Watches and Wonders Geneva is set to return from April 5 to 11, 2027, with a highly anticipated public weekend scheduled from Friday to Sunday. The event will feature the debut of the House of Brands, showcasing luxury names such as Breitling and Gallet, as well as the first appearance of Italian jeweller Damiani. Following the Geneva event, the newly minted Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair will take place, offering a double highlight for the luxury sector in April 2027. Further details are expected in the upcoming months.
Day: 23 June 2026
Watch market faces upheaval as smartwatches outpace traditional brands
The UK market for traditional watches priced under £500 has seen a dramatic decline, as sales plummeted from £569 million in 2025 to below £250 million in just five years. The rise of smartwatches, particularly among millennials, has rendered quartz models nearly obsolete. Fossil Group experienced a steep drop in sales from £152 million to £31 million, while Peers Hardy has managed a remarkable recovery, reporting £33.3 million in sales for 2025, up 7% year-on-year. The closure of over 80% of UK department stores amid changing consumer habits further underscores the need for brands to pivot towards connected devices in a rapidly evolving market.
New jewellery and watch fair set to launch in Basel in 2027
The city of Basel is set to re-establish its prominence in the jewellery and watch industry with the launch of the Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair in April 2027. Aiming to replace Baselworld, this fresh concept will feature around 400 exhibitors and seek to foster connections between European and Asian markets. Organisers MCH Group and Informa Markets are prioritising accessibility and cultural diversity, intending to create an engaging environment that encourages exploration rather than traditional exhibition formats. With plans to evolve over the coming years, the fair aims to bridge gaps in the market and highlight the rich identities of its participants.