The 16th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) closed on a note of confidence. The 13,000 or so visitors showed great interest in the collections presented by the exhibiting brands. The 2006 has given some particularly powerful signs of technical and aesthetic creativeness.
When one reviews the year, the Geneva exhibition appears to be a bridgehead from which to assert the position of Fine Watchmaking. It brings together exhibitors who have displayed their innovativeness by bringing out their deep-seated identity with obvious clarity. Each exhibitor played their part in contributing to the stimulating overall atmosphere, which is an encouraging sign for the future.
The increase in the number of visitors helps to reinforce the ambient optimism.
Nearly 13,000 trade visitors, including 1,300 journalists — that is, an attendance up by 11% — responded to the SIHH’s invitation. The usual presence of European countries was consolidated, with an impressive contribution from Russia. Furthermore Asia, including China and India, played a strong part. The SIHH is incontestably taking on a multicultural dimension.
The hand-picked trade guests endorsed the message of the SIHH by coming to visit the exhibition “Fine Watchmaking – terrestrial, aeronautical and maritime†in large numbers. Proof that culture is an intrinsic and essential part of Fine Watchmaking.
The SIHH 2006 is part of a process of steady, planned growth, as opposed to a headlong flight which might be damaging for the future and which the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (Fine Watchmaking Foundation) intends to curb by its information and training campaigns.
The exhibition would, in addition, like to thank the State and the City of Geneva for their valuable cooperation.
The next Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie will be held from April 16 to 22, 2007.
Source: SIHH
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