The move follows two major bits of news to drop over the last few weeks. First was the announcements by Rolex, Tudor, and Patek Philippe that they would be postponing their 2020 launches until later this year or even early 2021. Then there was a letter penned by Rolex executive Hubert du Plessix to the Baselworld management that asked for refunds to be issued to the brands that were to have participated in Baselworld 2020, which had been canceled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. “Otherwise, we fear that this will be the end, pure and simple, of Baselworld, especially since the dates chosen in January 2021 are not suitable for the jewelry, gemstones and pearls sector, and that coordination with Watches & Wonders (SIHH) no longer exists,” Plessix's letter continued.

We'll have to see if Plessix's words portending the end of Baselworld will prove as prescient as they seem this morning.