Baselworld, SIHH to Synchronize Dates in 2020

Basel/Geneva, Switzerland—The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) and Baselworld, two major events in the watch industry, have agreed to coordinate their dates beginning in 2020.

That year, SIHH will be held from April 26 to 29 in Geneva, Switzerland, followed immediately by Baselworld from April 30 to May 5 in Basel.

Show organizers said the dates have been synchronized so far until 2024.

Traditionally, the two shows were held back-to-back, but in the last decade, occurred months apart: SIHH in January and Baselworld in March.

For 2019, the show dates will stay as is; SIHH will run from Jan. 14 to 17 and Baselworld will run from March 21 to 26.

The announcement means that watch professionals, press and buyers no longer have to travel to Switzerland twice to attend both events.

“Our two events have always been different, yet complementary. Resyncing with Baselworld will further confirm Switzerland as the foremost destination for watchmaking in the world,” said Fabienne Lupo, president and managing director of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, which organizes SIHH. “This is something we welcome wholeheartedly, as it is in the interests of all.”

Baselworld Managing Director Michel Loris-Melikoff added, “Baselworld and the SIHH are working for the industry and its clients. We have sought dialogue with the SIHH and together have found a solution, which benefits visitors, the media and the entire watchmaking industry enormously. This partnership between the two most prominent exhibitions in the industry represents a major breakthrough for the future.”

Both shows have been facing challenges of late.

Both Richard Mille and Audemars Piguet announced in September that 2019 will be their final year exhibiting at the SIHH trade show.

Baselworld also has seen exhibitors pull out—most notably, major player Swatch Group—and undergone some management changes. Show organizers have been attempting to make changes to please exhibitors, such as the hotel partner program it announced this fall.