Column: A look inside the clock hall A1 of Inhorgenta 2026 – Hats off!

Times are mixed for the watch and jewelry industry. Accordingly, many exhibitors had subdued expectations in the run-up to the trade fair. Fewer retailers than hoped had booked appointments. And then, on the day before Inhorgenta 2026, heavy snowfall set in, disrupting air traffic at several German airports.

But things don't always go as planned. Inhorgenta 2026, held from February 20th to 23rd, welcomed almost as many visitors as the previous year – just 51 fewer. Considering the uncertain market environment and the brief return of winter weather at the start of the trade fair, this is a real success. Hats off to Inhorgenta 2026! And indeed, many satisfied and relieved faces could be seen at the exhibition stands.

It seemed, however, that visiting hours had been shortened and the process supposedly made more efficient in some areas. It's hard not to notice that, despite the more than 25,000 visitors, not every hall appeared crowded at all times. Hall B1 (Fine & High Jewelry), in particular, which is usually reliably busy, surprised visitors at times with its remarkably airy aisles.

In contrast, Hall A1 of the Clock Museum was generally lively and bustling with activity – except on the traditionally poorly attended Mondays. Unfortunately, this activity noticeably decreased towards the back of the hall. A pity! Because there was plenty of exciting things on offer there for both the eyes and ears.

Clock Hall A1 at Inhorgenta 2026: worthwhile from start to finish

After passing the Watch Boutique with renowned brands such as Tutima Glashütte, Mühle-Glashütte, MeisterSinger, Eberhard & Co., Ebel, Doxa, Favre-Leuba and Alexander Shorokhoff to the right of the central aisle in the heart of the watch hall, and the Salon Suisse with 13 independent Swiss brands to the left, the foot traffic dropped significantly after the Fossil Group stand.

"Serves them right," one might be tempted to shout at those who didn't make it that far. For example, in the French Pavilion, one encountered established French brands like Yema and Herbelin, but also newcomers like Depancel and revived labels like Kelton.

A few meters further on, visitors to the FHH Cultural Space could immerse themselves in the vibrant world of watchmaking and try their hand at perlage, grinding, or even disassembling and reassembling a watch movement. Piaget, Oris, and Bovet also presented themselves here in a relaxed and approachable manner – unlike at Watches & Wonders in Geneva, where things are much more formal and elitist.

Whether it's design, technology, retail, or international business – there's a lot happening in the watch world. And so, there was plenty to discuss on the Watch Talks stage – at the very end of Hall A1. CEOs, watch experts, and collectors gathered there to report, explain, and discuss innovations, new products, strategies, and consumer habits. Unfortunately, all too rarely in front of a larger audience.

The topics weren't irrelevant – I can say that from personal experience. And the view counts of the recorded videos, which will soon be published on Inhorgenta's YouTube channel, will surely confirm this.

Perhaps it's due to the typical trade visitor's priority list: appointments with suppliers are at the top, the supporting program is a bonus. And those who don't happen to be passing by might not come at all.

Clock Hall A1: Know-how and where

If that was the case, then the booths were indeed very busy. Especially those exhibitors who had genuine new products to offer and, despite the challenging times, demonstrated anything but lackluster creativity. But yes, there were also – as every year – deserted booths. Far more annoying, in my opinion, was the occasional watch from brands completely unknown to me that blatantly referenced their sources of inspiration. Such outliers don't do justice to an otherwise meticulously curated hall.

And so the tide goes again – the question of opening to the public.

In summary: Inhorgenta and its exhibitors offer ample input of all kinds to keep visitors entertained during the four days of the trade fair and to ensure they return home highly inspired. This could appeal to those outside the industry as well.

The big, recurring question remains: Should Inhorgenta open itself up to the public?

Arguments exist on both sides – and hardly anyone is without an opinion. Opening up would fundamentally change the character of the industry event. Perhaps enrich it. Perhaps dilute it. But it would certainly be irreversible.

It follows that the public concept for Inhorgenta must be a resounding success from the very first edition in order to convince opponents and skeptics and avoid losing exhibitors. Careful and open-minded consideration is therefore essential, as both sides have valid arguments.

Pros and Cons of Opening to the Public

On the one hand, there's the trusting exchange with customers, but also with competitors across the aisle, and the uncomplicated networking among the retailers themselves. And all this without the risk of the end customer overhearing. The security of the merchandise at the stand also needs to be guaranteed, which would entail costly modifications for many exhibitors if the stand were open to the public.

Those in favor have equally compelling arguments. The opportunity to present a brand directly to the end consumer is a major advantage – direct sales are not the focus here. Overall, watches and jewelry could once again gain greater prominence in consumer consciousness and on their wish lists. A further benefit would be increased media attention beyond the usual industry publications. More visibility, more public exposure, more relevance.

These two positions need to be addressed. No easy task for the trade fair organizers. Among many options, they must find the winning and foolproof idea:

From opening all halls every day to a spectacular public event on the exhibition grounds away from the occupied halls, including the awards ceremony. The range of other possibilities is also extensive: selective hall openings, targeted invitations from individual exhibitors, group tours, etc. Even Monday, which is unpopular with many exhibitors and often feels isolated from them by midday, offers the potential to be enhanced by admitting watch and jewelry enthusiasts.

„"Now tell me, what's your take on opening it to the public?" – Goethe's Faust I sends its regards. The direction things are headed will become clear no later than February 19, 2027, when Inhorgenta reopens its doors.

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