WORLD WATCH ASSOCIATIONS: Around the table in Basel

At the invitation of the FH, the 11th conference of world watchmaking associations was held on 27 March as part of Baselworld 2009, the World Watch and Jewellery Show.

Revue FH - 16 April 2009 - No 7
Jean-Daniel Pasche

The entrance of Hall 1 at Baselworld  © Worldtempus.com

Coming from ten countries (China, Spain, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Ukraine), participants firstly exchanged views on the economic situation in the sector. It will come as no surprise that generally they conveyed their concerns regarding the overall decline in exports and business within the sector. Japan and China in particular announced downturns in volumes for 2008.

The conference then turned to the CITES Convention on international trade in species of wild flora and fauna threatened with extinction and noted with satisfaction that the working group appointed by parties to the Convention had begun its work. The latter is required to assess the situation regarding the time limit for issuing permits and to throw light on existing problems. On this basis, it will formulate proposals to parties to the Convention with a view to a simplification of issuing procedures.

Participants then took stock of the situation regarding American legislation on lead and noted that this affects primarily toys and watches intended for children aged 12 and under. It would be necessary however to remain attentive to changes in the legislation which could broaden its scope to other goods.

Other legislation also affecting watchmaking to a greater or lesser extent: REACH regulations on chemical substances. Here too, it would be necessary to monitor developments concerning the legislation which entered into force on 1st June 2007 in the European Union and to take stock of the situation regarding the use of chemicals in products. Certain substances are now subject to restrictions or administrative procedures (see Revue FH n°6 of 27 March 2008, page 1).

Lastly, participants examined the directives of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) concerning the transportation of quartz watches. Indeed regulations are in place concerning lithium batteries to prevent the risk of short-circuits (see Revue FH n°1 of 15 January 2009, page 5). However, the watch case should be considered to provide sufficient protection against short-circuits. The watchmaking associations of Hong Kong have approached the authorities to defend watch industry interests against local Asian companies that had raised the question. It seems that since then there have been no further problems.

In conclusion, it should be pointed out that these meetings provide a venue for informal exchanges on developments in the industry and under no circumstances can result in binding decisions. Such discussions are however extremely useful, as they can lead to convergences of opinion which can then be relayed to the different participating countries with a view to upholding the interests of all manufacturers of watches and other timepieces.