The Summit would have celebrated the 60th anniversary of Grand Seiko and was the Japanese watch manufacturer’s only scheduled product event for retailers and media following its withdrawal from Baselworld at the end of last year.
Shuji Takahashi, president Seiko, justified the cancellation as necessary to protect the safety of potential attendees.
“As we are all aware, the coronavirus continues to spread and there is no immediate sign that it is likely to be contained in the near future,” Takahashi said. “The health of our guests is our paramount concern and, at this moment, we are not able to guarantee that you would be completely safe.”
At the time of publication, more than 75,000 cases of coronavirus had been confirmed, with 2,600 deaths.
The news was announced several weeks after Swatch Group cancelled its Time To Move event due to the same virus concerns. It had been scheduled to begin on 28 February in Zürich, Switzerland.
Gem event postponed
The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has re-scheduled its annual Congress from September 2020 to March 2021.
It was due to take place in Shenzhen on 20-23 September, but was moved to due to the current restrictions on travel to and from China. At least 10 countries have imposed restrictions, including the US, UK and Australia, in an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
A number of major airlines have also suspended flights to Mainland China, presenting logistical difficulties for the organisers of the Congress.
The decision to postpone the ICA event was confirmed earlier this month at the ICA Tucson Reception, part of the Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show. The new March 2021 dates will directly follow next year's Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (HKIJS) and Gem & Pearl Show (HKGPS).
This year's HKIJS and HKGPS have been moved from 2-8 March to 18-21 May.
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Hong Kong trade fairs postponed
Swatch Group cancels retail event