Swatch Group just pulled out of Baselworld – what will happen next?
Brands under the Swatch Group might be doing their own presentations, and Baselworld organisers are acting to make the fair more appealing
Update:
The MCH Group has confirmed that Swatch Group officially pulled out of Baselworld.
“We extraordinarily regret Swatch Group’s decision. The cancellation is all the more surprising for us because this news reaches us at a point in time when new management has arrived with a new team, new spirit and many new ideas,” says René Kamm, CEO of the MCH Group .
With the news that Swatch Group is exiting from Baselworld fair starting next year, we can’t help but wonder: will this be the straw that breaks the Swiss camel’s back?
Its official statement, which came out yesterday, certainly does not make light of the situation.
“Today everything has become more transparent, fast-moving and instantaneous. Accordingly, a different rhythm and a different approach is needed,” Swatch Group’s statement said.
“The MCH Group, which organises Baselworld, is clearly more concerned with optimising and amortising its new building – which, incidentally, is largely financed by the watch industry during the fairs – than it is with having the courage to make real progress and to bring about true and profound changes.”
With a statement like that backed by the full weight of 18 brands under its umbrella, the Swatch Group is not an ordinary straw. In no uncertain terms, it is an undisputed key player and attendee at Baselworld.
Sure, you’ll see Bulgari on your direct left and TAG Heuer on your direct right when you enter Hall 1. But what do you see straight ahead? That’s right – Omega.
