Luxury Watch Show Ticks Along Nicely

By P. Joseph

The Geneva Palexpo international exhibition centre played host to one of the world’s most exclusive trade fairs in January as industry professionals gathered to view the collections of 19 luxury watch brands.

The 21st Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie took place between 17-21st January in the Swiss city and birthplace of watch-making.

Arguably the centrepiece attraction of the 5-day event was the Jaeger LeCoultre watch and safe set. Costing about $1.8 million, the set consists of a suede and leather-bound safe weighing over 1,000 kilograms with three of the brand’s finest watches inside. There is also space for several more watches, as well as drawers for other jewellery items. Thirty sets are said to have already been pre-ordered.

Other popular exhibits included a presentation by The Beyer Museum of Zurich retracing the steps of over 400 years of time measurement. For its part, French jeweller and watchmaker Cartier brought along some 300 pieces from its private collection.

The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie has mushroomed in size since the inaugural exhibition 21 years ago, where just 5 brands took part. On top of the 19 exhibitors at this year’s event, visitor numbers topped 12,000, including more than 1,000 journalists.

"Arguably the centrepiece attraction of the 5-day event was the Jaeger LeCoultre watch and safe set. Costing about $1.8 million, the set consists of a suede and leather-bound safe weighing over 1,000 kilograms with three of the brand’s finest watches inside."

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"Arguably the centrepiece attraction of the 5-day event was the Jaeger LeCoultre watch and safe set. Costing about $1.8 million, the set consists of a suede and leather-bound safe weighing over 1,000 kilograms with three of the brand’s finest watches inside."

By P. Joseph