The event had been scheduled to take place from 25–29 April, directly before Baselworld. The two shows were moved from their traditional January and March dates in order to create a unified ‘Swiss Shows Week’.
In a statement, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, which organises Watches & Wonders Geneva, said that the cancellation of the show would “protect the health and safety” of attendees, given the rapid spread of coronavirus worldwide.
Alongside its name change, Watches & Wonders Geneva was set to launch a consumer-focused program this year, called In The City, which has also been cancelled. It would have involved activities and site visits throughout Geneva.
“The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie understands the disappointment this year’s cancellation may cause and remains at the disposal of its partners and guests for any queries they may have. The FHH is already working on the organisation of 2021 edition of Watches & Wonders Geneva,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, at the time of publication, Baselworld management were confident that it would go ahead as planned on 30 April–5 May.
Michel Loris-Melikoff, managing director Baselworld, said, “We are very closely monitoring the evolution of the covid-19 [coronavirus] situation and are in close contact with the respective health and other authorities.”
He added that organisers were following “all official procedures and recommendations to ensure the safety of the exhibitors, visitors and staff” and had created a comprehensive action plan.
Movado Group cancels product launch
Movado Group has followed Swatch Group and Seiko in cancelling its upcoming product launch event, citing coronavirus concerns.
The three-day Movado Group Summit had been due to take place in Davos, Switzerland, in March. Movado Group CEO Efraim Grinberg reportedly informed retailers and distributors of the cancellation via email.
The Group began holding the Summit following its withdrawal from Baselworld in 2018.
In addition to new products and marketing strategies from brands including Movado, Olivia Burton, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste and Hugo Boss, the event also involved panel discussions and presentations from keynote speakers.
Last year’s Summit had more than 500 attendees, including members of the public and press, from 40 countries.
jewellery & watch events cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus
- Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Hong Kong Gem & Pearl Show: scheduled 2-8 March, postponed to 18-21 May
- Swatch Group 'Time To Move': scheduled 28 February-6 March, cancelled
- Seiko 'Grand Seiko Summit': scheduled 4-6 March, cancelled
- Movado Group 'Movado Group Summit': scheduled late March, cancelled
- Watches & Wonders Geneva: scheduled 25-29 April, cancelled
- ICA Congress 2020: scheduled 20-23 September, postponed to March 2021
More reading:
Seiko cancels major event due to coronavirus
Swatch Group cancels major retail event
Hong Kong trade fairs postponed