The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, concluded successfully, attracting over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions. The five-day event, held in Hong Kong, underscored the city's pivotal role as an international trading center and premier sourcing hub for the global watch and clock industry.
Buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America recorded significant growth, with major contingents from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Russia, and the US, as well as ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. This surge reflects the industry's broadening global reach and the fair's ability to connect diverse markets. Salon de TIME, open to the public with free admission, together with CENTRESTAGE, attracted over 20,000 public visits, showcasing products from more than 400 watch and fashion brands.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam highlighted the fair's role as the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, connecting the entire value chain from manufacturing to retail. “This year, Salon de TIME attracted more than 150 brands from across the globe, achieving a record scale,” Lam noted. The Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count compared to last year, reflecting strong market demand for microbrands, Guochao-inspired watches, and cross-industry collaborations.
A survey conducted during the fair revealed optimistic industry outlooks. Fifty percent of respondents expected overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipated stable sales. Respondents identified Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%) as promising markets for growth. In terms of product trends, 37% believed fashion watches offer the greatest growth potential, followed by smartwatches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
Exhibitors reported robust business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches at Hunan Shengshi Weide Technology Co., Ltd., representing the Hengyang, Hunan pavilion, said they had connected with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches. “We expect sales generated during the five-day fair to exceed US$3 million,” she added. Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager at Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., noted first-time connections with customers from Kuwait and Mexico and expected total sales to exceed RMB10 million.
Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial, a watch wholesaler and retailer from the UAE, anticipated sourcing approximately US$1 million worth of watch components from nine suppliers, including two new ones. CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches. SK Chong, Business Development Director, emphasized the fair's evolution from a transaction-driven venue to a strategic platform for industry exchange.
Salon de TIME featured brands inspired by the Guochao trend. Sun International Concepts Ltd. presented Chinese Mainland watch brands, including creations by AHCI members Xushu Ma, Zehua Tan, and Lin Yonghua. The company received 17 enquiries for bespoke timepieces, generating orders totaling HK$4 million. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch also held product launches, with Fosun Watch Group CEO George Xu expecting sales to exceed HK$1 million and noting plans for a flagship store in Central Hong Kong.
The Microbrands zone debuted with 29 brands from eight countries, including Norwegian brand MicroMilspec, which attracted over 170 visitors on the first day. Katarina Halvorssen, its CRM & Sales Manager, estimated potential sales of around US$29,000. Returning exhibitor Watchcatavlog showcased 10 microbrands, with founder Ciff Luk reporting increased inquiries and interest from buyers in Brazil, Canada, India, Kuwait, the Philippines, Singapore, and the US.
WOLF, the UK luxury watch storage brand, launched the world's most compact travel watch winder at the fair and connected with around 40 potential buyers via HKTDC's Click2Match platform. Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion grew from 10 to 14 brands, with owner Amarildo Pilo noting connections with clients from Kazakhstan and the Chinese Mainland. Additionally, LINK2CARE and MARVIN launched a luxury smartwatch with medical-grade biometric sensors, and Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd. sold over 100 units of its high-end watches on the first day.
The fair's success highlights Hong Kong's resilience and its continued importance as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets. As the industry evolves, events like these foster global partnerships and drive innovation, benefiting businesses and consumers worldwide.
