As reported here previously, Seiko (and with that, Credor and Grand Seiko) is leaving Baselworld. There is no way to turn that into good news, since they are easily one of the more interesting mainstream exhibitors at the fair. Therefore, Baselworld really did lose a key participant if you ask us.
However, Seiko has just released an official statement. Yes, it confirms their departure and the official reason for doing so. But it also confirms that Seiko will be holding more regional events. If these events are not press-only, this would be great news for fans of the brands around the globe.
FULL STATEMENT:
Seiko has attended Baselworld every year since international brands were first invited in 1986. We have built our annual program around Baselworld and, for 30 years, Baselworld has been the occasion of the international launch of our new Seiko, and more recently, Grand Seiko collections.
The timing of Baselworld 2020 is considerably later than in previous years. The new date is too late for the launch of our Seiko collection and is particularly challenging for Grand Seiko for which we have a special program in celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of its creation. As a result, and with great regret, we have decided that our two brands will not be present at Baselworld in 2020.
We will hold regional and national events of our own for both Grand Seiko and Seiko at the earliest opportunity so that media representatives and our retail partners can see our new collections and experience the latest developments in the Seiko and Grand Seiko worlds. We look forward to sharing our 2020 program with you.
🙁