Baselworld 2017 has a century old and shows two surprises: the area Les Ateliers and Design Lab.
Official opening of Baselworld, which celebrates a century. In 1917 he debuted with 29 watch companies. Today, manufacturers are present timepiece 220. In addition, there is all the jewelry industry. But the centennial birthday is also celebrated in a not propitious moment from the point of view of the market. “It was difficult 12 months and forced some traders to abandon the watch industry and jewelery,” admits Sylvie Ritter, managing director of Baselworld. For this reason, the fair will be transformed. “This transformation process will always prefer quality over quantity. The proof is that for this edition we have decided to reject some exhibitors. It is a choice, our choice,”she announced. Words that have surprised many. In any case, we could understand, it was the exhibition space wider to create new opportunities. “In particular, these adaptations have allowed us to offer to the independent watchmakers, recently placed at the Palace, an area of first choice in Hall 1. By creating this space, we called Les Ateliers, we have been able to meet growing demand of this sector, “said Ritter. She has also unveiled another novelty: the Design Lab. “This space dedicated to designer, active primarily in the field of jewelery, presents innovative unique and cutting edge creations.” In short, space for quality jewelry and new, previously had no access to the very high organizational costs, at Baselworld. Of course, the move is very reminiscent of The Design Room, the area set up in the January edition of VicenzaOro.
It seems, however, it’s watch industry that suffered more. According to François Thiébaud, president of Swiss exhibitors, in 2016 the Swiss watch exports fell by 9.88% compared to 2015, although the last quarter has been a slight improvement.
