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Baselworld 2014 came to a close yesterday, having once again succeeded in bringing together around 150,000 attendees (including representatives from exhibiting companies, buyers, journalists and other visitors) from every continent.

With enthusiastic feedback from all players, Baselworld 20 14 ended on a high note, having met and exceeded expectations in terms of business, quality, media presence and exposure.

Baselworld is the ultimate meeting place for the entire industry with all sectors represented: watchmaking, jewellery, diamonds, gem stones and pearls, machines, and supply industries. It is the annual event, where around 1,500 exhibitors, including all the leading brands, from over 40 countries first showcase their innovations and novelties. On top of that, the economic impact is enorm ous. The Swiss watch industry, 95% of which is represented at Baselworld, had exports of around 21.8 billion Swiss francs in 2013. And it is not only the watch and jewellery industry that benefits; the whole of Switzerland profits, as Baselworld directly a nd indirectly generates an income of around 2.4 billion Swiss francs a year and thereby approximately 13,000 jobs.

Jacques J. Duchêne, President of the Exhibitors' Committee, confirmed this: "We are extremely satisfied with this year's Baselworld. The exhibitors made a very good turnover and were positive about the media exposure that has aroused interest in the Baselworld 2014 event. Baselworld is and remains the unmissable show for the watch and jewellery industry."

According to François Thiebaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors' Committee, "2014 has confirmed the excellence and global presti ge of Baselword." He went on to say that the, "Extensive media coverage and articles published this year in the run - up to the show undoubtedly inspired journalists and retailers to come and discover this universe that is one of a kind: the combination of l uxury, innovation and outstanding expertise are the major strengths of the watch and jewellery industry and related sectors."

"Historical! It's been a great Baselworld for Bulgari and it will be remembered for a long time," said Jean - Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari . For him, "Baselworld is that moment in time that determines the future. In the course of one week, we unveil our novelties to business partners and to the press of the whole world; possibly one of the most intimate exercises of a brand, the cr eation. In return, we feel the emotions that our creations evoke. A capital experience for the future to continue to improve ourselves."

Thierry Stern, CEO of Patek Philippe, found the whole show to be a "very smooth process, pleasant ambiance and excellent attendance of the press." He went on to say, "We have been present in Basel since 1931, as it is the most important platform for meeting all of our retailers and an excellent platform for our media partners. This year, we received more than 1,000 journalists in a few days."

"Baselworld 2014 has been a good edition, similar to 2013," said Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard , adding that, "Baselworld reaffirms its dominant position as "The Rendezvous" of the industry."

Luc Perramond of Hermes agreed that, "(Baselworld) is a unique platform to meet press and customers from the trade with the opportunity to show our novelties to the world."

Stressing the importance of the show, Zenith CEO, Jean - Frederic Dufour said, "Baselworld is an indispensable annual event that allows us to meet our clients, partners and journalists in one unique location."

TAG Heuer CEO, Stephane Linder, was really positive about the business done, saying, "Another excellent year! Sales a re in line with our objectives, which were very ambitious. In terms of volume we have already exceeded our 2013 sales at Baselworld by +50%!" When asked about what the show means for his company he said, "This is the trade show of the year where we see all our retailers and our agents in the space of a few days, the only venue where we feel the pulse of the market in the 'blink of an eye'. In addition, it is also a wonderful platform for communication."

Walter von Känel, President of Longines, says: "We ar e very satisfied with Baselworld this year; it has again been a great success."

According to Sowind CEO Michele Sofisti, "Baselworld has been very b for us both in terms of image and product presentation as well as sales. We had double the appointmen ts of last year and a clear increase in all our numbers for both the Girard - Perregaux and Jeanrichard brands."
The next Baselworld will be held from 19 - 26 March 2015.