Editor’s Note
This article highlights a strategic divergence between Japan’s two leading watchmakers, Seiko and Citizen, regarding their participation in the prestigious Baselworld fair. While both have been long-term exhibitors, Seiko is withdrawing from the 2020 event as Citizen reaffirms its commitment and pursues a more diversified brand strategy.
The strategies of Japan’s two major watch manufacturers have clearly diverged regarding the world’s largest watch and jewelry fair, ‘Baselworld 2020’, held in Basel, Switzerland. While both have exhibited continuously since 1986, Seiko Watch has decided to withdraw from the event, whereas Citizen Watch will continue its participation. Furthermore, Citizen Watch is adopting a diversified approach by transferring its subsidiary complex watch brand ‘Arnold & Son’—previously exhibited at ‘Baselworld’—to its rival event, ‘Watches & Wonders Geneva※’. ※Renamed from ‘S.I.H.H. (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie)’ on October 16th.
Seiko Watch cited “the scheduling of ‘Baselworld 2020’ from April 30th” as its reason for withdrawal. Since ‘Baselworld 2019’ was held from March 21st to 26th, this represents a delay of over a month. The company judged this timing to be too late for engaging with buyers. Instead, the company stated:
The company once owned Swiss watch brands but now focuses solely on its own brands, excluding licensing agreements.