Events & Awards

Coronavirus Forces Cancellation of Watches & Wonders Geneva

Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2020

Coronavirus Forces Cancellation of Watches & Wonders Geneva

The show formerly known as SIHH was scheduled to take place in two months.

2020_WW_Geneva_Logo.jpg
Watches & Wonders Geneva (formerly SIHH), which was scheduled to take place in late April, has been canceled due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus. Baselworld organizers said they plan to move forward with their show though they are “monitoring the situation.”

Geneva—The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie has canceled the show formerly known as SIHH due to COVID-19 coronavirus after the World Health Organization reported the disease has spread to Switzerland.

FHH announced the cancellation of Watches & Wonders Geneva, which was scheduled for April 25-29, in a statement released Thursday.

“In order to protect the health and well-being of all our guests, press, partners and teams, the decision has been taken to cancel the upcoming edition of Watches & Wonders Geneva and its ‘In the City’ program,” the statement reads.

FHH said it “remains at the disposal of its partners and guests for any queries they may have” regarding the show’s cancellation and is already working on organizing Watches & Wonders Geneva 2021.

This was the first year for the revamped show.

FHH announced in the fall it was changing the show’s name from Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, or SIHH, to Watches & Wonders Geneva and, for the first time, opening the once trade-only affair to the public.

The show’s timing also had shifted.

SIHH typically took place in January and Baselworld in March, but show organizers agreed to move the shows so they were back-to-back, freeing exhibitors and attendees from having to travel to Switzerland twice in a few months’ time.

Watches & Wonders Geneva was scheduled to end April 29, with Baselworld starting April 30.

In a statement issued last week, Baselworld organizers said the 2020 show would go on as scheduled, a stance they reiterated Thursday, noting their “great regret” over FHH’s decision to cancel Watches & Wonders Geneva.

“A dedicated team is closely monitoring the situation on an hourly basis and following the guidance of the respective state, national and international health authorities,” the statement reads.

“To date, there are no specific requirements from the authorities regarding the organization of Baselworld Switzerland, and the show management is in close consultation with exhibitors.”

RELATED CONTENT: How the Coronavirus Is Impacting the Jewelry Industry
The coronavirus originated in December in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to 37 countries.

In its update on the virus issued Wednesday, the World Health Organization said four new countries had reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours: Switzerland, Algeria, Austria and Croatia.

WHO said for the first time since the virus was identified, there are now more new cases surfacing outside of China than in China.

Globally,
there have been 81,109 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The disease is responsible for 2,762 deaths, the organization said Wednesday.

FHH joins a growing number of organizations in the watch and jewelry industry to cancel or postpone events due to the spread of the disease.

The Hong Kong jewelry shows that normally take place in early March were pushed back to mid-May.

Swatch Group canceled its “Time to Move” event scheduled for late February/early March in Zurich, Switzerland, and Bonhams postponed its March 12 jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Stock image of a polished diamond being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO Says

The 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.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte in Washington, D.C.
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.

Hands pushing shopping cart
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in July

Survey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão at the 2026 African Mining Indaba
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.

Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Kevin Reilly PGI USA
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.

Pomellato Mandala Chromia necklace
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%

Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

United Flags of Fashion Arkansas Flag By Lauren Harwell Godfrey
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for Arkansas

She was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith 
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.

Tiffany & Co butterfly necklace
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1

LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”

Lionheart Sacred Heart Charm Necklace
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.

Mikimoto L'éclat high jewelry brooch
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain Says

Bain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.

Harvard Rubies Exhibit The Soul of Flame II Brooch by Austy Lee
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard Museum

The exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.

Stock image of shipping containers in port
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.

Jorge Adeler Gods & Heroes coin pendant
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.

Courtney Leidy Amethyst Silk Cord Pendant
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.

NJ Article image.png
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of Relationships

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.

Trucks at De Beers’ Orapa mine in Botswana
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.

Silvia Furmanovich Enchapado en Tamo Wooden Wheat Straw Sun Earrings
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.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Saracen Casino
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino Store

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

Kate Spade New York watches
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New York

The watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.

Stock photo of loose polished diamonds
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.

Monica Rich Kosann Enchanted Garden Cherry Necklace
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is Fruitful

The “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.

Liljenquist new Rolex boutique McLean Virginia
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New Boutique

It’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

NY Now exhibitor booth
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New Ownership

The show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy