Table of Contents
Baselworld
Watch and jewelery fair
The BASELWORLD is the largest and most important watch and jewelery fair in the world. It takes place each spring at Basel.
The fair carries the name BASELWORLD since 2003.
Swatch Group announced in 2018 that they would no longer attend Baselworld with any of their brands, and the show has been reduced by one day. In 2019 it was announced that SIHH and BaselWorld would be held in successive weeks in April.
History
The Basel Fair began in 1917 as the Schweizer Mustermesse Basel (MUBA), and included Swiss watch Manufacturers for the first time in 1925. In 1931, a dedicated pavilion was added for watches, known as the Schweizer Uhrenmesse.
In 1973, the first Europäische Uhren und Schmuckmesse (EUSM or “European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair”) was held within the MUBA. This is usually considered to be the first in the series of Watch fairs in Basel, and future events were numbered from this year. The Mustermesse Basel changed its name to BASEL in 1983 and became an independent entity specifically focused on watches, clocks, and jewelry in 1994. In 1986, BASEL was opened to brands from outside Europe for the first time. The show was renamed Baselworld in 2003.
In 2020, before the global pandemic, many brands announced that they would no longer be involved in Baselworld. This was made worse as the show was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and ultimately cancelled. It was re-launched as a “year-round marketing and communications platform” but the in-person show was re-launched later that year as HourUniverse.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1931
April 11-21, 1931
The first Swiss Watch Fair was held inside Hall 1 at the larger Swiss Industries Fair. 57 watch and clock companies exhibited that year.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1932
April 2-12, 1932
Although the industry was feeling the effects of the Great Depression, 61 companies participated in the second Swiss Watch Fair at Basel.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1933
March 25-April 4, 1933
51 watch companies exhibited at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1933.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1934
April 7-17, 1934
31 watch companies exhibited at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1934.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1935
March 30-April 9, 1935
31 watch, jewelry, and associated companies exhibited at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1935.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1936
April 18-28, 1936
32 watch, jewelry, and associated companies exhibited at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1936.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1937
April 3-13, 1937
41 watch companies associated companies exhibited at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1937.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1938
March 26-April 5, 1938
44 watch companies and 11 associated companies exhibited at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1938.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1939
March 18-28, 1939
48 watch companies and 9 associated companies exhibited at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1939.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1940
March 30-April 9, 1940
38 watch companies and 11 associated companies exhibited at the 10th Swiss Watch Fair in 1940.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1941
April 19-29, 1941
Just 39 companies exhibited at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1941, with most major watchmakers absent due to the war.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1942
April 18-28, 1942
65 watch companies and 19 associated companies participated in the 12th Swiss Watch Fair in 1942.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1943
May 1-11, 1943
71 watch companies and 24 associated companies exhibited at the 13th Swiss Watch Fair in 1943.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1944
April 22-May 2, 1944
81 watch companies and 23 associated companies exhibited at the 24th Swiss Watch Fair.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1945
April 14-24, 1945
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1946
May 4-14, 1946
112 watch companies and 27 additional companies associated with the industry exhibited at the 26th Basel Watch Fair.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1947
April 12-22, 1947
As the Swiss industry rebounded from the war, 117 watch companies exhibited at the 27th Swiss Watch Fair, along with 37 associated companies.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1951
April 7-17, 1951
The 21st Swiss Watch Fair was the first with 150 exhibitors.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1952
Coverage of the 22nd Swiss Watch Fair tells us that it included a range of models, some with new complications for date, day, month, and moon phase, power reserve, alarm (no doubt a reference to the Vulcain Cricket), as well as automatic and waterproof models. Contemporary reports focused on Rolex and in particular the Oysterdate with date window at 3:00, as well as their ladies models.
- Juvenia Mystère pendant watch
- Patek Philippe solar clock
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual redesign
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1953
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1954
149 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1954. Also exhibiting were 7 horological press companies, 14 jewelry makers, 5 makers of watchmaking materials, 11 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 11 clock companies.
May 8-18, 1954
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1955
April 16-26, 1955 152 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1955. Also exhibiting were 7 horological press companies, 14 jewelry makers, 4 makers of watchmaking materials, 13 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 11 clock companies.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1956
April 14-24, 1956
157 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1956. Also exhibiting were 8 horological press companies, 15 jewelry makers, 4 makers of watchmaking materials, 10 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 11 clock companies.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1957
April 27-May 7, 1957
158 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1957. Also exhibiting were 8 horological press companies, 15 jewelry makers, 4 makers of watchmaking materials, 13 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 10 clock companies.
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1958
April 12-22, 1958
157 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1958. Also exhibiting were 8 horological press companies, 15 jewelry makers, 4 makers of watchmaking materials, 11 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 9 clock companies.
- Universal Geneve shows their revolutionary microrotor automatic
- Ernest Borel Flash with electric illumination
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1959
April 11-21, 1959
157 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1959. Also exhibiting were 7 horological press companies, 15 jewelry makers, 4 makers of watchmaking materials, 11 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 9 clock companies.
- Revue Thommen Ultra-Thin
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1960
April 23-May 3, 1960
158 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1960. Also exhibiting were 6 horological press companies, 14 jewelry makers, 4 makers of watchmaking materials, 11 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 11 clock companies.
- Buren Super Slender Automatic with quick date change
- Gruen Power-Glide transmission
- Piaget ultra-thin automatic, Ref. 12444, 2.3 mm
Swiss Industries Fair, Basel, 1961
April 15-25, 1961
160 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1961. Also exhibiting were 5 horological press companies, 14 jewelry makers, 5 makers of watchmaking materials, 11 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 10 clock companies.
Swiss Watch Fair, Basel, 1962
March 31-April 10, 1962
156 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1962. Also exhibiting were 5 horological press companies, 14 jewelry makers, 7 makers of watchmaking materials, 12 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 10 clock companies.
Swiss Watch Fair, Basel, 1963
April 20-30, 1963
177 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1963. Also exhibiting were 1 horological press company, 12 jewelry makers, 12 makers of watchmaking materials, 17 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 11 clock companies.
- Leonidas Pilot Chronograph, Ref. 1550
- Universal Geneve Altesse/Avanti ultra-thin
Swiss Watch Fair, Basel, 1964
April 11-21, 1964
175 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1964. Also exhibiting were 4 horological press companies, 11 jewelry makers, 9 makers of watchmaking tools and materials, 16 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 8 clock companies.
- Ardath Convertible line
Swiss Watch Fair, Basel, 1965
April 24-May 4, 1965
174 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1965. Also exhibiting were 4 horological press companies, 12 jewelry makers, 8 makers of watchmaking tools and materials, 15 makers of watchmaking supplies, and 11 clock companies.
- Baume & Mercier ultra-thin (second only to Piaget)
- Buren Intramatic extra-thin movement
- Jaquet-Girard Electric watch
- Mido Ocean Star lungless
Swiss Watch Fair, Basel, 1966
50th anniversary, April 16-26, 1966
184 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1966. Also exhibiting were 5 horological press companies, 12 jewelry makers, 8 makers of watch accessories, 17 makers of miscellaneous watchmaking supplies, and 11 clock companies.
- Universal Geneve Golden Shadow 4.0 mm, with thinnest automatic, 2.5 mm
Swiss Watch Fair, Basel, 1967
April 15-25, 1967
181 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1967. Also exhibiting were 5 horological press companies, 12 jewelry makers, 11 makers of watch accessories, 20 makers of miscellaneous watchmaking supplies, and 10 clock companies.
Swiss Watch Fair, Basel, 1968
April 20-30, 1968
177 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1968. Also exhibiting were 5 horological press companies, 12 jewelry makers, 14 makers of watch accessories, 27 makers of miscellaneous watchmaking supplies, and 9 clock companies.
Basel Fair, 1969
April 12-22, 1969
215 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1969. Also exhibiting were 5 horological press companies, 16 jewelry makers, 16 makers of watch accessories, 33 makers of miscellaneous watchmaking supplies, and 12 clock companies.
Basel Fair, 1970
April 11-21, 1970
242 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1970. Also exhibiting were 8 horological press companies, 14 jewelry makers, 29 makers of watch accessories, 38 makers of miscellaneous watchmaking supplies, and 13 clock companies.
- Beta 21 quartz watches
Swiss Watch Fair, 1971
April 7-17, 1971
232 makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1971. Also exhibiting were 9 horological press companies, 15 jewelry makers, 41 makers of watch accessories, 49 makers of miscellaneous watchmaking supplies, and 13 clock companies.
- Omega quartz
- Patek Philippe quartz
- Vulcain Open heart models
Swiss Watch Fair, 1972
April 15-25, 1972
255 Swiss makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1972. Also exhibiting were 8 horological press companies, 15 jewelry makers, 25 makers of watch accessories, and 37 makers of miscellaneous watchmaking supplies.
This was the first year that other European watch companies attended the Basel Fair. It was well-attended by French and German watch companies in particular. This fair included mechanical digital watches, electric watches, tuning fork, and various types of quartz movements.
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak debut
- Astrolon, world's first movement made of synthetic material
- Vacuum Chronometer, with high-beat movement in a sealed vacuum
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1973
April 7-17, 1973 The watch fair was officially separate from the rest of the Basel Fair. This is considered the first Basel Watch Fair.
267 Swiss makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1973. Additionally, 34 French, 49 German, 3 Italian, 11 British, and 4 Benelux watch makers exhibited.
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1974
March 30-April 8, 1974
245 Swiss makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1974. Additionally, 11 French, 67 German, 5 Italian, 5 Dutch, 2 British, 1 Belgian, and 1 Austrian watch makers exhibited.
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1975
April 12-21, 1975
249 Swiss makers of watches, clocks, and alarm timepieces exhibited in 1975. Additionally, 73 German, 5 Italian, 5 Dutch, 1 Belgian, and 1 Austrian watch makers exhibited. The Chambre Française de l'Horlogerie was represented by 34 watch companies, 6 “horologers”, and 3 other members, while the British Clock & Watch Manufacturers' Association included 15 companies.
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1976
April 24-May 3, 1976
262 Swiss makers of watches exhibited in 1976. Additionally, 69 German, 48 French, 11 Italian, 8 British, 1 Dutch, 1 Belgian, and 1 Portuguese watch makers exhibited.
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1977
April 16-25, 1977
272 Swiss makers of watches exhibited in 1977. Additionally, 73 German, 43 French, 10 Italian, 3 British, and 1 Spanish watch makers exhibited.
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1978
April 15-24, 1978
280 Swiss makers of watches exhibited in 1978. Additionally, 70 German, 40 French, 6 Italian, 6 British, 1 Belgian, 1 Portuguese, and 2 Spanish watch makers exhibited.
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1979
April 21-May 1, 1979
293 Swiss makers of watches exhibited in 1979. Additionally, 65 German, 41 French, 7 Italian, 3 British, and 2 Spanish watch makers exhibited.
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1980
April 19-28, 1980
301 Swiss makers of watches exhibited in 1980. Additionally, 115 German, 48 French, 11 Italian, 17 British, 5 Dutch, 2 Austrian, and 1 Belgian watch makers exhibited.
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quartz is introduced
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1981
April 25-May 4, 1981
- Eterna celebrates their 125th anniversary
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1982
April 17-26, 1982
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1983
April 16-25, 1983, the last time the Watch fair was held at the same time as the Swiss Industries Fair
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1984
April 5-12, 1984, the first time the Watch fair is held independently of the MUBA.
European Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, 1985
April 11-18, 1985
- Audemars Piguet Bamboo line
BASEL 86
BASEL 87
April 23-30, 1987
BASEL 88
BASEL 89
BASEL 90
BASEL 91
April 18-25, 1991
- Daniel Roth Double-Face Tourbillon
BASEL 92
April 4-11, 1992
- Breitling Navitimer 92 civilian version
BASEL 93
April 22-29, 1993
This was the first year that the new SIHH, just three years old, would attract major brands like Cartier, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, Yves Saint-Laurent, Gerald Genta, and Frank Muller to Geneva. Omega returned to Basel to occupy the space left vacant.
- Breguet Tourbillon Regulator Skeleton
BASEL 94
April 14-21, 1994
- Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Houres et Quarts
- Christiaan van der Klaauw Satellite du Monde prototype
- Ulysse Nardin Rattrapante tourbillon chronograph
BASEL 95
April 26-May 3, 1995
- Christiaan van der Klaauw Satellite du Monde production models
BASEL 96
April 18-25, 1996
BASEL 97
Press conference April 9, Public opening April 10-17, 1997
BASEL 98
Press day, April 21, Public opening, April 22-29, 1998
BASEL 1999
April 29-May 6, 1999
Basel Fair 2000
March 23-30, 2000
Basel Fair 2001
Basel Fair 2002
April 4-11, 2002
Baselworld 2003
April 3-10, 2003
This edition of BaselWorld proved controversial, as watchmakers from Asia (primarily Hong Kong, but also China, Singapore, and Vietnam_ were relocated to Zurich and thus largely overlooked. The decision was reversed the next year after the threat of a major lawsuit. The fair also suffered due to the SARS epidemic.
- Rolex Submariner 16610LV "Kermit" - 50th anniversary model and first “Maxi” dial Submariner
Baselworld 2004
April 15-22, 2004
This was the year of tourbillons, including multi-tourbillon models from Greubel Forsey, Hysek, and Thomas Prescher as well as single tourbillon s from Blancpain, Bulgari, Gérald Charles (with Antoine Preziuso), IWC, Jaquet Droz, Movado, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, and Zenith.
- Greubel Forsey double tourbillon
- Porsche Design Indicator designed by Paul Gerber
- Sinn 856 Pilot's Chronograph Black
Baselworld 2005
March 31-April 7, 2005
- The re-launch of H. Moser & Cie.
Baselworld 2006
March 30-April 6, 2006
- Harry Winston Opus VI (Baselworld)
Baselworld 2007
April 12-19, 2007
- Patek Philippe 40 mm Ref. 5167, replacing the original 38 mm “Jumbo” model
Baselworld 2008
April 3-10, 2008
Baselworld 2009
March 26-April 2, 2009
- Tiffany Watch debuts
Baselworld 2010
March 18-25, 2010
- Hublot Classic Fusion line introduced
- Rolex Submariner, Ref. 116610 steel “supercase” released
Baselworld 2011
March 24-31, 2011
Baselworld 2012
March 8-15, 2012
Baselworld 2013
April 25-May 2, 2013
- Rolex Yacht-Master II in steel
- Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”
Baselworld 2014
March 27-April 3, 2014
- Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi”
Baselworld 2015
March 19-26, 2015
Baselworld 2016
March 17-24, 2016
Notable introductions at Baselworld 2016 include the following
- TAG Heuer Monza update
- Tudor Heritage Black Bay with in-house movement
Baselworld 2017
March 23-30, 2017
Notable introductions at Baselworld 2017 include the following
- Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5168G, larger 42.2 mm “Jumbo” model
- Rolex Yacht-Master II updated “-0002” models
Baselworld 2018
Baselworld 2019
March 21-26, 2019
Notable introductions at Baselworld 2019 include the following
- Chronoswiss Regulator Classic update
Cancellation: 2020 till 2022
To date – 2020 to 2022 inclusive – BaselWorld has not taken place again.