The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organised 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 five-day event 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. Notably, buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America recorded significant growth, reflecting the fair's expanding global reach.
The fair, recognised as the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, connected the entire value chain from manufacturing and sourcing to brand promotion. Salon de TIME, which was open to the public with free admission, showcased over 150 brands from across the globe, achieving a record scale. The Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count from last year, indicating strong market demand for personalised and culturally inspired timepieces. HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam emphasised that the fair created opportunities for industry players to connect and collaborate, while also demonstrating Hong Kong's strengths as an international trading platform.
According to a survey conducted by HKTDC during the fair, 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, with 43% anticipating stable sales. Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%) were identified as the most promising markets. Regarding product trends, fashion watches were deemed to have the greatest growth potential (37%), followed by smart watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
Exhibitors reported robust business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches, noted that the fair served as an ideal platform for expanding overseas, with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, and expected sales exceeding US$3 million. Chauncey Chiu of Peacock Watch highlighted first-time connections with customers from Kuwait and Mexico, expecting total sales to exceed RMB10 million. Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial, anticipated sourcing approximately US$1 million worth of watch components and additional packaging materials. CN Innovations, a 45-year participant, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches, with Business Development Director SK Chong emphasising the fair's evolution from a transaction-driven trade venue to a strategic platform for industry exchange.
Salon de TIME also featured Guochao-inspired brands and microbrands. Sun International Concepts Ltd. presented five Chinese Mainland watch brands, receiving 17 bespoke timepiece enquiries and generating orders totalling HK$4 million. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch held product launches, with Fosun Watch Group's CEO George Xu expecting sales to exceed HK$1 million and planning a flagship store in Central Hong Kong. MicroMilspec from Norway made its debut, attracting over 170 visitors on the first day and estimating potential sales of US$29,000. Watchcatavlog from Hong Kong showcased 10 microbrands, expecting sales of HK$280,000, with increased visitor inquiries.
WOLF, a UK luxury watch winder brand, launched the world's most compact travel watch winder, using HKTDC's Click2Match platform to connect with 40 potential buyers. The Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion grew to 14 brands, with founder Amarildo Pilo noting connections with buyers from Asia, the Middle East, and the US. LINK2CARE, in collaboration with MARVIN, launched a luxury smartwatch with concealed biometric sensors, and Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd sold over 100 units of its high-end watches on the first day. The fair also featured a Time Arena activity zone, enhancing visitor engagement.
The event's success highlights Hong Kong's continued leadership in the watch industry, attracting global buyers and fostering business partnerships. The Click2Match platform remains open until 12 September, allowing continued online business discussions. HKTDC will organise more trade fairs in the autumn, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, electronicAsia, and lighting fairs, all adopting the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format. For more information, visit Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME.
