One of the most interesting watch fairs in the world is the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair (put on by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council). Celebrating its 31st year, the 2012 fair will run from September 5 – 9 at the Hong Kong Convention Centre. This year aBlogtoRead.com will be there, checking out the “world’s biggest timepiece event.” Is it bigger than BaselWorld? I will let you know. BaselWorld is rather massive and I’ve never actually been able to see it all. I am calling for recruits to help me divvy up next year’s event. Serious horological explorers can contact me.

Hong Kong is really one of the major centers of the watch world, for a number of important reasons. China is the largest manufacturer of watches and watch components. Most people know that many Swiss brands rely on Chinese suppliers for everything from cases and straps to boxes and presentation displays. Hong Kong is also one of the world’s most active watch buying centers. The Hong Kong Watch & Clock fair focuses on both foreign, domestic Chinese brands, as well as all the stuff which goes into making watches. It is huge and exciting, and it will be exciting to see it.

As a trade event I am not sure if it is open to the public. Might be interesting to check it out though if you are local in Hong Kong. With countless brands and a truly inside view of the watch world, it is going to be extremely interesting. You can read the official press release on the 2012 Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair here. Stay tuned for coverage after the event.