TDC’s watch fair to open on 6 September

Organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd, the 35^th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair will be held from 6 to 10 September 2016 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). A press conference was held on 30 August sharing fair highlights and announcing winners of the 33^rd Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition.

According to HKTDC, the fair will feature more than 800 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions, making it the world’s largest fair of its kind. Salon de TE, one of the show highlight comprising five thematic zones and showcasing a range of premium watch brands and unique designs, will feature nearly 150 international brands in zones including World Brand Piazza, Renaissance Moment, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasures and Wearable Tech, and open to the public for free on the fair’s last day (10 September).

Sophia Chong, assistant executive director of HKTDC, said that Hong Kong is the world’s second-largest exporter of watches and clocks, with exports in the first seven months of 2016 reaching HK$38.4 billion. The three major export markets are Switzerland (HK$6.38 billion), the mainland China (HK$6.36 billion) and the United States (HK$5.9 billion), accounting for close to half of Hong Kong’s total watch exports. Hong Kong watch and clock companies largely rely on OEM business, but many have started developing ODM capability and even OBM business to move up the value chain. The companies are developing locally designed mechanical movement while manufacturers have increased investment in modern production technology to enhance quality and productivity.

The 33^rd Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition received close to 150 entries in the open and student group categories under the respective themes of ‘Gorgeous Stage’ and ‘Love and Sharing’. The winning entries will be displayed at the fair’s Hall1B lobby. Winners are as follows:

Open Group:

Champion: Wealthy Shiny Limited’s Fouetté

1^st Runner-up: Leung Ho Him’s Our Waltz

2^nd Runner-up: Tang Chun Kit’s Kaleidoscope

Student Group

Champion: Lee Cheuk Chung’s Image

1^st Runner-up: Fan Hiu Ching’s On The Dot

2^nd Runner-up: Wong Lik’s Ton Up 3