Swiss watchmakers are hopeful of a better 2016 following a 3.3 per cent drop in exports in 2015.

As the 2016 edition of Baselworld wrapped up after eight days of intense activity in Basel, Switzerland, the first assessments shared by the Swiss brands indicate that despite the downturn in 2015, they remain confident regarding this year’s results. 

The second semester should counter-balance a difficult start to the year, the Swiss Exhibitors Committee said in a statement.

After several years of record growth, Swiss watch exports fell last year – for the first time since 2009 – by 3.3 per cent to CHF21.5 billion ($22 billion), the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS) had reported in January.

More than 145,000 visitors strode the aisles of the show during this year’s Baselworld, in order to admire creations and innovations by watchmakers, jewellers and representatives of related sectors. 

The wealth of the Swiss watchmaking heritage on display confirmed Swiss brands’ determination to continue cultivating their skills, convinced that they will endure despite a tough international context. Witness the impressive media coverage of the event and the constantly growing press exposure that makes Baselworld a firm focus of interest within the luxury world.

Baselworld is beyond doubt the world’s biggest trade show of its kind, in which all partners from watchmaking, jewellery and related sectors rub shoulders. 1,500 exhibitors from 40 countries congregate there each year. This unique platform is without equal and enables all stakeholders to vie with each other and stimulate their respective creativity. Baselworld is not only the salon where one measures time, but also the place where time is clothed in materials, technologies and values that reflect its emotional nature.

This 100^th edition, which ran from March 17 to 24, featured a tougher economic environment than the previous year, the committee reported. 

“In the wake of the November 2015 terrorist attacks, many travellers cancelled their trips to Europe, thereby affecting end-of-year sales which are always very important for the Swiss watch industry. 

“Stocks acquired for the festive period were only partially sold, which explains the tough start to the year. The situation has also been compounded by certain modifications involving visa regulations. All sectors have been affected, including diamonds, precious stones and related sectors. After a steep 7.9 per cent drop in January, the figures for February herald an improvement, with a smaller 3.3 per cent decline. 

“One must hope that this improvement will result in restocking as sales pick up,” it said. 

Baselworld 2016 drew a record number of 4,400 media representatives (+2.3 per cent), and only slightly fewer participants than last year (145,000). Retailers and partners were on hand to admire the latest “Swiss made” innovations presented by the 304 Swiss brands taking part in Baselworld.

The 2017 edition of Baselworld will be held from March 23 to March 30, 2017.