The organizers of Watches and Wonders (formerly known as SIHH) have just announced that Watches and Wonders 2020 has been canceled. The luxury wristwatch and jewelry fair which was scheduled to take place in Geneva from April 25th to 29th is the latest of many high profile trade shows that have been canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The show brings together around 30 watch brands mainly from Richemont as well as those from Kering and some independent watchmakers. In a statement the organisers said – “In view of the latest developments concerning the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, it is the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie’s duty, as organizer of Watches & Wonders Geneva, to anticipate the potential risks that travels and important international gatherings could entail,”
As of now Baselworld, the rival event of Watches and Wonders is still scheduled to take place after the Geneva event. The coming months will be extremely tough not just for the swiss watch industry but the entire luxury space which has been plagued by the falling demand in Hong Kong which has now further catapulted into the literal shutdown of Mainland China.