The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, concluded successfully on September 5, 2026. The event attracted over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions, reinforcing its status as the world's largest one-stop marketplace for watches and clocks.
Buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America recorded significant growth, highlighting Hong Kong's pivotal role as an international trading center and premier sourcing hub for the global watch industry. The fairs also featured Salon de TIME, which was open to the public with free admission, and together with CENTRESTAGE, attracted over 20,000 public visits. More than 400 watch and fashion brands showcased their latest products, with Salon de TIME achieving a record scale by attracting over 150 brands from across the globe.
According to a survey conducted by HKTDC during the fair, 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stable sales. Respondents identified Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%) as markets offering promising growth prospects. In terms of product trends, 37% believe fashion watches have the greatest growth potential, followed by smart watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
The fair facilitated robust business results for exhibitors. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches at Hunan Shengshi Weide Technology Co., Ltd., noted that the fair is an ideal platform for expanding overseas, having already connected with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, and expecting sales to exceed US$3 million. Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager at Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., reported securing orders daily and expecting total sales to exceed RMB10 million. Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial from the UAE, anticipated sourcing approximately US$1 million worth of watch components and an additional US$250,000 in packaging and display materials.
The fair also showcased innovation and cultural trends. CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, displayed 3D-printed titanium watches. The Microbrands zone doubled in size, featuring 29 brands from eight countries and regions. Norwegian brand MicroMilspec made its debut and received over 170 visitors on the first day, estimating potential sales of US$29,000. Guochao-inspired watches were prominent, with Sun International Concepts Ltd. presenting five Chinese Mainland brands and receiving 17 bespoke timepiece inquiries, generating orders totaling HK$4 million.
The Click2Match smart business matching platform remains open until September 12, allowing continued online business discussions. WOLF, a UK luxury watch winder brand, utilized the platform to connect with around 40 potential buyers from various markets. The Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion grew from 10 to 14 brands, reflecting the fair's international appeal. Additionally, LINK2CARE and MARVIN launched a luxury smartwatch with concealed medical-grade biometric sensors, demonstrating cross-industry collaboration.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam emphasized the fair's role in connecting the entire value chain and creating a comprehensive industry ecosystem. The event not only generated substantial business opportunities but also highlighted Hong Kong's strengths as an international trading platform. As the fairs concluded, HKTDC announced upcoming events, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia from October 13-16, and the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) from October 27-30, all adopting the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format.
