MUMBAI: Indian consumers can get a glimpse of the latest trends in wrist watches and timepieces under a single roof. The International Watch Exhibition 2003 will be held between 18 and 21 September 2003 at Mumbai's World Trade Centre.
Watch Market Review, that claims to be India's and probably Asia's oldest horological trade magazine, will be organising the exhibition. The publishing company had organised three Swiss Watch Fairs in the early 1990s.
The International Watch Exhibition will attempt to feel the pulse of the Indian economy and understand the mindset of the Indian consumer. The organisers claim to be in advanced stage of talks with prominent Indian and MNC watch companies for enlisting their support for making the exhibition a grand success.
"This exhibition will provide industry, trade and consumers to experience first-hand an event of international standards and scale. Every aspect design, décor, ambience, presence of the who’s who in the horological industry, class of visitors, commercial negotiations makes the International Watch Exhibition 2003 a ‘must-attend’ event," says organiser and managing director of Watch Market Review Sunil Karer.
A note says that the exhibition is being held in Mumbai, which is home to 15 million people and the financial and commercial capital of India. "Mumbai also has the advantage of a burgeoning higher middle class and a large percentage of the affluent upper class. The city’s purchasing power and its role of trendsetter in fashion and lifestyle makes it the ideal choice for such a premium event," adds Karer.
While talking about the timing, the organisers say that some of the salient features of this market, especially for products like premium watches are:
* The size of the higher middle class and upper class economic segments.
* The steady increase in disposable income; truly a buyers’ market.
* Many foreign watch brands are already available in the country after QRs were removed. This is a continuing process with many more brands poised for entry.
* The consumer is getting savvier by the moment; be it fashion, design, technology, after sales service or pricing.
* Freedom to buy a watch whenever the consumer chooses without worrying about forex.
Looks like watch connoisseurs are in for the time of their lives!
