Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME Conclude with Over 17,000 Buyers, Signaling Global Industry Resilience

The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organised 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 yesterday. The five-day event drew over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions, reaffirming its status as the world's largest one-stop marketplace for watches and clocks. Buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America saw significant growth, highlighting Hong Kong's role as an international trading hub.

HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam emphasised the fair's importance: “As the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME connect the entire value chain spanning manufacturing, sourcing and brand promotion, bringing together brands, watchmakers, suppliers, retailers, collectors, watch media and enthusiasts from around the world.” This year, Salon de TIME attracted over 150 brands, achieving a record scale, with the Microbrands zone doubling in exhibitor numbers compared to last year. Lam noted strong market demand for microbrands, Guochao-inspired watches, and cross-industry collaborations.

A survey conducted during the fair revealed that 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, with 43% anticipating stable sales. Promising growth markets identified included 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, “We have already 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.” Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager at Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., noted, “We secured orders every day, and we expect total sales generated from this year’s fair to exceed RMB10 million.”

The fair also facilitated cross-border deals. Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial from the UAE, said, “During this year’s fair, we expect to source approximately US$1 million worth of watch components from nine suppliers, including two newly identified suppliers.” SK Chong, Business Development Director of CN Innovation Limited, which has participated in every edition of the fair, highlighted its evolution from a transaction-driven trade venue to a strategic platform for industry exchange and market promotion.

Salon de TIME showcased Guochao-inspired watches and attracted significant public interest. David Sun, Executive Director of Sun International Concepts Ltd., reported receiving 17 enquiries for bespoke timepieces, generating customised watch orders totalling HK$4 million. George Xu, CEO of Fosun Watch Group, which represents Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch, said, “We expect sales generated from this year’s exhibition to exceed HK$1 million. The fair has helped us expand into overseas markets, and we plan to launch our flagship store in Central after the fair.”

New exhibitors found success at the Microbrands zone. Katarina Halvorssen of MicroMilspec from Norway said, “More than 170 visitors came to our booth on the first day alone. We estimate potential sales of around US$29,000.” Returning exhibitor Watchcatavlog from Hong Kong reported a 20% increase in visitor inquiries, with interest from buyers in Brazil, Canada, India, Kuwait, the Philippines, Singapore, and the US.

The fair also served as a platform for product launches and cross-industry collaborations. WOLF, a UK luxury watch storage brand, launched the world’s most compact travel watch winder, while LINK2CARE partnered with Swiss brand MARVIN to introduce a luxury smartwatch with biometric sensors. Paul Yuen of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd noted that the fair attracted diverse buyers and led to a cross-industry partnership with a tour guide to explore wellness tourism opportunities.

The Click2Match smart business matching platform remains open until 12 September, allowing exhibitors and buyers to continue business discussions online. The success of this year’s fair underscores Hong Kong's pivotal role as a premier sourcing hub for the global watch and clock industry, connecting global opportunities and facilitating business partnerships across the value chain. As Smilely Lam concluded, the fair “fully demonstrated Hong Kong's strengths as an international trading platform by attracting global opportunities to Hong Kong while helping Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises and brands expand into overseas markets.”