Thinking of going to Baselworld 2018...

[Thomas Towers]

Has anyone been to Baselworld before? If so, was it worth it?

Thanks in advance!

[EmilA]

I haven’t been and will also be going, interested in replies here. I’m living in Belgium for a few months making the trip over

[tifosi]

I heard it isn't all that great if you aren't in the trade or part of the press.

[Man of Kent]

My wife and myself were fortunate enough to visit Baselworld this year and really enjoyed it. It was a great venue and obviously there were more watches on display than you could shake a stick at!
Not sure it's worth visiting every year though if you're not trade or press.

[DPE]

Is there any day that is best to visit on ? Also wanting to go in 2018

[Thomas Towers]

Am I right in thinking you don’t actually get to try any watches on?

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by tifosi

I heard it isn't all that great if you aren't in the trade or part of the press.

same here.

we should just put a GoPro on Jocke and pay the roaming for a live feed.

[Nikrnic]

I heard if your not in the trade you can only window shop from the hallways with no store entry

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

I heard if your not in the trade you can only window shop from the hallways with no store entry

There are no stores and they don't sell any watches.

[Nikrnic]

Originally Posted by MonBK

There are no stores and they don't sell any watches.

O sorry I wasn't specific I know it's more of a Sema type show, not a mall but if your not a dealer with credentials your just not allowed to enter the "boutiques"

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[yannis]

Check Jocke's epic threads. You will end up feeling the urge to go after that.

[xIZeitgeistIx]

I was there in 2016 and 2017, you can see (but not try out or buy) A LOT of watches. If it is worth a trip from the UK depends on your expectations and goals. If you are not limited to Rolex, want to check out some other (minor) brands in addition and spend some time in Switzerland, I would say yes.
Otherwise, your Rolex AD can offer you a better experience a few weeks after Baselworld. There are reports that 2018 is going to be significantly reduced with respect to its size, but I will go again since it is only a 1 hour drive. :)

[Tacticool]

I will be going this year only due to the fact my job has me in Paris for a year. So why not as I can check that off my list. Where is the gift shop though? Lol.

[Jocke]

If you visit Baselworld as a "regular person" without press jurisdiction, the experience is a little limited. The big brands do not allow
you testing of their watches, but the smaller independent manufacturers show and tell about their watches. IMHO, the small independent
manufacturers are the most interesting because the big ones are available in every major city or shopping mall. Then it depends a bit on
yourself, if you are a bit forward and insistent you can always drop in here and there. So it depends a little on what you want to get out
of the visit.