Glittering Basel 2000 jewellery and watch exhibition opens its doors

The world's leading show for watches, clocks and jewellery has opened its doors in Basel against a background of change and innovation. During the next week, about 2,400 exhibitors from 41 countries are presenting their collections.

The world’s leading show for watches, clocks and jewellery has opened its doors in Basel against a background of change and innovation. During the next week, about 2,400 exhibitors from 41 countries are presenting their collections to 80,000 trade visitors.

Basel 2000 is taking place at a time of confidence, particularly for the Swiss watch manufacturers whom last year exported a record SFr9 billion in watches and movements.

“There is every indication that the year 2000 will prove successful for the watch, clock and jewellery business,” said René Kamm, general manager of the show.

“The major markets report good prospects for growth. Sales during last year’s festive season were excellent and stocks are currently low throughout the wholesale and retail trade,” he added.

The Basel organisers not only want to give exhibitors the best possible platform to transform this favourable climate into good sales, but also want to enable companies to show off their unique brands and marketing concepts.

One novelty this year is a forum to encourage the exchange of experiences among industry participants.

The Basel Forum is a discussion and presentation platform for the watch and jewellery trade, with this year’s topics:
– “Is Branding the way forward for the jewellery industry?”
– and “How will the Internet challenge the traditional promotion and sales channels of watches and jewellery within the luxury market?”

Prominent speakers representing suppliers, the retail trade, market research, advertising, e-business and e-commerce will take part in platform discussions.

“This show is an exceptional place to meet and sell. If it also became a platform for strategic exchange, everyone would benefit even more,” said Jacques Duchêne, president of the Basel 2000 exhibitors’ committee.

By Robert Brookes