Baselworld offers good overview of capabilities of HK manufacturers

25 Mar '09

2 min read

At Baselworld 2009 (March 26 - April 2) 296 Hong Kong companies present new jewellery and watch designs in hall 6, reflecting the zeitgeist as well as timeless classics. Coming to Basel for the 23rd time the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organised again the largest country pavilion.

Hong Kong jewellery and watches stand for quality, design and, increasingly, its own brands. As the fourth largest exporter of fine jewellery the metropolis sold 2008 over two thirds of the products to the USA, EU and Switzerland. Exports of jewellery rose by 10 % to USD 4.75 billion. Germany, with a volume of USD 169 million (+9.1 %) ranked in 8th place among the export countries.

In the watch industry, Hong Kong remained the second-largest exporter with a growth of 11 % (USD 7.07 billion). The largest EU customer was Germany (USD 344 million). Switzerland bought 16 % more watches and components (USD 799 million). Swiss watches continued to be on demand in Hong Kong (USD 2.58 billion, +26.5 %).

“Baselworld offers a good overview of the capabilities of Hong Kong manufacturers and is an ideal trading platform. Within the Brand Name Promotion, visitors can be inspired by new trendy collections of the highest standard of craftsmanship”, explained Ralph Chow, Director, Product Promotion, HKTDC.

As part of the brand campaign visitors can experience products of 11 companies in fashion shows and product presentations. Among the watch brands are Ewado (Wincy Horological Ltd.), Jaz-ma (Fat Tat Lee Watch Co. Ltd.), Mixer (Project International Ltd.), Temporis (Free Town Watch) and Trixie (NGA Co. Ltd.). The jewellery brands include BTC Brilliant Trading Co., EJI Elegance Jewellery Int'l Ltd., Gold Source Jewellery Ltd., TSL Jewellery, Waddy Jewellery Group and Wing Hang Diamond.

Today watches are individual fashion accessories. Hong Kong manufacturers offer large sporty watches with flamboyant colours as well as interactive electronic features. Women prefer “oversized” models, with attractive extras such as gems.

Along with the continuing popularity of white and yellow gold, the jewellery industry is experiencing rising demand for titan. In the medium price range consumers prefer linear designs. New materials such as high-tech ceramics create interest in Europe and USA.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

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