Leading Swiss watch brand Breitling announced that it would not be participating in Baselworld 2020, adding to the list of well-known names, including Swatch and others that have withdrawn from the prestigious watch and jewellery show.

In a statement quoted widely in the media, Breitling CEO Georges Kern cited the rescheduled dates for the 2020 show as the main reason for the decision. The show, which has normally been held in late March or early April, will be held in late April next year. The shift in dates was coordinated with another popular watch show, SIHH, to make it convenient for visitors from afar to attend both events in a single trip.

Kern told the media that the new show dates cannot be reconciled with the brand’s own scheduling, which now includes a flexible Summit platform through which its partners and others can be introduced to new developments and product launches. He said that the brand would focus on communications through its Summit platform in 2020.

While confirming non-participation in next year’s show, however, the Company CEO clarified that it will only take a decision about 2021 participation at a later date.

Media reports indicate that the Baselworld management is already holding discussions with other leading brands like Rolex and Tudor for allocation of the space vacated by Breitling next year.

Attendance at this year’s Baselworld declined by 22%, even as the management announced that 2019 was a transition year and there would be major innovations and changes in the show from next year onwards.

Pic caption: The Brietling stall at Baselworld 2019

Pic courtesy: Breitling