Time for new records: attendee numbers up.

The Dubai International Watch and Clock Fair (IWCF) in December set new participation records for both exhibitor numbers and industry visitors. The combined numbers were up by a quarter compared to 2006, with IWCF heavily influenced by increasing demand in the Middle East for mid-priced timepieces.

The exhibition offered manufacturers and exporters the rare opportunity to network with regional and even global retail businesses. The IWCF accommodates retailers, importers, exporters, distributors, wholesalers, dealers, trade agencies and manufacturers.

In order to provide visitors easy navigation through the exhibition, the IWCF from the 9th to 12th December was divided into six segments:

• Brand name watches and clocks
• Complete watches and clocks
• Parts and components/equipment
• Machinery
• Packaging
• Trade services and publications

Jewellery and watches in the same space.

Participating Hong Kong companies at the 2007 IWCF included Caridar Watches (HK) Co Ltd, the ODM and OEM specialist for cases, bands and watch assembly. There was also Proshine Industries (HK) Ltd, the imitation jewellery and alloy veteran and distributor NR Shahrukh Limited.

Hong Kong firms were able to present their value-for-money opportunities (for which they are already well known internationally), along with brand opportunities and flexible arrangements for consignments.

The Middle East is becoming an important Hong Kong market for export and re-export of watches and clocks, particularly with the slight falling away of US demand recently, and as youthful and large urban populations with higher disposable wealth emerge in countries such as Egypt.

As for the Arabian Gulf itself, sheikhdoms or emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are strong markets for Hong Kong exports dedicated to bespoke design products that include direct arrangements between manufacturers and chain stores or fashion labels.

Eco-friendly outlook.

Design and style importance.

Also, growing concern for conservation and environmental protection, among the EU nations, could offer Hong Kong manufacturers and companies even more valuable opportunities going into 2008. Specialists in eco-friendly components and power systems will be aligned to tap into this growing market.

Design concepts and styling have become an important means for stimulating purchases within mature markets. The new tech-savvy generation is driving demand with a willingness to spend money on tech-enhanced products rather than conventional timepieces.

The single largest export item for HK has been battery-powered wrist watches which account for almost 70% of total exports, and these products were closely observed by buyers at the Dubai show.

These products include both analogue and digital watches. Hong Kong also exports parts and components for watches and clocks, such as assembled movements, cases, watch straps, dials and parts for watch cases and bands - all were offered in some form at the show.

Pricing, styling and high-tech features leading the Middle East market

The 2007 ICWF offered an opportunity for top designers and manufacturers to highlight the latest trends in watch fashion to the Middle East markets. And designers are keen to point out that the priorities of today's consumers differ significantly from those of their grandparents.

Fashion must be matched by reasonable pricing.

Timepieces are no longer mass-market items, with accuracy and reliability being the highest priority. Today, styling and reasonable prices are important considerations. Accordingly, manufacturers and designers are broadening their choices of materials used for casing, housing and wristbands.

Though modern electronic devices such as MP3 players, mobile phones and PDA's have replaced clocks and watches for timekeeping, the demand for watches that make a strong fashion statement is climbing year after year.

The 2007/2008 fashion jewellery and watch collections show a continuing demand for mother-of-pearl watch settings. But perhaps the most desirable material for the discerning female shopper is diamonds - though not everyone can afford the price tag which accompanies these luxury items. Still, most women need no persuasion to purchase the wrist designs of Dior or diamond-studded Bulgari watches.

Designers have seen an opportunity to tap into this market and are producing alternatives which capture the sparkle of diamonds at a much lower price. Encrusted watches produced by Rotary offer the glamour at a fraction of the cost. And square-faced art deco style watches with baguette cut crystals and diamante accents are hot fashion must-haves. These alternatives can cost as little as US$150, making them more attainable for those on a budget.

Metal styling steps into history.

As for colour trends, the 1970s look is making a comeback. The watch is highlighted in two-toned gold and silver finish with funky designs which some predict will become hot items for 2008.

However, style is not the sole motivation for more exotic materials being used in watch design. EU initiatives to reduce or eliminate the use of some metals, such as nickel which has been found to be toxic to some individuals, are also influencing the watch and jewellery industry.

Contemporary clock and watch designs are also being shaped by an increasingly high-tech consumer base. The industry has been embracing features such as voice announcement, EL flashing/illumination, electronic compass, calendar, chronograph, incoming call alert for mobile phones, and even global positioning systems (GPS).

Niche markets, such as sports watches, are calling for more dual purpose lines which can combine features such as altimeter and depth meter in one device. And for consummate gamers, some companies have added game functions to their watches which allow people to communicate and play interactively with each other.

Taking this idea one step further, some watches now come equipped with the ability to access the Internet and transmit data to computers and other mobile devices.

Watches to step into the digital world.

The future may see digital watches that are equipped with cameras and mobile phones. The only limitation for this technology at present is that it cost prohibitive for most consumer markets.

However, the integration of MP3 players and voice recorders in digital watch design is more likely in the near future. So too are radio-controlled watches and clocks which have seen steady growth as technology continues to become more affordable.

Countries adopting the radio technology include the US, Germany, the UK and Japan, where radio stations have been in operation to emit signals for time synchronisation.

Clocks given a fresh look

Novelty was noticed.

Cuckoo clock played for laughs.

Novelty designs and cartoon themes continue to see strong demand within the clock market as well as multi-function alarm clocks and traveller clocks with GTLS (mini gas lights).

Premium market consumers put great emphasis on unusual designs and materials. Enhanced functions such as digital diary, calculator, currency converter and AM/FM radios have been integrated into digital product lines, in an attempt to increase value-added appeal.

Plans for the 2008 IWCF are in progress. For further information on dates and registration forms, visit: http://www.intexdubai.com/html/intro.htm

from special correspondent Ramon Baltazar, Dubai