IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2020
Rolex, Patek, Chanel Exit Baselworld for New Watch Show
It will be held in conjunction with Watches & Wonders Geneva in April 2021.
Rolex led the charge for five heavyweight brands to leave Baselworld and start their own show that will be held in conjunction with Watches & Wonders Geneva next April. Pictured here is the Rolex booth at Baselworld last year. (Photo courtesy of Baselworld)
Geneva—Five heavyweight watch and jewelry brands have cut ties with Baselworld.
Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor announced Tuesday they are creating a new watch trade show to be held in conjunction with Watches & Wonders Geneva.
In a joint statement with Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, organizer of Watches & Wonders (formerly SIHH), the brands cited Baselworld’s history of making major decisions without consulting exhibitors as part of the impetus for leaving.
The beleaguered Swiss watch and jewelry exposition has come under fire in the last decade for its exorbitant pricing and disregard for exhibitor feedback.
Its most recent affront to participating brands was its postponement to January 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, instead of April 2021 to align with Watches & Wonders.
Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor announced Tuesday they are creating a new watch trade show to be held in conjunction with Watches & Wonders Geneva.
In a joint statement with Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, organizer of Watches & Wonders (formerly SIHH), the brands cited Baselworld’s history of making major decisions without consulting exhibitors as part of the impetus for leaving.
The beleaguered Swiss watch and jewelry exposition has come under fire in the last decade for its exorbitant pricing and disregard for exhibitor feedback.
Its most recent affront to participating brands was its postponement to January 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, instead of April 2021 to align with Watches & Wonders.
“There have been too many discussions and unsolved problems; trust is no longer present.” – Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern
Exhibitors were even more roiled by their two show refund options: roll over 85 percent of fees to the next show and lose 15 percent to Baselworld organizer MCH Group, or claim a 30 percent refund now, with 40 percent of fees applying to the January show and loss of the remaining 30 percent.
Rolex SA CEO and Montres Tudor Board Member Jean-Frédéric Dufour noted in the joint statement: “We have taken part in Baselworld since 1939. Unfortunately, given the way the event has evolved and the recent decisions made by MCH Group, and in spite of the great attachment we had to this watch show, we have decided to withdraw.
“Following discussions initiated by Rolex, it seemed only natural to create a new event with partners that share our vision and our endless, unwavering support for the Swiss watchmaking sector. This will allow us to present our new watches in line with our needs and expectations, to join forces and better defend the interests of the industry.”
Other executives echoed the difficulty in the historic decision to leave Baselworld.
Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern said: “The decision to leave Baselworld was not an easy one to take for me, being the fourth generation of the Stern family to participate in this traditional yearly event …Today Patek Philippe is not in line with Baselworld’s vision anymore, there have been too many discussions and unsolved problems; trust is no longer present.
“We need to answer the legitimate needs of our retailers, the clients and the press from around the world. They have to be able to discover the new models from Swiss watchmakers each year, at one time, in one place, and in the most professional manner possible.”
The yet-to-be-named watch trade show will be held at the Palexpo in Geneva at the same time as Watches & Wonders, in April 2021.
The yet-to-be-named watch trade show will be held at the Palexpo in Geneva at the same time as Watches & Wonders, in April 2021.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
