BASELWORLD 2009: Experience the latest trends at the world show

The watch and jewellery trends for 2009 are many and varied, in precisely the same way as BASELWORLD – the World Watch and Jewellery Show. From March 26 to April 2, these versatile new developments, creations and innovations can be experienced in six exhibition halls in Basel, over a total surface area of 160,000 m2. This rendezvous for the world’s leading brands promises to be the true highlight of the watch and jewellery industry in 2009 once again.

The art of a good watch designer lies in capturing the spirit of the times in the space of just a few square centimetres. A colourful timepiece on a chain, hanging right down to the navel, brings back memories of the wild, hippy years of the Seventies. Elegant restraint, by contrast, conveys the feel of the Sixties. Watches are a reflection of their time, a ticking piece of history. And this will be borne out once more at BASELWORLD next year – at the world’s biggest and most important event for the watch and jewellery sector. The world’s leading brands will be present in Basel from March 26 to April 2, 2009, showcasing their innovations and trends.

Watches – boundless creativity

In the watch sector, experts sum up the trends for 2009 as follows: anything that is theoretically feasible from the design angle is being taken up and implemented by the watchmakers. On the masterpieces emerging from the manufactures, materials and techniques alike are being mixed, merged, combined and varied – with creativity knowing virtually no bounds. And it is the big watches, in an especially wide variety of materials, that continue to predominate, offering a direct view of their frequently minimalist-design dials. The predominantly round cases, often featuring square components, are both flat and elegant.

Jewellery – the classics making a comeback

There is nothing more personal than a piece of jewellery. Jewellery is something sensual, something to be touched, felt and conquered. Visitors can experience this unique combination at BASELWORLD, which, with its jewellery section, will once again be reflecting the world market in all its different facets for a period of eight days. “Ornamental decors reminiscent of art nouveau and art deco are all the rage for 2009”, reports a confirmed specialist in the field. This development will be manifested in watches set with an abundance of precious stones, while boasting highly decorative elements, sculptural forms and surprising materials. “And, at quite the opposite end of the scale, come sober, minimalist styles, which will similarly be making their mark over the year to come,” explains the expert, venturing a further look into the near future.

Stones – colourful and big

And finally, a glance at the trends in precious stones and pearls: the red spinel has emerged as trend stone No. 1. A further trend is evident in the use of mandarin garnet, with these particular stones generally having a classic cut. Engraving on precious stones is also gaining importance, while cameos and engraved banded agate in signet rings are making a comeback. Another trend is coloured pearls, including ones in shades of gold and brown. And the bigger the finished pieces of jewellery are, the greater the need for big pearls and stones.

A networking platform – exclusive to Basel

In addition to providing its visitors with an overview of the latest trends, BASELWORLD offers them an excellent networking platform. The opportunity to meet face-to-face with the CEOs and owners of the most important brands in person is truly unique. Leaving aside all the external factors that cannot be influenced, Sylvie Ritter, Director of BASELWORLD can already state with certainty that “preparations are in full swing, we’ll have all the big brands on board again and we’ll be staging an unforgettable event for exhibitors and visitors alike.”

BASELWORLD 2009 – The World Watch and Jewellery Show

Statistics 2009 : Number of visitors: approx. 100,000
Number of exhibitors: approx. 2000
Accredited journalists: approx. 3000
Gross floor space: 160,000 m2
Net floor space: approx. 116.000 m2