BASELWORLD 2010 closed its doors

BASELWORLD 2010 closed its doors today after eight outstandingly successful days. With 100,700 industry professionals from all over the world, the show received extremely high attendance (+7% up compared to last year). At the close of the event, the exhibitors were delighted with the pace of business. The World Watch and Jewellery Show proved a real inspiration for the industry.

During the past few days, the most important and largest World Watch and Jewellery Show, BASELWORLD, confirmed its leading position worldwide. 100,700 trade buyers from 100 countries streamed into the elegant exhibition halls in Basel.

Thanks to its unique presence, BASELWORLD secured its reputation as the highlight for the watch and jewellery industry, confirming its tremendous importance for all participants. BASELWORLD 2010 met the high expectations in terms of business performance and gave new impetus to the industry after challenging economic times.

Confirming the strength of the international show

Jacques J. Duchêne, President of the Exhibitors’ Committee, confirmed: “We are delighted with this year’s BASELWORLD. Without being euphoric, we can optimistically look ahead this year. The show is and remains the place to meet for the watch and jewellery industry.”

François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors' Committee, explained how BASELWORLD 2010 wholeheartedly endorsed the positive signs during January and February for the Swiss watch industry: “Exhibitors and visitors can smile again. More than ever before, Basel is indispensable for us and 'the place to be'.”

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, was also extremely pleased: “In comparison to last year, this year’s show went much better. We welcomed more customers – especially from the USA – and received many more orders.”

Françoise Bezzola, Vice President Communication of TAG Heuer, commented: “This was an exceptional year. After a tense period, we experienced a festive and optimistic atmosphere at the show. Everyone looks much more relaxed again here in Basel.”

Roberto Passariello, Communication Director of Bell & Ross, is also delighted with the way the show went: “It was a highlight of the year. At this year’s BASELWORLD, we welcomed significantly more trade buyers and journalists.”

CEO and President of Raymond Weil, Olivier Bernheim, describes BASELWORLD’s strength as follows: “All market participants in the world watch and jewellery industry were present at this ideal event. This is where we launch our products to our customers annually and update the media about our latest news. BASELWORLD 2010 enables me to look ahead with optimism.”

"We are also very pleased”, comments Michaela Hasieber, PR manager of Festina Group. “BASELWORLD is a crucial industry hub – our new product launches were well received and we were all able to present our brands in the best light.”

The world show is also eminently important for smaller brands. Mike Vogt, Vogard’s Créateur commented on the show: “It continues to be the top international event. If you miss out, you clearly have problems. This show secures stability even in challenging times and facilitates fantastic networking. We have achieved excellent sales especially in the Middle East”.

Jewellery exhibitors also delighted

At the close of the show, Christoph Wellendorff, CEO of Wellendorff was also very satisfied: “Winners from the crisis are the authentic manufacturers and established brands. Wellendorff is profiting from this: we were able to improve again on the results of recent years. The buyers’ trust and confidence is back in all markets. BASELWORLD continues to be the only show that Wellendorff participates in.”

According to Umberto Picchiotti, Vice President of Picchiotti, BASELWORLD is immensely important for jewellery producers: “Our expectations were far greater at this show than last year. And we are totally satisfied – this week we did exceptional business.”

Finally, suppliers of precious gemstones gave numerous positive reports. For example, Bernd-Willy Ripp, Managing Director of Groh + Ripp, described BASELWORLD 2010 as follows: “We are delighted with this year’s result. We are surprised about the number of new customers from the UK and central Europe – with buyers from overseas continuing to arrive in Basel. All the regions of the world are present here.”

Representing the national pavilions in the Hall of Universe, Winchell Cheung, Director HKTDC, commented on last year’s show: “Business was better than last year. We achieved higher sales again especially with buyers from the USA. We see this as the ideal platform for business from overseas and Europe.”

Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of BASELWORLD, gave a final summary: “We have received a great deal of excellent feedback from our guests. The upturn is evident in all areas – both in the watch and jewellery sectors and in the related brands – and we can look back at a successful show. Approximately 3,000 media representatives will now report around the world on the new products showcased here.”

BASELWORLD 2011: March 24 to 31, 2011
The World Watch and Jewellery Show, BASELWORLD 2011, will take place in Basel from March 24 to 31, 2011.