Today, counting one's days and nights with a watch or clock is as natural as breathing. Every country has its own 'clock' history often going as far back as ancient manuscripts. For example, Russia is approaching an impressive anniversary of its first clock tower which first appeared in Moscow in 1404. The six-hundred-year old horological history of Russia has had its ups and downs, but as we approach this special anniversary, we are seeing an unprecedented rise of consumer interest in timepieces of all brands and types - from floor clocks to watches.

The chronological and geographical bridge between Russia's long forgotten horological history and its future, on the one hand, and between East and West, on the other hand, was created by the Moscow Clock & Watch Salon (MCWS) exhibition, which was first organized five years ago. Today, this specialized international salon of watches, clocks, accessories and equipment, has become the largest forum for the CIS countries, the Baltic and Central and Eastern Europe. This relatively new exhibition revives ancient traditions of Russia and occupies a well-deserved place in the recognized 'showrooms' of the world ? Basel, Geneve, Munich and Hong Kong.

From the moment of its founding, the Moscow Clock & Watch Salon favoured the development of the clock market in the CIS territory and, to some extent, determines its direction. While dynamically developing, this exhibition takes on new responsibilities every year. At the first MCWS it was important to highlight the potential of the watch and clock market within the huge Russian territory, and for producers and dealers from many countries to establish business contacts. In addition, of course, it also introduced the more enlightened consumers to the best examples of the world's watch and clock industries, their variety of movements and designs. The following two years was a period for intensive growth and the development and establishment of long-term relationships between companies. Organizers of the MCWS offered every possible assistance by organizing at the exhibition presentations and master classes by leading companies, along with seminars and training for those who wished to promote their products.
These efforts brought about tangible results. On average, up to 7.5 million imported watches and clocks are now sold in Russia annually. As the Swiss experts assess, Russian interest in European watch and clock manufacturers continues to expand. as can be seen by the presence at the MCWS-2002 of presidents of such companies as Longines, Maurice Lacroix, Raymond Weil and Nina Ricci. The Moscow Clock & Watch Salon played its part in this…

The interest in the fair grows constantly, which is confirmed by the participation of practically all the large distributors presenting well-known watch brands.
With the changes in the situation of the Russian watch and clock market, the objectives of the Salon have also changed: besides the increase in volume from direct sales, these also include the education of the Russian consumer - (who now has more money to spend ) on quality products, the awareness of trends and consumer awareness.

To a great extent today, watches, floor and wall clocks are not only mechanisms for indicating time, they are also a certain indicator of material and social levels. Representatives of mid-sized businesses whose number grows annually, employees of large corporations and high-ranking civil servants, just like their Western colleagues, carefully select items that illustrate traits of character and personal preferences ? brand of car, footwear, ties and, of course, watches. The notion of having a second (as well as a third and fourth) watch has appeared ? the Russians have begun to chose their watches depending upon their performance.

The Moscow Clock & Watch Salon helps retailers to find their way in the world of watches and clocks by exhibiting thousands of models from leading international brands, by highlighting the latest achievements in the horological art and by accenting the latest trends.

The potential of the young Russian, CIS and Eastern European countries is far from exhausted, foreign specialists state. Which means that the participation of European manufacturers in the forthcoming jubilee edition of the MCWS-2003 (this year the exhibition celebrates its fifth anniversary) will go a long way in helping the development of their business.


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Source: Europa Star Magazine
August-September 2003