The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, concluded successfully on September 6, 2026. The five-day event attracted over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's pivotal role as a global sourcing hub for the watch and clock industry. Notably, buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America recorded significant growth, reflecting the fair's expanding international reach.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam highlighted the fair's unique position: "As the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME connect the entire value chain spanning manufacturing, sourcing and brand promotion, bringing together brands, watchmakers, suppliers, retailers, collectors, watch media and enthusiasts from around the world." This year, Salon de TIME attracted more than 150 brands, achieving a record scale, and the Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count compared to last year. Lam noted strong market demand for microbrands, Guochao-inspired watches, and cross-industry collaborations, reflecting consumers' appreciation for personalized designs and compelling brand stories.
A survey conducted by HKTDC during the fair, with around 890 exhibitors and buyers, revealed optimistic outlooks: 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase in the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stability. Promising growth markets over the next two years include Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%). In terms of product trends, 37% believe fashion watches offer the greatest growth potential, followed by smart watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
Exhibitors reported robust business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches at Hunan Shengshi Weide Technology Co., Ltd., said: "We have already connected with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches. We expect sales generated during the five-day fair to exceed US$3 million." Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager at Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., noted first-time connections with customers from Kuwait and Mexico and expects total sales to exceed RMB10 million. Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial from the UAE, plans to source approximately US$1 million worth of watch components and US$250,000 in packaging materials. CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches. Business Development Director SK Chong emphasized the fair's evolution from a transaction-driven venue to a strategic platform for industry exchange.
At Salon de TIME, Guochao-inspired brands gained traction. Sun International Concepts Ltd. presented five Chinese Mainland watch brands, including creations by AHCI members. Executive Director David Sun reported 17 enquiries for bespoke timepieces, generating custom orders totaling HK$4 million. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch also launched products, with Fosun Watch Group CEO George Xu expecting sales to exceed HK$1 million and noting a Turkish client from last year opening a retail store. The Microbrands zone featured 29 brands from eight countries, including debutant MicroMilspec from Norway, which saw 170 visitors on the first day and potential sales of US$29,000. Returning exhibitor Watchcatavlog from Hong Kong expected sales of HK$280,000 with visitor inquiries up 20%.
WOLF, a UK luxury watch winder brand, made its debut and launched the world's most compact travel watch winder. Global Sales Director Michael Jappert used HKTDC's Click2Match platform to connect with about 40 potential buyers. Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion founder Amarildo Pilo noted the fair's international reach helped connect with clients from Asia, the Middle East, and the US, with the pavilion growing from 10 to 14 brands. LINK2CARE collaborated with Swiss brand MARVIN to launch a luxury smartwatch with medical-grade biometric sensors, selling over 100 units at over HK$2,000 each on the first day.
The fair also facilitated direct retail sales to the public, with Salon de TIME offering free admission. Abel Hwong, Publisher of World of Luxury Times, led a 26-member delegation and purchased 12 watches worth over HK$100,000. The event's success reinforces Hong Kong's status as a premier trading platform, connecting global opportunities and helping Chinese Mainland enterprises expand overseas.
