Basel becomes capital of watch world
This year's edition of the World Watch and Jewellery Show is expected to attract 85,000 visitors to Basel from March 22 to 29.
The 29th edition, which is reputedly the single most important event in the calendar of the world of watchmakers and jewellers, will be held at the Messe Basel exhibition centre.
On opening night, there will be a welcome party for exhibitors, visitors and the press, at which the three winners of the Basel 2001 international jewellery design competition will be announced.
The competition is aimed at giving final year jewellery design students the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading manufacturers. They are expected to create ten innovative pieces of jewellery for the award.
Last year’s winning creations were auctioned at Christie’s for charity. The theme for this year’s competition is “Surreal Appeal”.
Various trends within the watch and jewellery industry have taken flight in the hallowed halls of the Messe Basel, of five of which will be allocated to 2,400 exhibitors from 41 countries.
They will be showcasing everything from gemstone and jewellery design, to packaging and machinery.
The Messe Basel has been a gathering place for the event since 1917, when it held the “Swiss Industries Fair Basel”.
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