Baselworld 2011: a second attendance record and a downside

This year in Basel, the International Watch and Jewelry Show, Baselworld, saw another record attendance with 103,200 visitors, an increase of 2.51% compared to the previous year. In 2008, the event attracted 106,700 people, its biggest ever.

According to the organizers, the 1,900 exhibitors from 45 countries expressed their satisfaction with the progress and results of this 39th edition. The watchmakers achieved sales that they described as "exceptional."

A downside

There's one cloud, however: on Wednesday of this week, criminals managed to steal four diamonds worth several million francs from a display case at the exhibition. Unfortunately, they managed to escape, but the surveillance camera captured some images of them. The suspects' photos were handed over to Interpol, which is currently investigating to try to identify the perpetrators of the theft.

We are already preparing the 40th edition

The Swiss watch industry expects to have a record year in 2011, despite recent events in Japan and conflicts in some Arab countries. Baselworld organizers are already beginning preparations for the 2012 edition, which will take place slightly earlier in the calendar, from March 8 to 15, due to construction work on the new Les Halles complex.

Source: www.tsr.ch