5 factors forcing change at SIHH 2017: our overview of the new players and market shifts

Jan 9, 2017

SIHH 2017

This year’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) welcomes new exhibitors and return of a founding partner. The effects of the economic slowdown and new legislation concerning ‘Swiss Made’ label will also affect the fair

Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) is one of the most important events in the Swiss luxury watch industry. The international exhibition, running this year for the 27th edition, sets the benchmark for the entire industry.

The fair, which takes place from January 16 to 20, 2017 at Geneva’s Palexpo, features major players in the luxury watchmaking industry, many owned by luxury conglomerate Richemont Group, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Piaget. It also features independent watchmakers such as Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille and Parmigiani. Since last year, the fair has included a new programme called the Carré des Horlogers, presenting innovative contemporary watchmakers including Laurent Ferrier, MB&F and H. Moser & Cie.

Last year was not a good year for the luxury Swiss watchmaking industry. Reports showed that the export of Swiss watches dropped by a drastic 8.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the previous year, and traditional performing markets such as China faced great challenges due to economic slowdown and pressure on luxury spending owing to the nationwide anti-corruption drive.