A total of 819 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions have flocked to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to showcase the glitz and glamour, fun and fashion, as well as the multi-functionality of a full range of timepieces.

Apart from Hong Kong, exhibitors have come from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Korea, France, Italy, Switzerland, UAE, India, Singapore, the UK, the US and Canada.

The organiser, Hong Kong Trade Development Council(TDC) has
oraganised 50 buying missions and invited over 1,700 major buyers from major markets to visit the show.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Co-Chairman of the Fair Organising Committee Mr. Peter Lee said the fair has continued to grow with industry support.

“The fair has become a 'must-come' trade event for buyers to source new products, conduct business and gather latest industry information. Meanwhile, industry players have increased their competitiveness and maintained the international reputation for quick response and reasonably priced products.”

Mr. Lee said the fair has changed with the times to meet new demands. He cited the Brand Name Gallery as an example to help Hong Kong manufacturers develop their brand business.

Mr Lee said: “The scale of the Brand Name Gallery has expanded rapidly since its inception in 2000. The success of the Brand Name Gallery represents our efforts to promote brands and encourage design innovation.”

This year, 96 brands including Cool, Dunlop, Jacques Farel, Morgan and Moschino, are displaying their latest collections at the Brand Name Gallery. This represents a 12% growth over last year.

Apart from the Brand Name Gallery, the fair promotes original designs and innovative timepieces through a seminar and design competition.

Renowned luxury watch brand owner Mr. Philippe Charriol will share his insights on watch design and his experience in brand building at the Asian Watch Conference on September 9 (Saturday).

The fair also promotes Hong Kong's design capabilities through showcasing the winning designs of the 23rd Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition at the fairground.

The fair's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner entitled “Virtual Glam” will be held this evening. The newly crowned Miss Hong Kong 2006 - Ms Aimee Chan and a group of top models will parade the best of Hong Kong branded watch collections including Alan & Anthony, GRUEN SWISS, CATERPILLAR, o.d.m., Morgan, AMUNDSEN, Trixie and Pierre Cardin.

Mr. William Chan, another co-chairman of the Fair Organising Committee said exports are expected to remain steady in 2006 and next year, against the background of a steady world demand for timepieces. In the first seven months of 2006, Hong Kong's watch exports amounted to US$3.2 billion, and major markets such as the Chinese mainland, Japan, Italy and Switzerland have shown positive growth.

Other guests who officiated at the opening ceremony included Acting Director-General of Trade & Industry, Mr. Clement Leung; Permanent Hon. President of the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd., Dr. Samson Sun; Honorary Life President of the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd., Mr. Hilton Cheong-Leen; Chairman of TDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee, Mr. Bob Chong; and TDC Executive Director, Mr. Fred Lam.

The fair is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd. and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd. It is open for trade visitors for free until this Sunday (September 10).

Further References:
Fair website: www.hkwatchfair.com
Exports figures: stat.tdctrade.com/monthly/prodt.htm


Source: HKTDC Press Release