The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, concluded successfully, attracting over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions. The event, held from September 2 to 6, underscored Hong Kong's position as the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, with significant growth in buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America.
According to HKTDC, buyers from outside Hong Kong mainly came from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Russia, and the US, as well as ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The surge in attendance from these regions highlights Hong Kong's role as an international trading center and premier sourcing hub for the global watch and clock industry in Asia.
Smilely Lam, HKTDC Associate Executive Director, emphasized the fair's comprehensive industry ecosystem: "As the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME connect the entire value chain spanning manufacturing, sourcing, and brand promotion." She noted that Salon de TIME attracted more than 150 brands from across the globe, achieving a record scale, and the Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count compared with last year. "There is strong market demand for microbrands, Guochao-inspired watches, and cross-industry collaborations," Lam added, reflecting consumers' growing appreciation for personalized designs and cultural elements.
A survey conducted during the fair revealed optimistic market outlooks. Of nearly 890 exhibitors and buyers interviewed, 50% expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stability. Respondents identified Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%) as markets with promising growth prospects. In terms of product trends, 37% believe fashion watches offer the greatest growth potential, followed by smart watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
Exhibitors reported robust business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches at Hunan Shengshi Weide Technology Co., Ltd., representing the Hengyang, Hunan pavilion, said, "We have already connected with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches. We expect sales generated during the five-day fair to exceed US$3 million." Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager of Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., noted first-time connections with customers from Kuwait and Mexico, expecting total sales to exceed RMB10 million.
From the buyer side, Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial, a watch wholesaler from the UAE, plans to source approximately US$1 million worth of watch components from nine suppliers, including two new ones. SK Chong, Business Development Director of CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, highlighted the fair's evolution: "It remains an irreplaceable platform for our business," transforming into a strategic venue for industry exchange and market promotion.
The Salon de TIME showcased Guochao-inspired watches from Chinese Mainland brands, generating significant interest. David Sun, Executive Director of Sun International Concepts Ltd., reported 17 enquiries for bespoke timepieces, including eight from overseas markets, leading to custom orders totaling HK$4 million. Fosun Watch Group, leveraging the fair for international expansion, expects sales to exceed HK$1 million, with plans to open a flagship store in Central Hong Kong following encouraging responses to their first store.
The Microbrands zone, featuring 29 brands from eight countries, doubled in size. Katarina Halvorssen of Norwegian brand MicroMilspec noted over 170 visitors on the first day, estimating potential sales of US$29,000. Ciff Luk, founder of Hong Kong-based Watchcatavlog, reported a 20% increase in visitor inquiries, attracting interest from buyers in Brazil, Canada, India, and the US.
UK luxury brand WOLF 1834 debuted at the fair, launching the world's most compact travel watch winder. Michael Jappert, Global Sales Director, stated that the Click2Match platform connected them with around 40 potential buyers from key markets. Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion grew from 10 to 14 brands, with founder Amarildo Pilo citing the fair's international reach as crucial for connecting with buyers from Asia, the Middle East, and the US.
The fair also facilitated cross-industry partnerships, such as LINK2CARE's collaboration with Swiss brand MARVIN to launch a luxury smartwatch with embedded biometric sensors. Paul Yuen, Director of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd, reported selling over 100 units on the first day, necessitating stock replenishment.
The Click2Match platform remains open until September 12, allowing continued business discussions. HKTDC will organize more trade fairs this autumn, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia from October 13-16, and the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) from October 27-30, all adopting the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format.
