The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME concluded successfully yesterday, drawing over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions. Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, the five-day event underscored Hong Kong's pivotal role as an international trading center and premier sourcing hub for the global watch and clock industry. Notably, buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America recorded significant growth, reflecting the fair's expanding global reach.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam emphasized the fair's importance as the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, connecting the entire value chain from manufacturing to brand promotion. This year, Salon de TIME attracted more than 150 brands from across the globe, achieving a record scale and enhancing its international profile. The Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count compared with last year, indicating strong market demand for personalized designs and cultural elements. Lam noted that the fairs created opportunities for global industry players to connect and collaborate while demonstrating Hong Kong's strengths as an international trading platform.
A survey conducted during the fair revealed optimistic industry prospects: 50% of respondents expect sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stable sales. Promising growth markets identified include Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%). In terms of product trends, 37% of respondents believe fashion watches offer the greatest growth potential, followed by smart watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
Exhibitors reported robust business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches at Hunan Shengshi Weide Technology Co., Ltd., said they connected with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches, with expected sales exceeding US$3 million. Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager of Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., noted first-time connections with customers from Kuwait and Mexico, securing orders daily and expecting total sales to exceed RMB10 million. Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial from the UAE, anticipated sourcing approximately US$1 million worth of watch components and US$250,000 in packaging materials.
CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches, highlighting the fair's evolution from a transaction-driven venue to a strategic platform for industry exchange. At Salon de TIME, Guochao-inspired watches were prominent, with Sun International Concepts Ltd. presenting five Chinese Mainland brands. Executive Director David Sun reported 17 enquiries for bespoke timepieces, including orders from Dubai, the Philippines, and Thailand, totaling HK$4 million. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch also launched products during the fair, with Fosun Watch Group CEO George Xu expecting sales to exceed HK$1 million and noting plans for a flagship store in Central following the successful opening of a Tsim Sha Tsui store.
The Microbrands zone attracted 29 brands from eight countries, more than double last year's number. Debuting brand MicroMilspec from Norway received over 170 visitors on the first day, estimating potential sales of US$29,000. Returning exhibitor Watchcatavlog showcased 10 microbrands, with Founder Ciff Luk expecting sales of HK$280,000 and a 20% year-on-year increase in visitor inquiries. UK-based WOLF launched the world's most compact travel watch winder and connected with around 40 potential buyers via HKTDC's Click2Match platform. Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion founder Amarildo Pilo highlighted the fair's international reach, meeting over 10 interested clients and expanding the pavilion from 10 to 14 brands.
LINK2CARE, in collaboration with Swiss brand MARVIN, launched a luxury smartwatch with concealed medical-grade biometric sensors. Paul Yuen, Director of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd, reported selling more than 100 units priced over HK$2,000 on the first day and establishing a cross-industry partnership in wellness tourism. Salon de TIME offered free public admission, with some brands providing on-site retail. Abel Hwong, Publisher of World of Luxury Times, led a 26-member delegation and purchased 12 watches exceeding HK$100,000.
The HKTDC will organize further trade fairs this autumn, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia from 13 to 16 October, followed by lighting fairs later in the month, all adopting the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format to extend business opportunities online. The success of this year's watch fairs reinforces Hong Kong's position as a global trading hub and indicates a promising future for the industry.
