Mr François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee downplayed the weakening of the Swiss watch industry considering the robust growth of the industry during the prior five years, it’s not that bad.
Mr Thiébaud, presented the figures during the Baselworld annual press conference Wednesday the 16th of March at Baselworld said “ the sector weakened only very slightly in 2015 (minus 3.3%), despite the global political and economic context. Given that for the global watchmaking industry, the value of Swiss watches exported is by far the highest in the world”. He underlined the fact that Swiss watchmaking has grown by more than 60% since 2010! Mr Thiébaud also paid a glowing tribute to the show saying that Baselworld is where “beauty and innovation are in the service of time.”
Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld, described the current environment” gloomy” due to the current economic and political situation, and the consequences for the industry and Baselworld. Ritter said after greeting the attendees as well as the some 3,000 journalists following the press conference on the livestream “the exhibition had felt the uncertainty of some exhibitors among the smaller businesses, those that might not be in a position to prevail in times of low demand in the mid-term.” Ritter underlined Baselworld's response in times of uncertainty: “Not deny reality, but remain optimistic and build the future resolutely moving forward!”
Mr René Kamm, CEO of the MCH Group, opened the event by welcoming all present to the press conference of a “special occasion that marks the start of the one unmissable event for the world’s watch and jewellery industry.” As the MCH Group is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its first show, the Mustermesse Basel (Muba).
Newly appointed President of the Baselworld Exhibitors’ Committee, Mr Eric Bertrand said “despite facing challenge after challenge, the industry has “always bounced back farther and higher.” And Mr Bertrand believes this ability is not achieved by chance, but much rather that, “these successes and achievements are the result of passionate people active in the areas of watchmaking, jewellery and precious stones, who give the best of themselves, their dynamics and their desires to allow people to continue to dream.”