Press Release. Commentary in italics.
Watches & Wonders is coming to Shanghai for the first time. Eleven brands will exhibit at this leading watch fair, to be held September 9th to 13th, 2020 at the West Bund Art Center – a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Watchmaking Excellence and also be first to view the brands’ new releases for 2020.
Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2020
Shanghai, July 23rd, 2020 – Watches & Wonders is making its Shanghai debut. This leading watch fair, which will observe strict Health and safety measures, will take place September 9th to 13th, 2020 at the West Bund Art Center. By invitation only, this exclusive event is where media, retailers and clients can experience the fabulous world of fine watchmaking and also be first to see the latest creations from the eleven exhibiting brands. It carries on from the online Watches & Wonders fair that took place at end April on the watchesandwonders.com platform.
The participating brands will welcome visitors inside two halls at the heart of West Bund Art Center. Shanghai’s hottest address for art, lifestyle and design provides the ideal setting for a 360° immersive encounter with the culture of watchmaking, thanks to a full programme of events.
- The Auditorium will host product launches, talks and panels on a variety of topics such as the return of the pilot’s watch or the vintage watch trend.
- The LAB, a showcase for innovation, will present selected projects and technologies from the exhibiting brands.
- A workshop will introduce visitors to the secrets of a mechanical watch movement.
- The Métiers gallery will host workbench demonstrations of rare skills by master artisans and watchmakers.
- This engaging experience will also be visible on the watchesandwonders.com digital platform as well as social media.
The event is part of the Watches & Wonders ecosystem, a global concept that encompasses the original Geneva fair (previously SIHH), local events such as the one in Shanghai, and the year-round watchesandwonders.com digital platform.
Stay connected for more Watches & Wonders events to come!
Earlier editions of Watches & Wonders have been in Hong Kong, Miami, and the ill-fated one scheduled for Geneva in place of SIHH 2020 which was cancelled, but appeared as an Digital Edition. Might this be seen as a shift from the epicenter of Switzerland for watch shows? Might this be an indication to move to where the market is? We have questions, no answers. Yet. But are excited to see how the events unfold.
Exhibiting brands
A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Purnell, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin
More information at watchesandwonders.com
MCH on a new concept for a global platform
Meanwhile, MCH, the managers for Baselworld also made an announcement for an online show concept for the watch, jewellery and gemstone industry. To be called HOURUNIVERSE, the platform will be digitally active throughout the year and will host an annual live show, currently scheduled for April 2021 in Basel. Details are still sketchy at publish time, as we have only received one press release this afternoon.
Edited 5pm SGT, April 23 to add MCH announcement.
