The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME have concluded successfully after a five-day run. Jointly organized 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, the event drew more than 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions, reaffirming its position as the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace. The fair, held annually since 1981 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, has long anchored Hong Kong's watch trade, one of the city's key export sectors covering both finished timepieces and components such as movements, cases, and straps. The Click2Match smart business matching platform will remain open until 12 September to support ongoing global business discussions.

Buyer attendance from North America, ASEAN, and Latin America saw significant growth, underscoring Hong Kong's role as an international trading center and premier sourcing hub. Salon de TIME, which offered free public admission, together with the concurrently held CENTRESTAGE, attracted over 20,000 public visits and showcased products from more than 400 watch and fashion brands.

HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam highlighted the fair's comprehensive industry ecosystem, which connects the entire value chain. This year's Salon de TIME featured more than 150 brands from around the world, reaching a record scale and greater international diversity. The Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count, reflecting strong market demand for personalized designs, cultural creativity, and compelling brand stories. This growth parallels a broader global rise of independent microbrands, which bypass traditional retail channels and reach enthusiasts directly online, in contrast to the mass-market focus that historically defined Hong Kong's watch manufacturing base.

A survey conducted during the fair found that 50% of respondents expect overall sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stability. The key growth markets identified were Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%). On product trends, 37% of respondents viewed fashion watches as having the greatest growth potential, followed by smart watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).

Exhibitors reported strong business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches, connected with buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in 2,000 watches, with expected sales exceeding US$3 million. Chauncey Chiu of Peacock Watch Group secured orders daily and anticipates sales over RMB10 million, along with first-time connections with customers from Kuwait and Mexico.

On the buyer side, Nabil Dabaan, CEO of the UAE-based Jovial, expected to source approximately US$1 million worth of watch components from nine suppliers, two of them new. CN Innovations Limited, a participant for 45 years, showcased 3D-printed titanium watches, with Business Development Director SK Chong emphasizing the fair's evolution from a transaction-driven venue into a strategic platform for industry exchange.

The Guochao trend featured prominently. Guochao, or "national wave," refers to the growing consumer preference in the Chinese Mainland for domestic brands that incorporate Chinese cultural elements and design identity. Sun International Concepts Ltd. presented Chinese Mainland watch brands, including members of the AHCI, and Executive Director David Sun received 17 bespoke timepiece enquiries, generating HK$4 million in orders. Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch held product launches, and Fosun Watch Group CEO George Xu reported engagement with customers from India, the Middle East, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, expecting sales exceeding HK$1 million.

The Microbrands zone hosted 29 brands from eight countries, more than double last year's figure. Norwegian brand MicroMilspec welcomed over 170 visitors on the first day and estimated potential sales of US$29,000. Returning exhibitor Watchcatavlog showcased 10 microbrands, with Founder Ciff Luk expecting sales of HK$280,000 and noting a 20% rise in visitor inquiries.

UK luxury brand WOLF made its fair debut, launching the world's most compact travel watch winder; Global Sales Director Michael Jappert connected with roughly 40 potential buyers through Click2Match. The Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP) expanded from 10 to 14 brands, with Owner Amarildo Pilo noting connections with buyers from Kazakhstan and the Chinese Mainland.

Product innovation was also on display, including LINK2CARE's luxury smartwatch with concealed medical-grade biosensors, launched in collaboration with MARVIN. Paul Yuen of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd reported more than 100 units sold on the first day and established a cross-industry partnership in wellness tourism. The launch reflects how Hong Kong manufacturers, long known for OEM and ODM production, are increasingly moving into higher-value, technology-enabled product categories.

The fair's public appeal was clear when Abel Hwong, Publisher of World of Luxury Times, led a 26-member delegation that purchased 12 watches worth over HK$100,000. The success of this edition reinforces Hong Kong's standing as a global hub for the watch and clock trade, with HKTDC's upcoming fairs scheduled for October.