Bulgari, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury watchmakers, is joining the international watch and jewelry show in Basel, Switzerland, and is bringing its two other luxury watch brands—Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta—with it.

The three luxury brands, all part of Italy’s Bulgari Group, will exhibit new and classic watches at the Basel 2003 fair (Apr. 3 – 10, 2003). The announcement was made Sept. 9.

Bulgari formerly exhibited its watches during the Basel show, though not in it, until a few years ago when it started a show for its watches in the Espace Secheron center in Geneva, Switzerland, held at the same time as the SIHH luxury watch fair, which normally overlaps the end of the Basel show.

The addition of the Bulgari Group is a coup for the reorganized Basel fair (which is making a number of changing in 2003, including sending its country delegations to a new convention center in Zurich and providing more space for prestigious watch brands).

“By leaving the Espace Secheron in Geneva and choosing to display in the Basle Show, Bulgari emphasizes its strong commitment towards the watch industry and its wholesale network,” says Francesco Trapani, chief executive officer of the Bulgari Group.

One factor bringing Bulgari into the show is the fact it will have one of the most impressive and prestigious exhibition spaces at Basel 2003 — a large section with its own personalized entrance within Hall 4 for Bulgari, Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta watches. The two-floor facility, using luxurious materials such as maple, pearwood and marble, will be connected with a grand central staircase. It will feature private sales rooms, an exclusive restaurant and a sophisticated open bar for Bulgari’s clients. There will also be a special area for Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth watches.

“We will be able to offer top quality facilities and the best organizational structure in a very welcoming atmosphere for our clients,” said Trapani.

JCK