Hong Kong Watch Fairs Signal Strong Growth in Middle Eastern and Asian Markets
The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME attracted 16,000 buyers and revealed optimistic industry projections, particularly for smart watches and emerging markets like the Middle East and East Asia.
The 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME concluded successfully, attracting approximately 16,000 trade buyers from 95 countries and regions. The events, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, highlighted Hong Kong's position as a global hub for watch commerce and innovation.
A survey conducted during the exhibition revealed strong optimism among industry participants, with 59% of respondents expecting sales growth over the next 12-24 months. Specific markets identified as having promising growth prospects include the Middle East (82%), Taiwan (79%), Korea (78%), Latin America (76%), Australia (76%), and ASEAN countries (73%). Regarding product trends, 47% of respondents believe smart watches have the most significant growth potential, followed by fashion watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
The exhibitions featured over 650 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, including pavilions from Guangzhou, Taiwan, the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP), and the French pavilion by Francéclat. The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair platform served as a launchpad for innovative products, with many exhibitors using it to enter international and mainland markets.
Notable business outcomes included Saat ve Saat from Turkiye securing an annual order worth $1 million from Hong Kong exhibitor Dailywin Watch Products Mfg Ltd. through the Click2Match platform at Salon de TIME. Su & Co Trading Company from Myanmar purchased $600,000 worth of branded watches and identified new brands for distribution.
Innovative product launches included Dayton Industrial's Watch2Care TCM smart watch, which attracted interest from distributors in Germany, Mainland China, Singapore, and the United States. German brand Lilienthal Berlin introduced an eco-friendly watch with a dial made from recycled tea leaves, drawing global buyer attention and potential distributors from Bangladesh and Israel.
The events also featured "Guochao" series watches and a Microbrands zone showcasing affordable, stylish niche brands. Salon de TIME, open free to the public for the second consecutive year, attracted over 19,000 visitors who purchased watches on-site, with some spending nearly HK$100,000. The hybrid EXHIBITION+ model will continue to facilitate business discussions online until September 13.