The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, 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, concluded successfully yesterday. The five-day event attracted over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions, cementing its status as the world’s largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace. The Click2Match smart business matching platform remains open until 12 September, facilitating continued global business discussions.
Buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America recorded significant growth, underscoring Hong Kong’s pivotal role as an international trading center and premier sourcing hub. Salon de TIME, fully open to the public with free admission, together with CENTRESTAGE held concurrently, drew over 20,000 public visits, showcasing products from more than 400 watch and fashion brands.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam highlighted the fair’s comprehensive industry ecosystem, connecting the entire value chain. This year, Salon de TIME attracted more than 150 brands from across the globe, achieving a record scale and enhancing international diversity. The Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count, reflecting strong market demand for personalized designs, cultural creativity, and compelling brand stories.
A survey conducted during the fair revealed that 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, with 43% anticipating stability. Key growth markets identified include Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%). 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 outcomes. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches, noted connections with buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in 2,000 watches, with expected sales exceeding US$3 million. Chauncey Chiu of Peacock Watch Group secured orders daily, anticipating sales over RMB10 million, and made first-time connections with customers from Kuwait and Mexico.
From the buyer side, Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial from the UAE, expected to source approximately US$1 million worth of watch components from nine suppliers, including two new ones. CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches, with Business Development Director SK Chong emphasizing the fair’s evolution from a transaction-driven venue to a strategic platform for industry exchange.
The Guochao trend was prominent, with Sun International Concepts Ltd. presenting Chinese Mainland watch brands, including AHCI members. Executive Director David Sun received 17 bespoke timepiece enquiries, generating HK$4 million in orders. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch held product launches, with Fosun Watch Group CEO George Xu reporting engagement with customers from India, the Middle East, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, expecting sales exceeding HK$1 million.
The Microbrands zone featured 29 brands from eight countries, more than double last year. Norwegian brand MicroMilspec received over 170 visitors on the first day, estimating potential sales of US$29,000. Returning exhibitor Watchcatavlog showcased 10 microbrands, with Founder Ciff Luk expecting sales of HK$280,000 and noting a 20% increase in visitor inquiries.
UK luxury brand WOLF debuted at the fair, launching the world’s most compact travel watch winder. Global Sales Director Michael Jappert connected with around 40 potential buyers via Click2Match. Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP) grew from 10 to 14 brands, with Owner Amarildo Pilo highlighting connections with buyers from Kazakhstan and the Chinese Mainland.
Innovative products included LINK2CARE’s luxury smartwatch with concealed medical-grade biosensors, launched in collaboration with MARVIN. Paul Yuen of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd reported over 100 units sold on the first day and established a cross-industry partnership in wellness tourism.
The fair’s public appeal was evident as Abel Hwong, Publisher of World of Luxury Times, led a 26-member delegation that purchased 12 watches worth over HK$100,000. The success of this edition reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a global hub for watch and clock trade, with HKTDC’s upcoming fairs scheduled for October.
