WatchesOct 06, 2021
Jean-Claude Biver Talks Soul, Technology, and Defining a Watch Brand Events & AwardsNov 15, 2021
Baselworld Is Off Again, For Now
In addition, the show’s managing director, Michel Loris-Melikoff, is stepping down.
Baselworld will not take place in spring 2022, organizers announced late last week, citing the need for more time to overhaul the show and ongoing COVID concerns.
Basel, Switzerland—The continuing story of Baselworld has taken another turn.
On Friday, show organizer MCH Group Ltd. announced it needs more time to reformulate the show and will not be holding Baselworld in the spring of 2022, as last announced.
In addition, the show’s managing director, Michel Loris-Melikoff, who took over the show in 2018, is leaving to “take on a new challenge,” MCH Group said.
MCH Group gave no indication of when, or if, Baselworld might return, noting only that its decision was based on the experience it gained during the Baselworld pop-up event held during Geneva Watch Days in late summer 2021, and discussions with both manufacturers and retailers.
It also mentioned the difficulty of a relaunching a trade show amid the “renewed aggravation of the COVID situation” and the uncertainty it creates among attendees and exhibitors.
While COVID-19 numbers have been falling in the United States, case numbers have been climbing across Europe, including in Switzerland.
Related stories will be right here …
On Friday, show organizer MCH Group Ltd. announced it needs more time to reformulate the show and will not be holding Baselworld in the spring of 2022, as last announced.
In addition, the show’s managing director, Michel Loris-Melikoff, who took over the show in 2018, is leaving to “take on a new challenge,” MCH Group said.
MCH Group gave no indication of when, or if, Baselworld might return, noting only that its decision was based on the experience it gained during the Baselworld pop-up event held during Geneva Watch Days in late summer 2021, and discussions with both manufacturers and retailers.
It also mentioned the difficulty of a relaunching a trade show amid the “renewed aggravation of the COVID situation” and the uncertainty it creates among attendees and exhibitors.
While COVID-19 numbers have been falling in the United States, case numbers have been climbing across Europe, including in Switzerland.
The announcement that there will be no Baselworld show in 2022 is the latest dip in the rollercoaster ride this once-massive show has been on since 2020.
After canceling its 2020 edition due to coronavirus, experiencing backlash over its refund policy from exhibitors and watching as major brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe left to organize their own show, many thought Baselworld was dead.
But in July 2020, MCH Group announced that the show would indeed be back in Basel in spring 2021 but with a new name—HourUniverse.
In January 2021, show organizers pushed the debut of HourUniverse back to June.
HourUniverse, however, never happened and in June, MCH Group announced it was rebooting the Baselworld brand and holding a show March 31-April 4 in Basel.
Commenting on the cancelation of this show, MCH Group CEO Beat Zwahlen said: “Over the past few months, we have studied in detail our watches, jewelry and gems ecosystem and gained important insights from discussions with major industry representatives.
“The conclusion is that the market exists for a business-business-consumer platform that brings together mid-sized and specialized manufacturers with independent retailers. But their needs must be analyzed in more detail. This means we need to have significantly more time to get there.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
