IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2019
Baselworld 2020: Breitling Exits, Rolex Expands
Breitling is focusing on a company-organized summit for retailers, customers and media instead of exhibiting at the watch and jewelry trade show.
Breitling announced Monday that it won’t exhibit at Baselworld next year, focusing instead on a company-organized summit for retailers, customers and media. Pictured here is one of the watches the Swiss brand introduced before Basel this year, the Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph Pan Am Edition.
Basel, Switzerland—Breitling announced Monday that it won’t return to Baselworld next year, making it the first—but possibly not last—big brand to back out of the show.
The watch and jewelry trade show traditionally has taken place in mid- to late March, but Baselworld 2020 is scheduled for April 30-May 5, immediately following SIHH in Geneva (April 26-29).
The shows agreed to synch their dates so retailers and the media, particularly from the United States and Asia, don’t have to travel to Switzerland twice in a few weeks’ span.
Breitling said Sunday that although it had a successful show this year, the 2020 dates don’t work for it.
So instead of exhibiting at Baselworld, where the brand’s massive fish tank was once the Instagram-ready centerpiece of Hall 1.0, the Swiss watch brand will invite retailers, media, customers and collectors to the second Breitling Summit.
The first summit took place in London in October 2018 to introduce the Premier collection. The brand hasn’t confirmed the dates for the second edition, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
See: 4 New Watches Breitling Introduced at Baselworld 2019
Breitling created the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition in conjunction with brand enthusiast and vintage watch fan @watchfred. The 30mm 1950s-style reboot is powered by the Caliber B09 movement with a 70-hour power reserve ($8,600, limited to 1,959 pieces). As in the original, the watch has a close caseback, acrylic instead of sapphire glass, and 94 beads on the bezel.
The Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph Pan Am Edition is powered by the brand’s in-house Caliber 01 movement, which has a 70-hour power reserve. It was the second watch released in Breitling’s Navitimer 1 Airline Editions capsule collection.
Breitling revamped its Superocean Collection of dive watches this year, creating five sizes ranging from 48-36 mm. They are all COSC-certified and powered by the Breitling Caliber 17, which has a 38-hour power reserve. Pictured here is the Superocean Automatic 42, which is available in black, white or orange.
The three new Aviator 8 Curtiss Warhawk watches honor American aircraft manufacturer Curtiss-Wright and its most famous plane, the P-40 Warhawk, which was produced between ’38 and ‘44. There are two chronographs, both powered by the Caliber 01 movement with a 70-hour power reserve, and a three-hand model (pictured here). Retail prices range from $4,230 to $8,180.
“We decided to focus on our global Summit format in 2020 and the subsequent local road shows,” CEO Georges Kern said in a company statement. “The decisive factor is first and foremost the new Baselworld date at the end of April, which cannot be reconciled with our planning.”
He said the company will decide later if it will return to the watch and jewelry trade show in 2021.
Breitling’s decision to leave Baselworld in favor of focusing on its own event underscores one of the major hurdles business-to-business trade shows face today: getting exhibitors to see the value in spending money on a trade show when technology has made it easier for them to organize their own events and reach customers with new product year-round.
Oris introduced a new Big Crown Pointer date in November, then followed up with the release of more new timepieces during a pre-Basel press trip to Vail, Colorado in January.
That same month, Breitling debuted its first capsule collection.
The Navitimer 1 Airline Editions is a series of three ‘60s- and ’70-style aviation watches that pay homage to three airlines from that era: Swissair, Pan Am and TWA.
Available beginning this month at Breitling boutiques and select retailers, the capsule collection watches are available in limited quantities for a limited period of time, mirroring what
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
fashion brands such as Supreme do through their “drops” to drive demand.
They are priced between $8,000 and $9,000.
While Breitling won’t be at Baselworld 2020, show organizers said Monday that Rolex is staying and will be expanding into the space where sister brand Tudor was this year.
Tudor will have its own booth in Hall 1.0.
On Tuesday afternoon, National Jeweler reached out to other Baselworld exhibitors to ask about their plans for 2020: Patek Philippe, LVMH-owned brands TAG Heuer and Bulgari, Roberto Coin and Citizen, which also owns Frederique Constant, Alpina and Bulova.
Patek Philippe was the only brand to respond by deadline, stating: “As in previous years, Baselworld 2019 was a real success for Patek regarding the attendance not only in terms of quantity but also quality.
“We believe Baselworld remains a platform to meet our partners/retailers and journalists from all around the world. We hope the fair will continue to develop in the future.”
They are priced between $8,000 and $9,000.
While Breitling won’t be at Baselworld 2020, show organizers said Monday that Rolex is staying and will be expanding into the space where sister brand Tudor was this year.
Tudor will have its own booth in Hall 1.0.
On Tuesday afternoon, National Jeweler reached out to other Baselworld exhibitors to ask about their plans for 2020: Patek Philippe, LVMH-owned brands TAG Heuer and Bulgari, Roberto Coin and Citizen, which also owns Frederique Constant, Alpina and Bulova.
Patek Philippe was the only brand to respond by deadline, stating: “As in previous years, Baselworld 2019 was a real success for Patek regarding the attendance not only in terms of quantity but also quality.
“We believe Baselworld remains a platform to meet our partners/retailers and journalists from all around the world. We hope the fair will continue to develop in the future.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
