Founded in 1917, Baselworld is the most important event on the planet for jewelry, gemstones, and timepieces. Let’s take a look at what made Baselworld the world’s ultimate luxury trade show.
The city of Basel, Switzerland, is home to 175,000 citizens. However, when Baselworld touches down, the country’s third most populous municipality nearly doubles its residents.
The rehearsal for what would become Baselworld was run for the first time in 1917. Back then, the “Schweizer Mustermesse Basel” (MUBA) showcased a special fair for jewelry and watchmakers.
In 1931, the inaugural “Schweizer Uhrenmesse Swiss Watch Show” conquered its own space with a pavilion at the MUBA.
The pressure of the industry showed no signs of fading, and by 1986, Basel 86 – the new official name – was already admitting exhibitors from outside Europe.
An Influential Luxury Goods Event
In 1995, it gets another new designation: Basel 95 – The World Watch, Clock and Jewellery Show. It was only in the 21st century that the international jewelry trade show got its definitive name.
Baselworld attracts more than 1,500 jewelry and watches brands, over 150,000 visitors, and 4,000 media professionals from all continents.
The event is the industry’s most relevant and influential meeting and is clearly growing towards becoming a global luxury goods fair.
Whether you’re an industry professional or simply a private jewelry enthusiast, Baselworld will open your mind with its innovations, sparkling stones, and avant-garde design and craftsmanship.
If you’re visiting it for the first time, get the Baselworld app. It will certainly guide you through the multiple floors and exhibition areas, and category zones.
