A Shift in The Horizon: High Horology Embraces Traditional Trade Fairs Amid Sales Flux

Once relegated to observations from the sidelines, luxury watch brands are now making their presence felt at traditional trade shows. A leading exhibition in this growing trend is Inhorgenta Munich, a major jewelry fair that has become increasingly appealing to horology brands in the face of faltering sales in China and inflation-burdened U.S. markets.

Striving to achieve a direct connection to retail partnerships, potential clients, and to promote their offerings amid wavering luxury markets, watchmakers are turning back to these traditional trade events. Inhorgenta, founded in 1974, finds itself at the epicenter of this shift, as it caters primarily to business-to-business relationships, making it an attractive platform for these brands.

As many luxury brands shift retail sales to their private in-house store boutiques, a void has emerged for traditional jewelry retailers wanting to sell watches to complement their jewelry range. Exhibitions like Inhorgenta provide an avenue for these retailers to explore an array of watches, engage with brand executives, and place orders, sustaining their product offering while servicing their clientele effectively.