Events & AwardsMay 24, 2021
Next Edition of GemGenève Show Scheduled for NovemberEvents & AwardsJun 24, 2021
Baselworld Is Returning in 2022
Now, it will cater to mid-range luxury brands.
After toying with rebranding as “HourUniverse,” Baselworld is sticking to its name and planning a comeback.
New York—Baselworld is back.
Despite the watch and jewelry show asserting it would not return to the trade show calendar under its original moniker and even teasing the new name HourUniverse, this week organizers MCH Group announced the show will return in 2022 as Baselworld.
Baselworld Managing Director Michel Loris-Melkof said, “After the [coronavirus] pandemic had stalled Baselworld over the last two years, we took a lot of time to talk to our partners and exhibitors. One thing became very clear: the Baselworld brand must remain, but it must fundamentally change.”
Following Switzerland’s national guidelines, Baselworld cancelled its 2020 show in January of that year, but its refund policy sparked an outcry from exhibitors, who found it to be less than generous considering the circumstances.
Citing years of frustrations with the show, the refund policy proved to be the final straw for several brands. Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor said they would create their own show held in conjunction with Watches & Wonders Geneva.
TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith were next to drop the trade show.
Baselworld’s reimagining doesn’t include these luxury brands, however.
In a press conference, Loris-Melikoff said MCH Group will cater to smaller watch, jewelry, and gemstone companies, which it classified as the “mid- to top section” of the industry, as well as “mass brands.”
The show will have room for about 300 brands in 2022, though that number could grow in the future.
Set to happen March 31 through April 4 in Basel, MCH Group said the dates align with other watch trade shows happening in Geneva.
Related stories will be right here …
Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022 is scheduled for March 30 to April 5.
Though focused on business-to-business, Baselworld will host all manner of watch enthusiasts, who should be able to touch and interact with the products rather than just admiring them through showcases, Loris-Melikoff said.
He did not clarify if the show will be open to the general public or only to specific collectors and influencers.
Baselworld will also have a digital component, to launch this fall, described as a platform in which buyers and brands can connect through imagery and media, and not just brands showing at the trade show. Instead, it will be open to any brand in the watch and jewelry sector.
“Everyone will meet on our platform,” said Loris-Melikoff. “The brands, the manufacturers, the retailers, the fans and the media. We will offer attractive conditions and prices for all brands that want to benefit from this unique platform."
He emphasized that the new Baselworld, both digital and in-person, will focus on listening to exhibitors and taking their feedback into account, something it has been accused of not doing in the past.
According to Loris-Melikoff, booth prices will be lower, as will the cost of eating and staying in Basel.
He touted Baselworld’s digital platform as the most economical option at less than 5,000 CHF (about $5,439) for a year. Booth prices start as low as 20,000 CHF (about $21,756) for the full run of the show.
For emerging brands, there will be an incubator with smaller booths that are even less expensive.
Loris-Melikoff also hinted at future events in Asia and the United States, as well as a small presence in Geneva concurrent with Baselworld and the Geneva watch shows.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
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.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
