The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, concluded successfully on September 6, 2026. The event, held over five days, attracted over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's pivotal role as an international trading centre and premier sourcing hub for the global watch and clock industry.
Buyers from outside Hong Kong mainly came from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Russia, and the US, as well as ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Notably, buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America recorded significant growth, reinforcing the fair's global reach. Salon de TIME, fully open to the public with free admission, together with CENTRESTAGE, attracted over 20,000 public visits, showcasing the latest products from more than 400 watch and fashion brands.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam emphasised the fair's 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. The number of exhibitors in the Microbrands zone doubled compared with last year, reflecting strong market demand for microbrands, Guochao-inspired watches, and cross-industry collaborations.
A survey conducted by HKTDC during the fair, interviewing around 890 exhibitors and buyers, found that 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate sales will remain stable. Respondents identified Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%) as offering promising growth prospects over the next two years. Regarding 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., representing the Hengyang, Hunan pavilion, noted connections with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches. She expects sales to exceed US$3 million. Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager at Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., highlighted first-time connections with customers from Kuwait and Mexico, securing orders every day, with total sales expected 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, noted the fair's evolution from a transaction-driven trade venue into a strategic platform for industry exchange and market promotion. At Salon de TIME, several exhibitors showcased Guochao-inspired watches. David Sun, Executive Director of Sun International Concepts Ltd., reported 17 enquiries for bespoke timepieces, including eight from overseas, generating customised watch orders totalling HK$4 million. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch also held product launches, leveraging the fair for international expansion.
George Xu, CEO of Fosun Watch Group, said the two brands engaged with customers from India, the Middle East, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, expecting sales to exceed HK$1 million. He noted that a Turkish client met at last year's fair is now opening a retail store in Turkey, and the company plans to launch a flagship store in Central after the fair.
The Microbrands zone attracted 29 brands from eight countries, more than double last year. Norwegian brand MicroMilspec reported over 170 visitors on the first day, estimating potential sales of US$29,000. Hong Kong's Watchcatavlog, a returning exhibitor, showcased 10 microbrands, expecting sales of HK$280,000, with visitor inquiries up 20% year-on-year. UK-based WOLF made its debut, launching the world's most compact travel watch winder. Michael Jappert, Global Sales Director, said the Click2Match platform connected them with around 40 potential buyers.
Amarildo Pilo, Owner of PILO & CO SA and Founder of the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP), highlighted the fair's international reach, connecting with buyers from Asia, the Middle East, and the US. The SIWP Pavilion grew from 10 to 14 brands this year. LINK2CARE and MARVIN launched a luxury smartwatch with concealed medical-grade sensors. Paul Yuen, Director of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd, reported over 100 units sold on the first day and praised the new Time Arena activity zone.
Abel Hwong, Publisher & Anchor of World of Luxury Times, led a 26-member delegation that purchased 12 watches exceeding HK$100,000. The Click2Match platform remains open until 12 September, allowing continued online business discussions. HKTDC will organise further trade fairs this autumn, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia from 13 to 16 October, and lighting fairs later in the month.
