Citizen is the latest to exit from Baselworld 2020, citing worries about the current epidemic of COVID-19 as the reasons. More details forthcoming as we get the official press release. We have updated this with the official Press Release.
We got news of the Press Release, which was embargoed till 11am GVA time today (about 40 minutes ago as we post this). But at publishing time, we have not yet received the press release. And will update with the release when we get it. This article is now updated with the official press release.
We understand only Citizen and Bulova will not be exhibiting in Baselworld 2020. The other brands which are part of the Citizen group: Arnold & Sons, Angelus and Frederique Constant will continue to be in Basel.
Press Release
“We deeply regret the decision of our friends in Japan and the U.S. to withdraw from the next Baselworld due to the Coronavirus. Loyal to Baselworld for more than 30 years (since 1986), the Citizen and Bulova brands, which belong to the Japanese Citizen Watch Group, have made this painful decision not without regrets, and have assured us of their return in 2021,” said Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld.“
Norio Takeuchi. Managing Director of Citizen Watch Co. said: “The Citizen Watch Group strongly supports Baselworld in its project and transformation. We believe in the importance of a major event bringing together the entire watch industry.“
This year, the Citizen and Bulova brands will try to make up for this absence with several local events in their respective countries.
Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld added: “We remain focused on the preparation of the 2020 edition of Baselworld, the set-up schedule remains unchanged, and we are looking forward to unveiling the many new features and new formats we are preparing for the coming show. As far as the Coronavirus is concerned, we are closely monitoring developments with the health authorities. We remain extremely attentive on a daily basis. To date, I can confirm that Baselworld will take place as scheduled from 30 April to 5 May 2020.“
