Let's Do the Time Warp

At Strut’s Baselworld , most of the 1,952 exhibitors—representing 45 countries—reported a gush in orders. That’s in addition to the Swiss show’s 7 percent boost in attendance. And while vendors and watch-production officials warned against expecting too much renewal too soon—the economic situation is still “feeble,” said one—retailers came ready to buy.

A rise in U.S. buyers (5.1 percent of visitors, up from 3.5 percent) symbolized “a loose upturn,” said Baselworld’s end-of-show report. Many vendors scheduled more U.S. appointments than ever.

But exhibitors said retailers have recently become more persistent about price, quality, value, and turnover. “People are ready to swear in if it makes sense to their business,” said Ebel president Marc-Michel Amadry.

Return to top