The 33^rd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, the world’s largest timepiece event, ended Sept. 7, with more than 19,000 buyers, up 2 percent, compared with the previous year.

Buyers from a number of key and emerging markets recorded significant growth, including the United Kingdom (23 percent), France (14 percent), Germany (7 percent), the Chinese mainland (8 percent), India (37 percent), Korea (30 pecent) and Thailand (28 percent).

The fair, staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd.

“The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair is the largest show of its kind in the world, and we are attracting buyers from around the world year after year,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau.

He added, “Developing original designs and promoting brands are still the way to go, and Hong Kong’s excellent watch and clock products are well placed to capture the opportunities. The highly acclaimed Salon de TE returned after its debut last year and once again showcased a fine selection of exquisite watches that attracted buyer attention.”

During the fair, the HKTDC organized close to 80 buying missions with some 3,800 buyers from around the world.

The HKTDC commissioned an independent research agency to conduct an on-site survey during the first three days of the fair. The agency surveyed 405 exhibitors and 705 buyers, gathering their views on such issues as market prospects, product trends, e-tailing and sourcing patterns.

The majority of buyers and exhibitors interviewed were optimistic about the overall sales for the coming year, mainly because retail prices continue to rise. With the Hong Kong watch and clock industry thriving, some 40 percent of buyers and about 40 percent of exhibitors interviewed, plan to procure or sell products via the Hong Kong platform.

A large number of buyers also considered the Chinese mainland a major source of supplies in the year ahead, with 70 percent of buyers interviewed planning to source watch and clock products from the Chinese mainland.

Traditional markets such as North America and Western Europe, as well as emerging markets such as the Chinese mainland and the Middle East are expected to be the main growth markets in the coming year.

In terms of product and market trends, both buyers and exhibitors said they expect quartz and smart watches to lead the market, while fashion watches, smart watches and leisure style watches will have the highest market potential.

Wearable Tech, a zone dedicated to smart watches, made its debut at this year’s fair and was a hit among buyers, according to show management.