Mark your calendar for April 25 watch fans because Watches & Wonders 2020 (formerly known as SIHH) will go on in a new online format.
Due to go live online this Saturday at 6pm (Malaysian time), the online trade show will be accessible to visitors at the Watches & Wonders website.
Though the physical event in late April was cancelled due to concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic, Watches & Wonders 2020 will still bring together 30 watch brands to unveil their latest pieces and collections.
Among the brands that will be participating in Watches & Wonders 2020 include A. Lange & Söhne, Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Panerai, Roger Dubuis, and more. A picture with all participating brands can be found below.
The watch industry has been in a state of flux and it doesn’t help that news of the mass exodus of major exhibitors from Baselworld has not inspired a whole lot of confidence.
Switzerland’s Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), the organisers of Watches & Wonders issued a statement stating that the new digital platform will be more than just new watches as it will feature customised content and educational experiences for all.
Adding to that, Watches & Wonders 2020 is slated to act as a centralised portal and meeting place where watch enthusiasts, retailers and journalists from around the world will be able to experience all the latest products.
The second purpose of the new online format of Watches & Wonders is to act as a repository of information and expertise about all facets of the watch industry.
According to FHH, the show will be rolled out in phases with the first phase offering dedicated pages for each of the “exhibiting” brands where they can showcase their new products as well as demonstrate their watchmaking savoir-faire.
It said that some participating brands will introduce their latest timepieces via 10-minute streaming videos on opening day.
FHH also hopes the site will continually evolve past the initial announcement event with an added a second phase where there is an e-commerce element slated.
There are even plans to continue holding a physical exhibition come April 2021 should the Covid-19 virus come under control by then.
FHH’s Chairwoman and Managing Director Fabienna Lupo said the organisation is thrilled to partner with the finest watchmaking brands to bring the Watches & Wonders concept to life online at a time when the industry needs it the most.
If this new digital format works out for Watches & Wonders 2020, it could set a precedent for more trade shows to host their events online in the future.
If all goes well and the Covid-19 virus is brought under control, the FHH hopes to host a physical version of the show in Geneva come April 2021.
