Foreword

WMR (July 2009)

Sunil Karer, Editor - WMR

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! As the global watch, clock, jewellery and accessory trade waits with bated breath to get guidance or a sense of direction, the Baselworld World Watch and Jewellery Show commences from March 26 to April 2, 2009 in the history-steeped city of Basel. Over a surface area of 160,000 m2, clearly arranged according to watches, jewellery, related brands and national pavilions, some 2,000 exhibitors will be presenting their product innovations to more than 100,000 visitors from across the globe. Baselworld is truly the epicentre of the world horology trade.

Watch Market Review, Asia’s oldest horological journal, has chosen the momentous occasion of Baselworld 2009 to present itself to its discerning readers in a totally new avatar. This issue marks the first bi-monthly version of the all new Watch Market Review with a novel and eclectic format of editorial presentation. In addition to alluring watches, jewellery and accessories, perceptive readers will get an opportunity to keep abreast of some of the latest happenings in the world of lifestyle, fashion and consumerism.

For watch enthusiasts and aficionados, Watch Market Review has already launched India’s first-of-its-kind bi-monthly colour tabloid called ‘Hour Vision’. It features ‘objects of desire’ that are meticulously crafted and conceived to enthral the senses while instilling a sense of envy. ‘Hour Vision’ is available in all leading bookstalls, malls and retail chain outlets so that consumers can access it. The immaculate printing and production values have been appreciated by all and the enthusiastic response has resulted in a ‘sold out’ issue with readers demanding more copies. We have also updated our new website which will be informative, interactive and user-friendly.

New versions of Watch Market Review and Hour Vision make their debut at Baselworld, the biggest and the highest regarded show, hailing its importance as a key showcase of the latest luxury product introductions. It is here that buyers can experience firsthand everything that is happening worldwide in the watch and jewellery sector. All the key decision-makers of the watch and jewellery industry meet up here. They gain a first hand picture of the trends amongst the timeless treasures and innovations in the sector in such concentrated form.

Interestingly, in terms of trends, Watch Market Review portrays that the more things appear to change, the more they remain the same. On the masterpieces emerging from the manufactures, materials and techniques alike are being mixed, merged, combined and varied – with creativity knowing virtually no bounds. And it is the big watches, in an especially wide variety of materials, that continue to predominate, offering a direct view of their frequently minimalist-design dials. Mechanical watches are still witnessing a strong demand even at the upper end of the market. Gold remains strong, but less expensive stainless steel-made more elegant watches with the addition of diamonds is gaining popularity. Watch this space as we shall bring you the best of Baselworld 2009 in the subsequent issues.