Citizen had recently confirmed its support for Baselworld 2020, yet here we are writing about Citizen leaving the fair in 2020. Of course we are in an altogether different world right now, with over a billion people in quarantine.
“The Citizen Watch Group strongly supports Baselworld in its project and transformation. We believe in the importance of a major event bringing together the entire watch industry.”
Michel Loris-Melikoff, managing director of Baselworld, responded that “we deeply regret the decision of our friends in Japan and the US to withdraw from the next Baselworld due to the Coronavirus. Loyal to Baselworld for more than 30 years, the Citizen and Bulova brands, which belong to the Japanese Citizen Watch Group, have made this painful decision not without regrets, and have assured us of their return in 2021”.
He continues: “We remain focused on the preparation of the 2020 edition of Baselworld, the set-up schedule remains unchanged, and we are looking forward to unveiling the many new features and new formats we are preparing for the coming show. As far as the Coronavirus is concerned, we are closely monitoring developments with the health authorities. We remain extremely attentive on a daily basis. To date, I can confirm that Baselworld will take place as scheduled from 30 April to 5 May 2020,”