Story Highlight
– JCK 2026 hosted 17,500 attendees in Las Vegas.
– New dedicated watch destination launched at the event.
– Extensive brand lineup included major watch companies.
– Educational sessions enhanced industry knowledge and networking.
– Event reinforced watches’ growing importance in the industry.
Full Story
JCK and Luxury 2026 has reported a record attendance of 17,500 participants at its latest event in Las Vegas, highlighting a significant growth in its focus on watches with the introduction of a special area dedicated to timepiece brands.
Taking place at The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort, the four-day event showcased top jewellery and watch manufacturers from around the globe. Organisers noted a marked increase in both attendance and engagement on the exhibition floor.
A key feature of this year’s event was the launch of a new watch and timepiece zone, which illustrated the growing convergence between the jewellery and watch industries, as retailers seek to expand their product lines.
This new section featured a diverse array of brands, including Citizen Watch US, Frederique Constant, Alpina Watches, Accutron, Bulova, Movado Group, Victorinox, G-SHOCK, Casio, Fossil Group, as well as independent watchmakers like D1 Milano and Vostok Europe.
In addition to the exhibitions, the watch destination hosted educational sessions focused on watch-related content, organised in collaboration with Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH). Networking events were also held, aimed at fostering relationships among retailers, brands, and key industry figures.
Highlights included WatchPro’s involvement, where the editorial team organised the Power List Party. This event celebrated influential personalities in the watch sector, bringing together executives, entrepreneurs, and media for an evening dedicated to networking and recognition, further underscoring the rising importance of watches within the broader JCK framework.
Sarin Bachmann, senior vice president at JCK, Luxury, JCK Magazine and JCKOnline, expressed satisfaction with the event’s results, stating: “JCK and Luxury 2026 exceeded expectations on every level. The energy throughout the week was extraordinary, with very strong attendance, packed show floors, and meaningful business taking place at every turn. It was inspiring to see the global jewellery and watch community connect, discover new opportunities, and drive the industry forward.”
Bachmann also noted the event reinforced confidence in industry resilience, highlighting how the engagement and collaborative spirit throughout the exhibition showcased JCK as the leading marketplace and meeting point for the sector.
Among the first-time exhibitors at the new watch section was Citizen Watch America. Susan Chandler, the chief merchandising officer, remarked, “This was our first year exhibiting at Luxury at JCK, and we were pleased with both the attendance and the quality of engagement at our brand booths. The show provided an ideal setting for our retail partners to discover our Autumn/Winter 2027 novelties, reconnect with our teams, and participate in meaningful conversations with the broader timepiece community. We are excited about the continued growth of the category and look forward to future participation in this premier industry event.”
Buoyed by the positive feedback from this year, the watch category is anticipated to take on an even more prominent role when JCK and Luxury reconvene in Las Vegas in June 2027.
