Swiss watch and jewellery trade show a big draw

Geneva, April 25 (IANS/EFE) The BASELWORLD 2013 watch and jewellery trade show opens this week in the Swiss city of Basel, where more than 2,000 exhibitors from 45 countries, including India, will showcase their wares.

Some of the world's most prestigious jewelry and watch companies, such as Chopard and Rolex, will be at BASELWORLD, which opens Thursday.

The expo, which has been held since 1917, is considered the watch and jewellery industry's biggest event of the year.

Some 104,000 visitors from more than 100 countries and about 3,300 journalists are expected to attend the fair this year, organizers said in a press conference Wednesday.

BASELWORLD, which adopted its current name in 2003, will be held at the recently renovated expo center in Basel.

Visitors will be able to get a look at the latest creations by companies like Omega, Chopard, Rolex and Patek Philippe.

Swiss companies dominate the fair, with 1,450 exhibitors and 382 brands, but firms from China, Italy, Germany, France, India and Thailand also have a presence.

--IANS/EFE

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