Hong Kong Watch Fairs Attract 16,000 Buyers, Survey Reveals Optimism for Middle East and Smartwatch Markets

The 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 13th Salon de TIME concluded successfully, attracting approximately 16,000 trade buyers from 95 countries and regions over five days. Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, the events highlighted Hong Kong's role as a global watch trading hub while providing critical insights into market trends through extensive research.

According to an on-site survey conducted by HKTDC involving 920 exhibitors and buyers, 59% of respondents expect overall sales growth in the next 12-24 months, with 36% anticipating stable sales. The survey identified particularly promising growth prospects in specific regions: Middle East (82%), Taiwan (79%), Korea (78%), Latin America (76%), Australia (76%), and ASEAN countries (73%). Regarding product categories, 47% of respondents identified smart watches as having the most significant growth potential, followed by fashion watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong emphasized the events' significance, noting that they brought together over 650 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. The exhibition featured pavilions from Guangzhou, Taiwan, the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP), and the French pavilion by Francéclat, along with returning exhibitors from Germany, Japan, Lebanon, and the Netherlands. Chong stated that many exhibitors used the platform to launch innovative products showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, serving as a springboard for entering international and mainland markets.

The business impact was immediately evident through several significant transactions. Turkish company Saat ve Saat, with over 160 points of sale, procured automatic mechanical watches from Hong Kong exhibitor Dailywin Watch Products Mfg Ltd through the Click2Match AI-driven business matching platform, with an expected annual order value reaching $1 million. Su & Co Trading Company from Myanmar purchased $600,000 worth of branded watches and identified two new brands for introduction to their market, while also signing a sole distributor agreement with Mathey Tissot from the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion.

Innovation was prominently displayed throughout the fairs. Hong Kong exhibitor Dayton Industrial launched the Watch2Care TCM smart watch featuring digital pulsation analysis with Traditional Chinese Medicine reports for preventive healthcare. Director Paul Yuen reported finding potential distributors from Germany, Mainland China, Singapore, and the United States, with collaboration invitations from a Swiss watch movement company and a Myanmar buyer. The company aims to achieve on-site sales turnover of HK$1.5 million.

German brand Lilienthal Berlin, which introduced the world's first wristwatch with a case made from recycled coffee grounds last year, innovated again with a new eco-friendly watch featuring a dial made from recycled tea leaves. Management director Ruby Young reported attracting global buyers and identifying potential distributors from Bangladesh and Israel, with ongoing discussions with buyers from Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mainland China, the UAE, and the US.

Salon de TIME, open to the public for free for the second consecutive year alongside CENTRESTAGE, attracted more than 19,000 public visitors. The event featured around 400 watch and fashion brands, including several exhibitors showcasing "Guochao" series watches. Sun International Concepts presented six renowned watch brands from Mainland China, including works by independent watchmakers Ma Xushu, Tan Zehua, Qian Guobiao, and Gong Xun. Executive director David Sun reported more enthusiastic feedback compared to last year and successful identification of exclusive distributors for ASEAN market expansion, with projected on-site sales reaching six figures representing a 10% increase over last year.

The new Microbrands zone presented unique niche brands offering affordable and stylish watches. First-time exhibitor YouTube channel Watchcatavlog brought four microbrands and reported discussions with buyers from Canada, Taiwan, and the UAE regarding distributor collaborations. Public attendees, including watch enthusiasts Jovi Ha, CK Hung, and Ricky Tsang, reported spending nearly HK$100,000 on multiple branded watches, praising the event's diversity and value.

The physical fairs concluded while the Click2Match platform remains open until September 13, allowing continued business discussions. The successful events underscore the watch industry's recovery and adaptation to changing market dynamics, with hybrid models like EXHIBITION+ enabling ongoing global engagement. The findings and transactions demonstrate Hong Kong's continued relevance as a critical nexus for watch industry commerce, innovation, and market intelligence.