Dubai Watch Week, the first-of-its-kind, non-commercial biennial event celebrating the art of horology, is set to bring together the cream of the world’s watch industry to Dubai from 20 to 24 November. The five-day event held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), is set to unveil an extraordinary programme of events, exhibitions, and activations.
Dubai Watch Week was founded by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the region’s leading retailer of luxury watches and jewellery, in collaboration with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. The event is supported by Christie’s, the world’s leading art dealer, and hosted by the DIFC.
“Dubai Watch Week is proud to present one of the most exciting editions to date as we explore the world of innovation and technology through the eyes of our partners, brands and supporters.” – Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Director General of Dubai Watch Week
Dubai Watch Week has established itself as a key event in the regional and international horological calendar. The event has gained in popularity with every successive year amongst the collector base and watch enthusiasts who wish to have direct access to industry experts and key figures. The event’s focus on education remains the most important pillar, with panel discussions, masterclasses and creative hubs available for public access.
“The event has grown organically over the past few years, and this year we have the largest edition with over 6,000 square metres of space that will bring to life our vision,” adds Hind. “The fourth edition is set to be a memorable event with key milestones such as the participation of Rolex and several other exciting programmes that will be unveiled in due course.”
This year’s Horology Forum will host a series of panel discussions dedicated to the transfiguration of horology under the theme ‘Innovation and Technology.’ Over 40 Speakers are scheduled for the panel discussions comprising watch curators, pioneers, brands, artists and collectors. These include the non-Executive President of the LVMH’s Watch Division, Jean-Claude Biver; award-winning actor, horologist and watch designer, Aldis Hodge; and Danny Govberg, Co-founder and CEO of WatchBox; the Global Managing Director of Christie’s, Aline Sylla-Walbaum; acclaimed Chef and Restaurateur, Izu Ani and legendary watchmaker, Philippe Dufour.
The panellists will share their insights on the watch industry’s most debated and trending topics, such as what it entails to become a master at your craft; understanding the luxury market’s ecosystem; the process of creative control between brands, retailers and distributors; how brands can adapt to, and serve, self-aware consumers who have access to a wealth of information. The discussions will be moderated by “internationally renowned” editors and watch experts.
The event also maintains its commitment to showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of the industry through the brand-led Creative Hubs and watch-craft masterclasses. Visitors can expect to experience the most interactive and inclusive edition of Dubai Watch Week to date, where they can expect to learn more about the remarkable craft of watchmaking.
For the first time this year, Rolex will participate at a watchmaking event in the Middle East, through a dedicated exhibition of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner. Panels and interactive displays will tell the story of how the celebrated divers’ watch developed over the years and became an emblematic watch on land and sea.
Another debutant this year will be Chopard’s new Alpine Eagle collection launched in October. It will be presented in a 485 square meters private exhibition area designed as a stand-alone area. It is designed to take guests through an immersive journey of discovery. Contemporary, refined and assertive, the new Alpine Eagle sports chic timepiece collection is a state-of-the-art reinterpretation of the St. Moritz, the first watch created in 1980 by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele – the current co-president of Chopard.
