Bulgari, Breitling, Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin are among the brands taking part in Geneva Watch Days, scheduled for 26–29 April.
Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO Bulgari, said, “Despite the cancellation of the two major watch fairs, [Geneva Watch Days] will allow retailers and media, primarily from Europe but not only, to discover, comment and order the novelties of the founding brands, namely Breitling, Bulgari, Gerald Genta, Girard-Perregaux, MB&F, Ulysse Nardin, De Bethune and Urwerk.”
He added, “Besides these brands, we are currently in advanced discussions with several other important names including Chopard and H. Moser & Cie., which we hope will be confirmed very soon.”
Product presentations will be held across several hotels in Geneva and will take into account the Swiss Federal Council’s recent ban on events of more than 1,000 people.
The ban – which came into effect on 28 February – aims to limit the spread of the coronavirus. It led to the cancellation of Baselworld days before construction was due to begin on exhibitor stands.
Bulgari had pulled out of the trade show prior to the cancellation, following the success of the LVMH Watch Week in Dubai. It is also planning other product events, beyond Europe, throughout 2020.
US shows going ahead
Despite concerns over the coronavirus epidemic, the organiser of US trade shows JCK Las Vegas and JCK Luxury has confirmed the events will go ahead as planned.
JCK Las Vegas is the largest international jewellery trade show in the US and is scheduled to begin on 2 June. JCK Luxury will be held from 31 May–5 June.
Sarin Bachmann, group vice-president – JCK and Luxury at Reed Jewelry Group, said, “JCK Las Vegas and Luxury are following the latest guidance from local, state, and national authorities as it relates to travel and participation in our events, with the intention of keeping our exhibitors and attendees informed as they finalise plans for 2020.
“We are committed to implementing up-to-date best practices in accordance with public health guidance, including those issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
At the time of publication, the coronavirus – known as covid-19 – had infected more than 95,000 people and caused at least 3,000 deaths, including 10 in the US.
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