Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair returns as a stage for global names and independent brands
As well as international luxury names, the fairs feature independent brands, giving creators a chance to share their stories and designs with the world
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When the 44th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME open their doors this September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, not only will they showcase the artistry of global luxury names but also the resilience and creativity of independent watchmakers.
A global showcase returns
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd, and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, the fairs run from September 2-6, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Our Time. Our Moments”, reflects the timeless appeal of watches in a digital age by bringing together categories from luxury and high-fashion designs to technologically advanced and sustainable models, alongside creations by independent watchmakers. This diversity makes it a one-stop sourcing and trading hub for the global industry.
At the main fair, the “Pageant of Eternity” presents an array of exquisitely finished watches, alongside exhibits of pre-owned watches, clocks, smartwatches, packaging, parts and components.
Meanwhile, Salon de TIME celebrates prestige brands and independent designers across six themed zones: World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment, Wearable Tech and the new Microbrand zone designated for independent and emerging brands.
The line-up includes international names such as Ice-Watch, ROAMER, and Lilienthal Berlin, alongside innovators such as Hong Kong’s own Memorigin.
Apart from product showcases, the fairs serve as a major forum for industry discussion.
On September 2, the Hong Kong International Watch Forum will gather representatives from major watch associations worldwide to discuss global trade performance and supply chain resilience.
The following day, the Asian Watch Conference will present market insights from Euromonitor International and delve into topics such as the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulations (ESPR). Independent watchmakers will also weigh in on the lasting value of craftsmanship and sustainability.
Complementing these are seminars, parades and networking events designed to connect buyers and exhibitors, and to provide inspiration for both industry veterans and newcomers.
To provide an enjoyable visiting experience, Salon de TIME also welcomes the general public with a series of vibrant events including Lucky Draw, Smart Bidding, watch parade and celebrities' events.
While the international glamour may grab headlines, the fairs are equally important for independent watchmakers.
These modest yet passionate companies often lack the resources to compete with global giants, but fairs like this provide a chance to connect with distributors, retailers and collaborators who can help them scale.
One such exhibitor is Ray Lin, co-founder of the Hong Kong-based brand Sunrex, which emerged from his family’s decades-old OEM watchmaking business. He sees the fairs as both a symbolic homecoming and a strategic opportunity.
“We’ve exhibited in places such as Singapore, Australia, Indonesia and the United States,” he says. “For us, it’s still about learning and building awareness. But in Hong Kong, we also hope to meet B2B partners, especially from Southeast Asia.”
Ray and his elder brother Chi, the brand’s lead designer with an architecture background, established Sunrex in 2018 to create watches they personally wanted to wear. The move took them from contract manufacturing into original design and branding.
“We never thought about it too strategically. We just wanted to make watches that people enjoy wearing and can rely on as tools,” Ray explains.
“Chi has always loved sketching and design since he was young. All of our watch designs come from him. His vision and creative energy are the heart of Sunrex,” says the younger brother.
Their chosen path has been to focus on solar-powered movements, particularly from Seiko, which offer convenience and eco-friendliness. “I hate changing batteries,” Ray says with a laugh.
“Solar movements solve that problem. They’re accurate, reliable, and good for everyday use. For us, it’s about combining that practicality with a vintage design language.”
This positioning – versatile enough for both casual and dressy wear, while avoiding the daily charging required of smartwatches – sets Sunrex apart.
“Smartwatches are great, but they’re different products,” Ray adds. “Just like vinyl records co-exist with streaming, traditional watches will always have a place. Trends can come back.”
.jpg?itok=Kf_fPTM5 "Inspired by space exploration, the Sunrex 321 Solar Watch fuses futuristic style with eco-conscious design. Powered by light, it features a chronograph dial, astronaut motif and sustainable strap, which is ideal for modern explorers.")
Swiss brand Le Tandy brings gemstone-inlaid dials crafted through intricate artisanal techniques, while No Identity offers designs inspired by the Arctic that combines poetic aesthetics with practical functions such as a moon phase display.
Established names such as Squale and ZRC showcase professional-grade dive watches, known respectively for titanium cases with extreme water resistance and the modern revival of the historic Grands Fonds 300®.
Heritage player Ollech & Wajs presents the Astrochron chronograph, a model rooted in space-age exploration, while Hong Kong’s OVD Limited debuts the futuristic Full Moon M1, featuring a rotating 3D lunar display.
From online to offline
For Ciff Luk, founder of the YouTube channel “Watch CataVlog”, Salon de TIME represents something slightly different as it offers him a way to bring his online influence into the physical world.
Known among enthusiasts for his in-depth coverage of independent brands, Ciff has built a following by consistently adding English subtitles to his Cantonese-language videos, allowing him to reach audiences across Asia.
“This is my third year working with HKTDC,” he says. “At first, the timing wasn’t right, but now my network is stronger. Moving from online to offline is very meaningful. Even if it’s just for exposure or learning, it’s worth doing. It gives me the chance to meet people face to face, to build trust, and to see what collaborations might come.”
Ciff has been a vocal advocate of the rise of independent brands in the last decade. Thanks to the internet and robust logistics networks, he says, the barriers to entry have never been lower, from sourcing components and finding suppliers to reaching customers, all can be done online at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury operations.
“Ten years ago, independent brands were almost unheard of. Now they’ve carved out real market share, even from mid-tier luxury brands. Fans are attracted by design, value, and sometimes even in-house movements that rival those of big names,” he notes.
He cites the UK’s Christopher Ward as a case in point: a brand that began with affordable designs but now produces its own movements and commands global respect.
“It’s amazing what’s possible now. And for Hong Kong, it means there’s still a role as a hub – between global buyers and suppliers – that no one else can replace.”
For Ciff, the physical fair is irreplaceable despite the rise of virtual exhibitions.
“It’s like a concert,” he says. “Streaming exists, but people still want that live atmosphere. The same goes for business; you need to shake hands, meet people and build trust. That’s why physical fairs still matter, maybe even more after Covid.”
Adaptation is the consensus that both Ray and Ciff share, as they see it as key to staying relevant in a watch industry that has changed dramatically.
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME
Date: September 2-6, 2025
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Websites: hkwatchfair.hktdc.com, hkwatchfair.hktdc.com/te