Optimism is high with regard to 2026 sales prospects in the timepieces sector, according to many of the buyers and exhibitors surveyed during two recent industry flagship events – the 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME. The survey also found that demand for smartwatches and rising interest in automatic watches were likely to be the drivers of growth over the next 12 months.

On April 9, 2025 Turkey’s Ministry of Trade published Official Gazette No 32865 which updates labeling requirements for consumer products containing animal derived materials. The regulation, effective June 9, 2025, applies to a wide range of consumer goods, including but not limited to textiles, footwear, gloves, bags, wallets, belts, watches, stationery, toys, furniture and carpets.

In the period of January to June 2025, Hong Kong’s total watches and clocks exports fell by 4% compared to the preceding year. US and Switzerland were the largest two markets, followed by Chinese Mainland.

The 2024 HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME, held successfully in September 2024, attracted nearly 17,000 visitors from 106 markets. Respondents were buoyant about the outlook for the watch and clock industry.