Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair: The Return of a Major Watch Event in Basel
A New Era for Basel's Watch and Jewellery Industry
Seven years after the demise of Baselworld – the once-iconic trade fair whose decline ultimately led to its disappearance – a new jewellery and watch exhibition project is set to bring international business back to Basel. The Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair is scheduled to occur in April 2027 and will be jointly organised by MCH Group (the former organiser of Baselworld and operator of Art Basel) and Informa Markets Asia.
Filling the Gap Left by Baselworld
The primary ambition of the fair is to re-establish a major annual European meeting point for the jewellery industry. While watch-focused events have continued to evolve, primarily with Watches and Wonders Geneva and the Geneva Watch Days, the jewellery sector – including manufacturers, wholesalers, gemstone traders, retailers, and sourcing specialists – has lacked a central international gathering since Baselworld ended.
For context, the Basel-based fair was not only focused on matchmaking but also gathered a major part of the jewellery industry, which isn't the case for Watches and Wonders. The organisers of the Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair also expect the event to strengthen business ties between Asia and Europe by providing Asian manufacturers and suppliers with a platform to present their industrial capabilities, products, and services to the European market.
Exhibition Details and Outlook
| Event | Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair |
|---|---|
| Date | April 2027 |
| Venue | Hall 2, Messe Basel |
| Organisers | MCH Group & Informa Markets Asia |
| Expected Exhibitors | 400-500 |
| Focus | Jewellery (core) + entry-level/mid-range watches |
Although jewellery will remain the core focus, the exhibition will also include watchmakers, without aiming to compete with Watches and Wonders. The idea is to focus on entry-level and mid-range, to complement the Geneva-based fair. The inaugural edition is actually scheduled to take place alongside Watches and Wonders, to welcome between 400 and 500 exhibitors in April 2027.
The City of Basel is supporting the initiative as Baselworld's disappearance left a noticeable gap. On paper, the concept appears promising. Messe Basel remains one of Europe's leading exhibition venues, and the organisers are promising competitive pricing to attract exhibitors back to the city.
Industry Reaction
Andrea Zappia, CEO ad interim of MCH Group, comments: "Basilia is a platform designed around the future of the jewellery and watch industries and their evolving needs. By combining Informa Markets' global reach and deep understanding of Asia's industrial ecosystem with MCH Group's expertise in creating world-class event platforms, we are establishing in Basel a new kind of international stage – one conceived from the outset to connect supply and demand across continents."
The project is being developed jointly by MCH Group and Informa Markets, with the exhibition taking place in Hall 2 of Messe Basel. Whether it can recapture even a fraction of Baselworld's former influence remains to be seen, but it represents a serious attempt to restore Basel as one of the world's leading meeting points for the jewellery and watch industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair take place?
The inaugural edition is scheduled for April 2027, coinciding with Watches and Wonders Geneva.
Who are the organisers of the new Basel fair?
The fair is jointly organised by MCH Group (former Baselworld organiser) and Informa Markets Asia.
Will the Basilia fair compete with Watches and Wonders?
No, the Basilia fair will focus on entry-level and mid-range watches alongside its core jewellery focus, complementing rather than competing with the high-end focus of Watches and Wonders.
Sources
For more information about upcoming watch events, visit our Watch Events Guide.