People's Daily, Beijing, March 23 (Che Kemeng) On March 22, 2017, the 100th Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition held its opening press conference this morning, and officially kicked off from that day. As an annual event that leads the trend in the industry and can't be missed, the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition brings together leading and key figures from the global watch and jewelry industry, and sets the tone for the development trend of the international watch and jewelry industry in the next year. As in previous years, the new annual festival with unique charm that the industry is waiting for will finally open. The elites from paper media, television and digital media, as well as hundreds of thousands of viewers watching the live broadcast around the world, will witness this historic moment together.

Mr. Ren é Kamm, CEO of MCH Group, first welcomed all those present at the annual event of the 100th Basel International Watch and Jewelry Fair. He said that the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition was a part of the development journey of MCH Group from the beginning, and from the perspective of international history, "there is no doubt that the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition has made a significant contribution to the success of our group and the establishment of its global position."

Ms. Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of the Basel International Horology and Jewellery Fair, welcomed all media representatives attending the press conference and journalists who tracked the 100th annual event of the Basel International Horology and Jewellery Fair on the live platform. Ms. Ritter said: "Over the past 100 years, watch manufacturers and jewelers have presented their wonderful ideas to visitors from Switzerland and around the world in the Basel Center." What is worth celebrating at this event is that for a century, the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition has always been an important day on the industry's calendar, and each event has been eagerly awaited and looked forward to. " Speaking about the large number of news practitioners participating in the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition and their increasing attention, Ms. Ritter stressed that "such a large number of news practitioners gathered here, reflecting your strong interest in the exhibition."

She then reviewed the history of the exhibition in the past 100 years, briefly listed several important milestones in the development of the exhibition, and concluded: "This brief review proved one thing: through the forward-looking thinking of Basel, we have created the world's most important watch and jewel exhibition."

With regard to the reasons for the success of this exhibition, Ms. Ritter pointed out in particular: "We have achieved success in reshaping, rejuvenating, adapting, modernizing, constantly transforming ourselves, and constantly responding to the constantly changing market." She stressed: "This is what we will continue to adhere to", because "looking forward to the future is our mission!"

At the same time, Ms. Ritter explained the past 12 months and said that it was "very difficult and has forced some insiders to leave the watch and jewelry industry. In this context, it is necessary to adjust the exhibition concept again, and the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition has taken the lead in transforming into an exhibition reflecting the changes in the global market." In addition, She pointed out: "This transformation process will always emphasize quality over quantity. The result is that we refuse some exhibitors to participate in this year's exhibition. This is a choice, it is our choice."

Back to the idea of the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition, Ms. Ritter said: "The essence of the exhibition is to reflect the market, meet the expectations of various market participants, and maintain the spirit of keeping pace with the times. The Basel International Watch and Jewellery Exhibition has never stopped and stood still!" She further explained how to realize the new concept of transformation and market adjustment: "Through the latest adjustment, we have provided a preferred exhibition area in Hall 1 for the independent clock manufacturers in the former Palace Hall. This exhibition area is called" Les Ateliers ", and we have met the growing demand in this field through it." She then revealed another new exhibition area in Hall 1 called "Design Lab". "This space is designed for designers, mainly jewelry designers, to display unique innovative works and avantgarde works."

Ms. Ritter praised the media for its crucial role in maintaining the leading position of the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition. All the latest series of works have been broadcast to the world in minutes and seconds. To this end, she thanked all media representatives for creating the incredible global influence of the Basel International Horology and Jewelry Exhibition.
On behalf of the exhibitors, Mr. Eric Bertrand, Chairman of the Exhibitors Committee, extended a warm welcome to all participants at the 2017 Basel International Watch and Jewelry Fair. Mr. Bertrand said: "The Basel International Watch and Jewellery Exhibition will cause great repercussions in the world every year, not only in Basel and Switzerland, but also in the watch industry and jewelry industry." He also summarized the value of this exhibition, It is believed that "only here, not anywhere else, can exhibitors have the opportunity to display their innovation and creativity in front of the most influential and outstanding retailers and media in the world." In addition, He added: "Based on our experience, we know that the new series of works displayed to the world at the Basel International Horology and Jewelry Exhibition will become a news hotspot in the next 12 months, and the trend formed here will be spread to the world." Referring to the history of the Basel International Horology and Jewelry Exhibition, Mr. Bertrand said: "This exhibition proves that the Basel International Horology and Jewellery Exhibition is constantly adapting to the changing and transforming environment. To this end, the Basel International Horology and Jewellery Exhibition has not only made significant changes, but also actively reflected the market. When all industry insiders seek safety value and stability, this enviable global platform will become more and more powerful. The essence of the Basel International Horology and Jewellery Exhibition is to treat the world clock at its best The watch and jewelry market responded. "

Mr. Bertrand also mentioned that the current economic and geopolitical situation provides opportunities for "practitioners who have acted correctly and have a solid market foundation in the past few years." In the past, he was surprised that some brands were enthusiastic about watches and jewelry but unfamiliar with the industry, He added: "When the wind is bad, these brands will be hit by the harsh reality." This is why "some brands have to give up, while those that focus on and rely on professional technology still stand." As a result of market integration, the whole industry will benefit after the recovery begins. Mr. Bertrand is full of confidence. "This recovery will enable the most well-prepared practitioners to gain considerable market share and win unprecedented success. As the chairman of the Exhibitors Committee, I am convinced that the Basel International Watch and Jewellery Fair will continue to reflect the market and adhere to the strategy of quality over quantity." In terms of logical reasoning, those brands that are not orthodox but are engaged in the watch manufacturing and jewelry industry, and those who are absent today, More space has been made for the exhibition. Mr. Bertrand said: "We can now set up the 'Les Ateliers' exhibition area in the first exhibition hall, which perfectly fits the industry's indispensable group of independent watch manufacturers." He added: "I am very proud that this new exhibition area was born during my term of office." In conclusion, He particularly mentioned his commitment to this exhibition: "Throughout the year, I have maintained a dialogue with the management of the Basel International Horology and Jewellery Exhibition, and I will continue to work on the high quality, great attraction and worldwide influence of this exhibition."

Fran? At the end of the press conference, Mr. ois Thi é baud stressed that Baselworld held eight days a year, which made time better. Thi é baud, commenting on the results of Swiss watch exports, said that in 2016, Swiss watch exports fell by 9.88% compared with the previous year, and the last quarter of 2016 was slightly improved, but the global political and economic situation remained difficult. The Swiss National Bank's decision on the Swiss franc valuation on January 15, 2015 had a negative impact on Swiss watch exports.

Mr. Thi é baud reminded the distinguished guests that, in terms of amount, the export volume of Swiss watch industry is still the largest in the world. Mr. Thi é baud praised the history and development of the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition, where beauty and innovation serve time. He particularly reviewed the important evolution of the Basel International Watch and Jewelry Exhibition in the past 100 years, and recalled the first exhibition held in 1917 with only 29 Swiss brands participating, and in 2017, 220 Swiss brands will present their latest works here.