Wristwatch Journal
While the centre of attraction for Watches & Wonders, previously SIHH or Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, has always been Geneva, Switzerland, the show has already seen multiple additional editions in Hong Kong or in Miami. For 2020, this relocated extension of W&W will take place in an unprecedented place, Shanghai, China – from September 9th to September 13th, 2020 – a strategic choice considering the importance of Asia in Richemont (and other brands) sales.
After three mini-SIHH editions (2013, 2014 and 2015), back then already named Watches & Wonders, in Hong Kong and a relocation of this additional show to Miami in 2018 and 2019, the Watches & Wonders ecosystem has decided to add yet another – but highly strategic – location to its portfolio of shows, with Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2020. While this year’s edition of the main Geneva-based event has been cancelled due to sanitary reasons, this will be an important venue for participating brands, as the only major event to present new models this year.
Held from September 9th to September 13th, 2020 at the West Bund Art Center, Shanghai, this new show will gather 11 brands – A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Purnell, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin.
By invitation only, this event is where media, retailers and clients will be able to first to see the latest creations from the exhibiting brands. The participating brands will welcome visitors inside two halls at the heart of West Bund Art Center. This new show will also be visible on the watchesandwonders.com digital platform as well as social media.
This new Shanghai-based Watches & Wonders 2020 event doesn’t come as a replacement to the original Geneva-based event, as the next edition will most certainly take place early 2021. This, however, is a strong message regarding local sales policies, China and Asia in general being major hubs for the brands. Relocating this additional event in Shanghai makes a lot of sense, business-wise.
More details at watchesandwonders.com.
