Inhorgenta Munich Goes Smart

New highlights, a fast growing model for the Watch segment, and an award that keeps on augmenting its appeal worldwide. Here's the final report with eminent insights.


  • stefanie maendlein

    stefanie maendlein

Extending its ongoing growth trend for the fourth consecutive year, Inhorgenta Munich 2019, that closed its 'doors' at the end of February, hosted 1,052 exhibitors from 41 countries and reported a 2.5 percent growth. Around 27,000 visitors from over 70 countries visited the fair, with a newly designed Watch Hall A1 that welcomed an impressive 16% more exhibitors than last year. «We actually were able to exceed our positive expectations once again,» said Klaus Dittrich, CEO of Messe München. «There was no trace of the economic downturn predicted by many experts. On the contrary: the industry is full of optimism going forward into 2019. In discussions with exhibitors and trade visitors they reported many positive business deals.» For Stephanie Mäendlein, Exhibition Director, «One of the main strengths of Inhorgenta Munich is without a doubt the fact that it develops new and, ultimately, successful concepts time and again. This includes, for example, the jewelry shows launched in 2016 or the Inhorgenta Award – which was presented for the first time in 2017 – and honored the best jewelry, timepieces and designers of the industry in eight categories this year. The excellent seminar program, during which internationally renowned experts think outside the box, is also very popular among exhibitors and visitors. The Watch Boutique in the Timepieces hall A1, for example, was one of the new highlights. The roundtable encouraged visitors and exhibitors to strike up a conversation in a relaxed lounge atmosphere, and was very well received. And that brings me to another strength of the trade fair: its unbeatable network character. It goes without saying that any business deal can be done online nowadays. But especially in the digital age, it’s the personal encounters and direct interactions that turn business relationships into long-standing ones. That’s why Inhorgenta Munich launched the Trendfactory: an event that takes place twice a year - not during the four-day trade fair - in different cities around the world. It’s also a meeting place for the industry that offers networking opportunities and a venue to discuss the timepieces, jewelry and gemstones industry.»

The Inhorgenta Award, which was presented for the third time for the best pieces of jewelry, timepieces, and designers, has developed into a highlight. A jury of nine people, including actress Bettina Zimmermann, top model Franziska Knuppe, and designer Markus Hilzinger, chose the winners in eight categories. Garmin took out the prize for the “Smart & Connected Watch of the Year” with its Fenix 5 Plus; Hans D. Krieger for the category Fine Jewelry; Concrete Jungle for Fashion Jewelry; Corinna Heller is the Designer of the Year; Gitta Geschmück is the Designer Newcomer of the Year; Bulova won for the Watch Design; Juwelier Weber for the Next Generation Retail; and, last but not least, Capolavoro is the winner for the category Public Choice. «We focus on the wishes and needs of end consumers in Germany, continues Stephanie Mäendlein. The latest Trend Index by Inhorgenta Munich shows that smart watches and connected watches are in high demand. But classic wristwatches, as well as design and unique pieces of jewelry, are also in high demand. This means that internationally renowned and big brands from these segments are extremely important for our trade visitors. As such, we are all the more thrilled that Garmin, one of the world’s five largest manufacturers of smart and connected watches, was represented for the first time with its own stand this year. It was also a real pleasure to welcome back Maurice Lacroix after a 16-year absence. By expanding the Timepieces hall with our new Boutique concept, we managed to attract more exhibitors. The Timepieces hall alone saw a growth of 16 percent compared to last year. As jewelry from Italy is also very popular on the German market, the stand of the well-known Italian jewelry specialist Marco Bicego attracted a large number of visitors. With 70 exhibitors, Italy is more than well represented at INHORGENTA MUNICH. Pesavento, Misani Milano, Crivelli, Gielle Base Oro, Roberto Demeglio, Adolfo Courrier, Serafino, Fraleoni, Fiore Gioielli, Annamaria Cammilli and Nanis were just some of the brands representing Italy at the trade fair.  In addition, Poland, India, Spain and the United Kingdom are also important markets for us.»

  • Stefanie Mändlein, Bettina Zimmermann, Zoe Helali, Franziska Knuppe

    Stefanie Mändlein, Bettina Zimmermann, Zoe Helali, Franziska Knuppe

  • Klaus & Margit Dittrich

    Klaus & Margit Dittrich

  • Patrik & Nele Muff

    Patrik & Nele Muff

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