The numbers are in - and the news is good. On March 25, eight days after the 38th BaselWorld fair opened its doors, organiser MCH Swiss Exhibition announced that buyer attendance was up 7 per cent from last year, with Swiss exports also showing a marked increase.
After last year's subdued showing, the 100,700 trade buyers were a welcome sight, as were returning American buyers.
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) says BaselWorld figures - 'the sector's most important barometer' - backed its earlier findings that the watch industry is showing signs of lasting recovery.
FH reported a 2.7 per cent rise in Swiss watch exports in January - the first increase in 14 months - followed by a 14.2 per cent increase in February, which it attributes to strong demand from the mainland. While exports to the United States are still dwindling, exports to the mainland and Hong Kong have risen by 87 per cent and 26 per cent respectively. Many of the participating brands at BaselWorld reported a definite change in the mood during the fair.
'The mood has been very positive at the fair so far - much better compared to last year,' says de Grisogono founder Fawaz Gruosi.
Jean-Claude Monachon, vice-president and head of product development for Omega, agrees that people are 'definitely more light-hearted this year' and are more open to new designs, colours and materials.