Organisers of Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) and Baselworld have agreed to hold their respective events back-to-back on the 2020 Swiss trade show calendar. SIHH will run from April 26-29 in Geneva, followed immediately by Baselworld – 255km away – from April 30-May 5.
The move came in response to several exhibitor cancellations, including the Swatch Group, which owns brands such as Omega, Breguet and Harry Winston, which withdrew from Baselworld.
SIHH also had its share of exhibitor defections last year, with participants saying it was costly to attend two fairs in a calendar year, given their geographical proximity.
“Our two events have always been different, yet complementary,” Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie president and managing director Ms Fabienne Lupo, which organises SIHH, said in a statement,
“Re-syncing with Baselworld will further confirm Switzerland as the foremost destination for watchmaking in the world.”
Baselworld managing director Mr Michel Loris-Melikoff said in a statement “we have sought dialogue with the SIHH and together have found a solution, which benefits visitors, the media, and the entire watchmaking industry enormously.”
The agreement is expected to remain in place until 2024.