Geneva watch fair set to show war's effect on luxury sector

The Geneva watch fair, the watchmaking industry's biggest annual showcase, opened Tuesday with the impact of the Middle East war throwing up challenges for the luxury goods sector. The Watches and Wonders salon, which runs until April 20, sees 65 major watch brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe and Cartier display their latest creations.

Organisers are expecting around 60,000 visitors during the week, up from 55,000 last year, despite the Middle East war casting doubts on the travel plans of retailers from the Gulf States and East Asia.