One of the world’s most prominent watchmaking companies has announced that it will not be involved in the Baselworld watch and jewellery fair next year.
In a statement, Swiss watchmaker Breitling said: “Despite a successful Baselworld in 2019, we have decided to concentrate on our global Summit format with subsequent local roadshows in 2020.”
The company cited scheduling clashes as the main reason for its withdrawal from the fair, which will take place at the end of April, coinciding with Breitling’s own Summit platform.
Being able to personally respond to customers, media representatives, sales partners and collectors is something that Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, believes can be better achieved through the Breitling Summit.
Known for its long-standing link with aviation and for being the first watchmaker to invent the chronograph watch, Breitling did not confirm whether or not it would participate in Baselworld 2021.
The news follows the departure of several horology brands, including the Swatch Group and Maurice Lacroix, from the 2019 fair.
Baselworld revealed this week that Rolex is set to increase its presence at next year’s fair, expanding into a space previously used by sister brand Tudor, which will now have its own exhibit.
