Foreword

WMR (May 2010)

Sunil Karer, Editor - WMR

It is one global event that the horological business awaits with bated breath. BASELWORLD, the World Watch and Jewellery Show, opened its doors from March 18 to 25, 2010. The Swiss Federal Councillor, Moritz Leuenberger, opened the show. For 1,915 exhibiting companies and nearly 100,000 buyers from all over the world, BASELWORLD 2010 was the sector’s most important event of the year. The 38th edition of BASELWORLD can be summed up in the words — passion, commitment, innovation and conviction. And it is this conviction that has resulted in the Show being the only one in the world attended by the entire watch and jewellery industry. And people come from far and wide; they come year after year; and bring new faces every year to the Mecca of time for their annual sojourn or pilgrimage! And Baselworld didn’t disappoint! It showed that “All is well” but can become better…

When the times get tough, the tough get going. As manufacturers and marketers grappled with the ghost of economic recession and slowdown, they tried to unravel the mysteries of survival in such a scenario. Some of the major themes that emerged out of Baselworld 2010 include: Understated and classic watch designs are back in vogue. Many watchmakers served up vintage and retro watch designs based on past, successful models; Black is the new orange. There are more black dial and all black watches (including bracelets, case, etc.) than ever before; Complications remain popular, especially tourbillions; Several new, smaller dial models may signal the end of the "giant clocks on wrist" phenomenon of recent years; Lightweight materials, especially titanium and ceramic, are growing in popularity; and Digital displays, combined with analog faces, making a comeback in mid- and high-priced watches. Most watch brands came accompanied with extended jewellery accessories.

The current economic situation prompted many companies to add line extensions rather than entirely new models. However, some of the notable trends seen collection after collection included the introduction of anniversary pieces, a concentration on high jewellery or heavily-diamonded watches and the addition of chocolate-hued timepieces. Brands celebrated numerous milestones this year with the unveiling of anniversary timepieces. Even with the current economic climate, many brands revealed high jewellery and heavily-stoned timepieces this year. The Haute Couture watches are one of the highlights at Baselworld 2010. Really it is a watch trend in the market that watch is going more and more Haute Couture. When it comes to Haute Couture watches, what you would think of. timepieces and jewellery that blend together as one, magnificent watches that are more like works of art than simple time-keeping objects. Born out of the jewellery world’s expertise, they offer exceptional setting techniques and group together rare gems to present surprising, romantic, oriental and extravagant designs.

This special issue gets up, close and personal with some of the movers and shakers of the industry. They are the titans who shape the fortunes of the industry. They are the ones whose strategies decide the future of the business. These head honchos spoke about optimism and clarity that was returning to the business. They delved into the ideas that helped them survive during difficult times and the correctional shifts that they made in their tactics. All of them went back to the basics and emerged triumphant as they carried on with their might. Interestingly, all of them had very good words to say about India and its potential. And many of them will be coming to this market bigger and better.

Last but not the least, India’s gem and jewellery industry too dazzled this year at BASEL. For the first time at Basel, India’s expertise was showcased at INDIA PALACE, in addition to the India Pavilion at Hall 6. The GJEPC ensured that India’s superior quality, craftsmanship and product designs were showcased in a befitting ambience. Now it’s the turn of the watch industry to dream faster, higher, stronger!

Happy reading…