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
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
