A group of leading watch brands including Rolex and Patek Philippe have decided to quit Baselworld and create a new show in Geneva in April 2021 coinciding with Watches & Wonders.
“This departure follows several decisions that were not coordinated, and were taken by the leadership of Baselworld, including the rescheduling of the fair to January 2021,” a statement from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor said.
Baselworld said in a statement, “It is with great surprise and equally great regret that the MCH Group (Baselworld organiser) takes note of the cancellation of major exhibitors at Baselworld.
“The new date for the unavoidable postponement of Baselworld 2020 was defined jointly with leading exhibitors. The objective was to find the earliest and best possible date for the industry following the Covid-19 related measures.”
Baselworld added, “In the next few weeks, the MCH Group will be making a decision on the continuation of Baselworld and on investments in its further development, which is geared to the long term.”