Hong Kong's position at the heart of the global watch trade will once again be in the spotlight when industry players from around the world gather for the 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited. Together recognised as the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, the twin fairs showcase the city's enduring role as a gateway connecting Chinese Mainland manufacturers, international brands and global markets.
Held from 1 to 5 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the events will bring together more than 630 exhibitors under the theme Sparkling Moments Through Time, alongside buyers, manufacturers, designers and collectors exploring the latest trends shaping the global watch industry.
The international appeal of the fairs reflects Hong Kong's continued importance in the global watch and clock sector. Hong Kong remains the world's largest importer and second-largest exporter of wristwatches. In the first seven months of this year, watch exports reached approximately HK$30.5 billion, a 7.8% increase year on year. Several overseas markets posted even stronger growth, including Germany (+21%), Switzerland (+25%) and the United Arab Emirates (+91%). Meanwhile, the industry's export confidence index rose from 50.4 to 51.9 in the second quarter, reflecting a cautiously optimistic outlook.
The fairs continue to attract participants from around the world. This year's line-up includes a new pavilion from Hengyang in Hunan Province alongside returning group pavilions from France, Switzerland, Guangzhou and Taiwan, while exhibitors from Norway, Singapore and the United States are joining for the first time.
A major attraction is Salon de TIME, which will feature more than 150 brands, the most since 2019. Spread across six zones, the exhibition covers luxury timepieces, craftsmanship, wearable technology and independent brands.
Among the fastest-growing segments is the Microbrands zone, reflecting growing consumer demand for distinctive designs and niche products beyond established luxury names.
Collectors will be drawn to the World Brand Piazza, which showcases rare and limited-edition creations from internationally renowned brands including Baume & Mercier, Corum, Franck Muller, Montblanc and Sarcar. Highlights include Franck Muller's latest collaboration with French street artist Jisbar and Sarcar's one-of-a-kind Medusa timepiece, crafted in platinum and set with 228 diamonds.
Limited-editions, smart tech on display
The exhibition also reflects the growing influence of Chinese watchmaking. Responding to rising interest in Guochao-inspired products, Salon de TIME will bring together leading independent Chinese watchmakers, including three members of the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI). Visitors can also explore creations such as Shanghai Watch's revival of China's first calendar watch and limited-edition pieces from independent watchmaker Qian Guobiao.
Innovation remains another key theme. Hong Kong company LINK2CARE will showcase a luxury smartwatch developed with Swiss brand MARVIN that incorporates health-monitoring technology, while award-winning products from international brands demonstrate how traditional watchmaking continues to evolve through new materials, designs and technologies.
Beyond the exhibition halls, more than 40 forums, seminars and networking events will explore industry trends and business opportunities. The Hong Kong International Watch Forum and Asian Watch Conference will bring together industry leaders, analysts and digital commerce experts to discuss market developments and the future of global watch trading. The 43rd Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition, jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, aims to promote watch design excellence and nurture local talent.
To mark Watch & Clock Fair's 45th edition, a special Time Tunnel display will narrate how both the fair and Hong Kong's watch industry have expanded from manufacturing and sourcing into branding, design, innovation and global business development.
Supported by the HKTDC's AI-powered Click2Match platform connecting buyers with suppliers until 12 September, the fairs continue to demonstrate why Hong Kong remains one of the world's most important marketplaces for the global watch industry.