Hong Kong has put itself in a unique position to promote the timepiece industry across the mainland, particularly after China granted all the city's products tariff-free status under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.
Last year, Hong Kong's watch and clock exports increased by 32 per cent, with the European Union and Switzerland accounting for more than 60 per cent of exports.
In view of the industry's optimistic outlook, many manufacturers use the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's (HKTDC) Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair as a platform to develop business and increase brand awareness.
'As one of the major watch exhibitions in the world, the fair attracts many high-quality buyers from around the world,' says leading designer and exhibitor Christie Wo. 'This helps to promote our brand.'
Wo's designs, including her new Chouette Teslar range, are being featured at the fair's Brand Name Gallery. More than 110 brands from 12 countries and regions, including France, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Switzerland, will be on show at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from today until Sunday.
Another quality exhibitor this year is Z Laboratory, which is introducing the Zerone SASU Untitled collection. 'This is one of the largest world-class watch fairs where exhibitors and buyers from different countries and regions can develop business relationships and exchange the latest market intelligence,' Z Laboratory's Anthony Mok says.