Baselworld 2019

[kuuttingg]

I attended Baselworld 2017 and my first impression was in awe in seeing all the new watches that are releasing that year. That was 2 years ago and how sad that it doesn’t attract good amount of people as well as losing the Swatch group who accounts for over a dozen of brands.

There are two things that I found really frustrating when I attended Baselworld 2017. First, you can only look and take pictures of the watches. You cannot really hold it or try it on. I understand if the watch involves precious stones and metals and cost thousands if not million of dollars. Second, it feels elitist with some of the reps of the different watch brands being aloof if not downright dismissive just because I am not part of the press corps that will promote their brands.

Forgive me if I may sound naive. I don’t really attend a lot of shows like Baselworld but one thing that comes to mind is when I attend a car show at least for the most part the different car makers allow attendees to sit/touch/take a closer look of the car. Obviously those expensive cars remained only for display. Nonetheless, most of it can be check on and you get to feel how it inside the car. The same thing with CES wherein attendees are given the chance to try the new products and feel for themselves how it works.

I can’t blame the Swatch group not attending Baselworld. Since the culmination of Baselworld 2019 none really amazing came out from the show that prompted people to be motivated to attend the next Baselworld. I hope it will change...for the better.