BASELWORLD 2015 STRENGTHENS ITS LEADERSHIP POSITION

Baselworld 2015, THE global trendsetting event for the watch and jewellery industry concluded today on a positive note after eight intensive and memorable days. The biggest and most prestigious brands in the world, the finest retailers and the global press once again united under one roof and capitalised on the myriad of business and networking opportunities that are exclusive to Baselworld. A record number of press attendees underlined the relentless growth of interest in the show.

Universally acknowledged as the one unmissable trendsetting event for an entire industry, Baselworld is the only show that unites key players from all sectors from around the world: watchmaking, jewellery, diamonds, gemstones and pearls, as well as machines and suppliers. The undisputed premier event once again saw 1,500 brands unveil and showcase their innovations and creations. With marginally fewer buyers present (-3% vs 2014), Baselworld 2015 had around 150,000 attendees (including representatives from exhibiting companies, buyers, journalists and other visitors) from over 100 countries. They felt the pulse of the industry, discovered the novelties, and purchased the latest collections which will set the trends for the coming year.

More than 4,300 (+ 7.5% vs 2014) representatives of the press from over 70 countries attended the show. These numbers signify a new all-time record further underscoring the international interest in the show. In keeping with Baselworld's wide reach and universal attractiveness, a livestream of the opening press conference was broadcast and followed by some 3,000 journalists from all over the world.

A RESILIENT, RESPONSIVE AND CREATIVE INDUSTRY

The show has been a positive one for the watch and jewellery brands. With resilience, responsiveness and creativity, the industry continues to lead the way forward such that the attractiveness and interest that this sector creates continue growing. Nowhere else are more innovations, creations and new collections revealed than at Baselworld - all the elements that make this show THE trendsetting event worldwide.

Reflecting on this year's edition of Baselworld, François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors' Committee, said he was reminded of the show's rich history and the evolution from its simple roots to the superlative event it is today. "Baselworld is universally acknowledged as the premier event for the global watch and jewellery industry. What makes it exceptional is that Baselworld is the only show that fully reflects the excellence of the industry by uniting everyone from the smallest to the largest brands representing every sector; and it offers each of these a prestigious platform to present themselves in the best light."

Summarising his impression of this year's show, Mr Thiébaud said that the feedback he had received from brands over the course of the eight days, leaves him "convinced that this year will be a positive one for the industry because everyone has continued to innovate, not just with creating products, but also with intensifying communication with the media and buyers".

Commenting on the value of the show, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, is of the opinion that "Baselworld continues to be the major milestone in the year, allowing us to meet and work with all our major clients around the globe. Our press meetings are equally important and increasing every year".

This opinion was also shared by Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe, for whom Baselworld continues to be the most important annual event where "we get to meet all our partners and the entire global network in a concentrated time". Mr Stern found this year's show to be "an excellent edition that was really successful in terms of numbers and the interest in our products from retailers and the press".

Enthusiastic about Baselworld and the success of the LVMH Group at this year's show, President of the group's watch division, Jean-Claude Biver, said that for their brands, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith, "the results are excellent and we are above all our expectations".