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 pivotal role as an international trading hub for the watch and clock industry. Buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America recorded significant growth, reflecting the industry's global rebound and Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a sourcing destination.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam highlighted the fairs' role in connecting the entire value chain, from manufacturing to brand promotion. "As the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, the fairs create a comprehensive industry ecosystem," she said. This year, Salon de TIME attracted over 150 brands from around the world, achieving a record scale. The Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count to 29 brands, indicating strong consumer interest in personalized and culturally inspired designs. Lam noted that "strong market demand for microbrands, Guochao-inspired watches, and cross-industry collaborations" reflects evolving consumer preferences.
A survey conducted by HKTDC during the fair, which interviewed around 890 exhibitors and buyers, revealed optimistic outlooks. Fifty percent of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stability. The survey identified Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%) as markets with promising growth prospects. Product-wise, 37% of respondents believe fashion watches offer the greatest growth potential, followed by smartwatches (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 they connected with buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches. She expects sales to exceed US$3 million. Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager at Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., noted increased global recognition of Chinese watchmaking and secured orders from new customers in Kuwait and Mexico, projecting sales over RMB10 million. Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial from the UAE, planned to source approximately US$1 million worth of components and US$250,000 in packaging materials.
CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches. SK Chong, Business Development Director, emphasized the fair's evolution from a transaction-driven venue to a strategic platform for industry exchange and market promotion. "Hong Kong offers the ideal stage to showcase our heritage and innovations," he said.
The Salon de TIME also provided a platform for Guochao-inspired brands. Sun International Concepts Ltd. presented five Chinese Mainland brands, including creations by AHCI members. The company received 17 bespoke timepiece enquiries, generating custom orders totaling HK$4 million. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch launched products, with Fosun Watch Group CEO George Xu reporting engagements with buyers from India, the Middle East, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, expecting sales to exceed HK$1 million. He also announced plans to open a flagship store in Central, Hong Kong.
Microbrands saw strong interest. MicroMilspec, a Norwegian debutant, attracted over 170 visitors on the first day and estimated potential sales of US$29,000. Watchcatavlog from Hong Kong reported a 20% increase in inquiries and expects sales of HK$280,000. WOLF, a UK luxury watch winder brand, launched its product and connected with around 40 potential buyers via HKTDC's Click2Match platform. The Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion grew from 10 to 14 brands, with founder Amarildo Pilo citing the fair's international reach as key.
The fair also showcased innovation, such as LINK2CARE's luxury smartwatch with medical-grade sensors. Paul Yuen, Director of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd, noted that over 100 units were sold on the first day, requiring stock replenishment. The new Time Arena activity zone enhanced engagement.
The Click2Match platform remains open until September 12, facilitating continued business. HKTDC will organize more trade fairs this autumn, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair and electronicAsia from October 13-16, and lighting fairs later in October, all adopting the hybrid EXHIBITION+ format to extend business opportunities online.
These results underscore the resilience and adaptability of the watch and clock industry, with Hong Kong serving as a critical gateway for global trade. The strong buyer turnout and positive sales projections indicate a healthy recovery and growth trajectory, particularly in emerging markets. For industry leaders, these insights signal where to focus expansion efforts and highlight the importance of hybrid events in maximizing reach and engagement.
