Horological Meandering

When it comes to fine mechanical wristwatches, everyone looks to Basel and Geneva to see what the genius watchmakers of the world have been busy working on all year and in some cases for the past several years. These watch shows are an authority in technical trends and leaders in dictating market direction. Brilliant ideas, exquisite craftsmanship and long hours of painstaking fine-tuning all culminate in a climactic display of showmanship at SIHH and BaselWorld for the public eye. 

Although these predominant watch shows share the same overall objective, the environment of their delivery differs widely. Depending on your mood, knowledge, experience, tolerance level, your intentions and expectations, you may prefer one over the other. It’s difficult to say which one is better. They’re just different. 

I have always been amazed at the lengths that brands and watchmakers will go to in order to impress their spectators and the devoted watch fans. I was curious as to how true watch fans perceived these massive gatherings and attempts to connect with the public. What do they think of all the hoopla? If there’s one thing I realized, it’s that watch show outlook can be a very personal thing, as you’ll see in the responses below. I asked members of the community and the PuristSPro team which watch show they preferred and why. Perhaps you can relate personally to some of the sentiments expressed. As I’ve always believed, it’s better to experience it all and formulate your own opinion. After all, there’s always more to see.

Image by MichaelC

What do you like and not like about BaselWorld/SIHH?

Which do you prefer to attend and why?

Amanico

I regret the time when there was only one watch fair, and it was in Basel. 

I regret the divorce between the (basically) Richemont and Swatch groups, the first attending the SIHH, the other being present in Basel. 

Which one do I prefer? 

It depends if I come as a simple visitor, or if I have to work as a moderator. 

As a moderator, I much prefer the SIHH. You can take pictures and prepare reports in good conditions. 

In Basel, this is not possible. Or at least much more difficult. 

I discussed that with some brands which attend the Basel Fair, and we agreed on the fact that it was much better to make an appointment at the Manufacture or during a watch event in Paris. 

Taking pictures through window displays without taking the time to physically discover the novelties is not my cup of tea.

Kari

1. Baselworld is too big, and too crowded.

2. There are no good restaurants and places to relax while surfing around.

3. I like everything about SIHH much more. But still I would go to Baselworld because SIHH is quite limited; mostly Richmonte plus a couple of others while "everybody" else is in Baselworld.

Anonymous

I never went to Basel or SiHH. I imagine that I would prefer Basel as I love Patek but I don’t have a single idea about which one we are more nicely and comfortably hosted etc.

Image by small luxury world

 

Anonymous

I've only been to Baselworld once but I've been to SIHH 4 years. 

I like Baselworld because it's open to the public unlike SIHH. But this has its detriments too since it's open to the public - the atmosphere is much less professional and more casual. With SIHH, the atmosphere is very professional and luxurious, of which I prefer. Some may view SIHH as more "snobby" though. 

Anonymous

There is no question about it, I much prefer BaselWorld to the SIHH. IMHO the SIHH is only about money. The watches are a sideshow.  Basel is also about money, but the watches are the main thing.  Basel unites the whole industry and everyone comes, all the watchmakers etc.  At the SIHH it is only about marketing.  Or said differently, just describing the atmosphere, BaselWorld is a public festival while the SIHH is an event for a few invited snobs.

Miranda

I like Baselworld for the chance to see most of the new releases in one setting. I don’t like the frenetic rush plus facilities for catering can be much better. Only Baselworld because of Rolex and Patek. Plus I never get an invite for SIHH anyway. 

Foversta

What do you like about BaselWorld? 

Baselworld has a unique atmosphere due to the impressive gathering of brands, from the watchmaker who sells his watches in the lobby of the Hotel Ramada to the largest companies in the world. It is the best location to meet friends, journalists, collectors and of course people from the industry, brands or providers. I love to have an appointment with a large global brand and five minutes later to meet an independent watchmaker. It creates an energy and a dynamic due to the incredible diversity.

 

Baselworld is a very exhausting fair due to its size. And you don't have the feeling to be in the same event when you are in Hall 1 or in the Palace.

I love Baselworld because it is a unique occasion to meet watchmakers of the AHCI from remote countries.

I love Baselworld because I can meet friends every 10 seconds.

I love Baselworld when I print the maps at home before the fair: I feel like an explorer!

I love Baselworld because  we discover the novelties from Patek and Rolex which are two references of the market.

I love Baselworld because I can meet a lot of brands and watchmakers without an appointment. (well, forget the brands of Hall 1)

I love Baselworld due its diversity and energy.

I could write a lot about this!

 

What do you not like? 

Well, Baselworld has the constraints and troubles of its assets. Baselworld is an anthill! It is a VERY exhausting fair and I usually spend 6 days there and I'm dead at the end. It is very difficult to have a well organized agenda because you need to take into account the booth locations to avoid long distances. And of course spending a night in Basel during the fair is very expensive!

 

If you had a choice between going to BaselWorld or SIHH and you could only go to one, which would you choose and why? 

It is impossible to choose, both are very different and mandatory if you want to follow the industry seriously. The SIHH is perfectly organized, everything is designed to welcome the visitors with comfort and it is easy to work in this atmosphere. The brands are much more homogeneous and the booths are usually very impressive. The Carre des Horlogers is a very positive addition to the Fair and it will bring a new dynamism.

Image by DonCorson

Baselworld is the opposite. Sometimes, I feel like it is a total mess but what excitement you feel when you're in!

I can't choose between them. Some of my favorite brands (Lange, Cartier, AP) are at the SIHH and I greatly appreciate its organization. Baselworld is a must-visit for any independent watchmaking lover and a great opportunity to see the global players.

Both are put in my agenda every year.

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