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 Click2Match smart business matching platform remains open until 12 September, facilitating continued online business discussions between exhibitors and buyers worldwide.
Over the five-day fair, more than 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions attended to source watch and clock products. Key markets for non-Hong Kong buyers included the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Russia, and the US, as well as ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The event saw significant growth in buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America, underscoring Hong Kong's pivotal role as an international trading center and premier sourcing hub for the global watch and clock industry in Asia.
Salon de TIME was fully open to the public with free admission. Concurrently held with CENTRESTAGE, the two events attracted over 20,000 public visits for shopping and visits, showcasing the latest products from more than 400 watch and fashion brands.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam emphasized the fairs' role as the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, connecting the entire value chain spanning manufacturing, sourcing, and brand promotion. This year, Salon de TIME attracted more than 150 brands from across the globe, achieving a record scale and enhancing its international profile. The Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count compared to last year, reflecting strong market demand for microbrands, Guochao-inspired watches, and cross-industry collaborations.
A survey conducted by HKTDC during the fair interviewed around 890 exhibitors and buyers. It found that 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stable sales. Respondents identified Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%) as target markets with promising growth prospects. In terms of product trends, 37% believe fashion watches offer the greatest growth potential, followed by smart watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
Exhibitors reported robust business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches at Hunan Shengshi Weide Technology Co., Ltd., noted connections with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches, with expected sales exceeding US$3 million. Chauncey Chiu of Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd. secured orders daily and expects total sales to exceed RMB10 million, with new customers from Kuwait and Mexico. Nabil Dabaan of Jovial from the UAE expects to source approximately US$1 million worth of watch components and US$250,000 in packaging materials. CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches, with Business Development Director SK Chong highlighting the fair's evolution from a transaction-driven venue to a strategic platform for industry exchange.
At Salon de TIME, the Guochao trend was prominent. Sun International Concepts Ltd. presented brands by AHCI members from the Chinese Mainland, receiving 17 enquiries for bespoke timepieces, including orders totaling HK$4 million. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch held product launches, with Fosun Watch Group CEO George Xu expecting sales over HK$1 million and planning a flagship store in Central after the fair. The Microbrands zone featured 29 brands from eight countries, including debutant MicroMilspec from Norway, which estimated potential sales of US$29,000. Returning exhibitor Watchcatavlog showcased 10 microbrands and attracted interest from buyers in Brazil, Canada, India, and the US, with expected sales of HK$280,000.
WOLF from the UK launched the world's most compact travel watch winder, and Global Sales Director Michael Jappert reported connections with around 40 potential buyers via the Click2Match platform. PILO & CO SA of Switzerland noted growth in the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion from 10 to 14 brands, helping Swiss brands explore new distribution. LINK2CARE and MARVIN launched a luxury smartwatch with medical-grade sensors, with Director Paul Yuen of Dayton Industrial Co., Ltd. reporting sales of over 100 units on the first day and a cross-industry partnership in wellness tourism.
Abel Hwong of World of Luxury Times led a delegation that purchased 12 watches worth over HK$100,000, highlighting the fair's role in enabling direct interactions between collectors and brands. HKTDC will organize further trade fairs this autumn, 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.
