai.
The Shanghai Salon hosted visitors across two floors, as part of a continued effort to offer every member of the public the best possible welcome. The 14 exhibiting brands were grouped on the ground floor, while the first floor provided a cultural and educational space, with an auditorium seating nearly 100 people. Visitors could attend various themed talks, some of which were hosted live by CEOs from the exhibiting Maisons.
More than just a trade show, Watches and Wonders wants to be a place where you can listen to and learn from professionals. The excellent reputation as the world’s largest luxury watch fair was reaffirmed with the Watches and Wonders Geneva in March of this year. The fair was dominated by Rolex, Patek Philippe, and the watch brands of the Richemont group.
The Watches and Wonders Shanghai came into being because China is one of the most energetic and dynamic luxury markets for many luxury watchmakers. The Shanghai show allows them to increase the demand for luxury watches.
“Chinese consumers tend to be a little bit younger than their counterparts in other countries and women account for a higher proportion of its clientele, told Christoph Grainger-Herr, chief executive of IWC, the global edition of the China Daily newspaper.
Text and pictures: Watches and Wonders (Editing by SCCIJ)
