The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair is one of the most important events in the international watchmaking calendar. With more than four decades of history, it has established itself as the largest watch and clock fair in the world in terms of number of exhibitors and participating countries, and as a strategic meeting point for brands, distributors, manufacturers and specialized media.
Held in a city that plays a key role in global trade, the fair reflects Hong Kong’s central position as the world’s second largest exporter and importer of watches and clocks. Its location, directly connected to manufacturing hubs in southern China, makes it a unique platform to understand the present and future of the industry.
A showcase for historic and independent brands
One of the main strengths of the fair is the diversity of propositions gathered in a single space. From century old maisons to contemporary independent projects, Hong Kong offers a broad and realistic view of today’s watchmaking ecosystem.
Aerowatch
Founded in 1910, Aerowatch is one of those brands that embody the continuity of Swiss watchmaking tradition. The company has never interrupted its production, even preserving the manufacture of pocket watches. Its approach combines heritage, technical expertise and a modern understanding of the international market.
Swiss Independent Watchmaker Pavilion
The Swiss Independent Watchmaker Pavilion, founded in 2012, was created with the aim of giving visibility to independent Swiss brands outside the major conglomerates. Hong Kong has become an ideal environment for this type of proposition, thanks to an audience that is more open to niche products, strong identities and a high level of craftsmanship.
Atlantic Watches
With origins dating back to 1888, Atlantic Watches is a Swiss brand with a strong international presence and distribution in more than 30 countries. Its positioning is built on tradition, reliability and a clear focus on European and Eastern European markets.
Elka Watches
Relaunched in 2022, Elka Watches works from its historical archives to reinterpret classic models, particularly those linked to aviation. Its collections stand out for their attention to legibility, proportions and respect for the brand’s original design language.
Ice-Watch
Ice-Watch represents a more accessible and contemporary vision of watchmaking. With a strong use of color, materials such as silicone and competitive pricing, the brand addresses a broad audience while maintaining solid industrial quality standards.
The French pavilion and the strength of European know how
French presence played a significant role thanks to Francéclat, the organization dedicated to promoting French watches, jewelry and tableware. In this edition, the French pavilion brought together ten brands, confirming the relevance of design and cultural identity in the international market.
Pierre Lannier
Pierre Lannier is an example of generational continuity in French watchmaking. Founded almost 50 years ago, the brand remains a family run project focused on design, accessibility and the promotion of French watchmaking.
Herbelin
Since 1947, Herbelin has built its identity around design and quality. The Hong Kong fair represents a strategic opportunity for the brand to strengthen its presence in Asia, the Middle East and other emerging markets.
Briston
Based in Paris, Briston stands out for the use of acetate cases, a material uncommon in watchmaking and more typical of the eyewear industry. The result is a collection of lightweight, distinctive watches with a strong aesthetic identity.
Kelton and Lip
Historic brands such as Kelton, recently relaunched after its success in France during the 1960s and 1970s, and Lip, with more than a century of history, demonstrate how heritage can be combined with contemporary strategies focused on international expansion.
Point Tec and Zeppelin
The German group Point Tec develops several brands with clearly defined identities. Among them, Zeppelin, inspired by the airships of the 1920s and 1930s, translates that historical imagery into watches with a classic aesthetic and a strong narrative foundation.
New players and global strategies
The fair also serves as a platform for groups and brands with international ambitions, such as Timeway Group, focused on global distribution under the Storm Group umbrella, and Agelocer, a brand that combines cultural narrative with contemporary design to position itself in highly competitive markets.
Hong Kong as a hub for the future of watchmaking
The evolution of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair mirrors the transformation of the watch industry over recent decades. From an approach centered on volume and manufacturing, it has moved toward integrating design, branding, added value and innovation, while maintaining its logistical and commercial advantages.
For the international watch industry, Hong Kong remains a privileged observation point of the Asian market and an essential connection between tradition and the future.
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