The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, concluded successfully on September 6, 2026. The events, which ran from September 2 to 6, attracted over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's status as the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace.
Buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America saw significant growth, reflecting the fair's expanding global reach. Buyers from outside Hong Kong primarily came from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Russia, the US, and ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. This international turnout reinforces Hong Kong's pivotal role as an international trading center and premier sourcing hub for the watch and clock industry in Asia.
Salon de TIME, fully open to the public with free admission, and CENTRESTAGE, held concurrently, attracted over 20,000 public visits. Together, they showcased the latest products from more than 400 watch and fashion brands. This year, Salon de TIME featured over 150 brands from around the globe, achieving a record scale. The Microbrands zone doubled in exhibitor numbers compared with last year, reflecting growing consumer interest in personalized designs and cultural storytelling.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smiley Lam noted, "As the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME connect the entire value chain spanning manufacturing, sourcing, and brand promotion. This year, we observed strong market demand for microbrands, Guochao-inspired watches, and cross-industry collaborations."
During the fair, HKTDC conducted a survey of around 890 exhibitors and buyers. Findings revealed that 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stable sales. Promising growth markets identified for the next two years include Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%). Product trends indicate that fashion watches (37%) hold the greatest growth potential, followed by smartwatches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
Exhibitors reported robust business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches at Hunan Shengshi Weide Technology Co., Ltd., said, "We have already connected with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches. We expect sales generated during the five-day fair to exceed US$3 million." Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager at Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., added, "We secured orders every day, and we expect total sales to exceed RMB10 million."
Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial, a watch wholesaler from the UAE, expects to source approximately US$1 million worth of watch components from nine suppliers, including two new ones. CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches. SK Chong, Business Development Director, said, "The fair's role has evolved from transaction-driven trade into a strategic platform for industry exchange and market promotion."
At Salon de TIME, the Guochao trend was prominent. Sun International Concepts Ltd. presented five Chinese Mainland watch brands, including creations by AHCI members. David Sun, Executive Director, reported 17 enquiries for bespoke timepieces, generating orders totaling HK$4 million. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch also held product launches. George Xu, CEO of Fosun Watch Group, said, "We expect sales to exceed HK$1 million. A Turkish client met at last year's fair is now opening a retail store in Turkey."
The Microbrands zone featured 29 brands from eight countries, more than double last year. Norwegian brand MicroMilspec debuted and received over 170 visitors on the first day, estimating potential sales of US$29,000. Watchcatavlog from Hong Kong showcased 10 microbrands, with founder Ciff Luk noting a 20% increase in visitor inquiries. WOLF, from the UK, launched the world's most compact travel watch winder. Michael Jappert, Global Sales Director, highlighted connections with 40 potential buyers via the Click2Match platform.
Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion grew from 10 to 14 brands. Amarildo Pilo, founder, said, "We have met more than 10 clients, including three from Kazakhstan and a buyer from the Chinese Mainland." LINK2CARE, in collaboration with MARVIN, launched a luxury smartwatch with medical-grade sensors. Paul Yuen, Director of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd, reported selling over 100 units on the first day and establishing a cross-industry partnership in wellness tourism.
Abel Hwong, Publisher of World of Luxury Times, led a 26-member delegation that purchased 12 watches worth over HK$100,000. "The fair lets collectors interact directly with brands and buy the timepieces they want," he said.
The HKTDC will continue its autumn trade fair series, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia from 13 to 16 October, and the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) from 27 to 30 October, all adopting the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format to extend online business matching.
