On February 27, 2020, the Foundation for Haute Horlogerie (FHH) announced the cancellation of Watches & Wonders Geneva (formerly SIHH), which was scheduled to be held from April 25 to 29.
The event is an invitation-only watch fair primarily featuring companies from the Richemont Group, but in recent years has opened its doors to independent watchmakers and small manufacturers, demonstrating a presence comparable to that of Baselworld, another watch fair.
For many years, the former SIHH and Baselworld have been at odds with each other, but they agreed to continue the two events in 2020. The two watch fairs, Watches & Wonders Geneva and Baselworld 2020, were to be held consecutively from late April to early May.
The spread of the new coronavirus was the deciding factor in the cancellation of the event.
The FHH explained the reason for the cancellation: "In light of the latest developments regarding the global spread of COVID-19, it is the obligation of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, organizer of Watches & Wonders Geneva, to anticipate the potential risks associated with travel and important international gatherings. Therefore, in order to safeguard the health and well-being of all our clients, media, partners and teams, the decision has been taken to cancel the upcoming Watches & Wonders Geneva (formerly SIHH) and its accompanying event, 'In the City,' scheduled for April 25-29, 2020."
In the first place, since the dates of Watches & Wonders Geneva and Baselworld 2020 overlap with the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, it was expected that buyers and journalists from Islamic countries would not be attending this year.
Switzerland confirmed its first case of the virus on February 25th
In addition, Germany's Lufthansa Group (SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Lufthansa) suspended round-trip flights to and from Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenyang, and Qingdao (until March 28), and also reduced the number of round-trip flights to and from Hong Kong, making it difficult to invite media representatives and buyers from China to the two trade fairs. However, as stated in the release, the sudden increase in COVID-3 cases was likely the direct trigger for the cancellation of the events.
Switzerland has not confirmed any cases of COVID-19, but the first case was reported on February 25th, followed by three more on the 26th. One of the infected people is currently hospitalized at Geneva University Hospital, and 15 people who came into contact with him are in home isolation. There are also 70 suspected cases in Switzerland.
There is no information regarding Baselworld 2020, but an official announcement is expected soon.
