ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“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
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 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.
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.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
