The fifth edition of Dubai Watch Week is underway. We tell you what to expect at this year’s exhibition.

 

What is Dubai Watch Week?

 

Since its inception in 2015, Dubai Watch Week (DWW), under the successful leadership of Director General, Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, has seen a steady rise in popularity and relevance. It is one of the biggest international trade shows in the watch industry. In the words of its Director-General, the show promises to “create an educational, experiential, and networking event like no other.” A week-long affair, the show offers opportunities for all its attendants (including collectors, customers, journalists and global brand heads) to have an open dialogue with each other.

 

 

When and where is DWW happening?

 

The Dubai Watch Week will run from November 24th to 28th, at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Gate Avenue, Dubai. The exhibition is spread across 70,000 sq.m and is expecting over 20,000 visitors this year.

 

What can we expect to see there?

 

With each edition of Dubai Watch Week, we witness new and innovative ideas that are sure to excite every watch lover.

 

How large is the DWW display this year? 

 

This year’s event sees more than 50 watch brands in attendance. Brands like TAG Heuer, Girard-Perregaux, Chopard, Greubel Forsey, Louis Erard, MB&F and many more have their latest releases on display at the Exhibition Hall. Another interesting aspect this year is the on-site presence of Audemars Piguet and Rolex. With the latter being an essential brand for the region, there is talk that apart from its current collection, Rolex will also display a range of vintage watches.

 

 

What can we expect at the Horology Forum?

 

The Horology Forum is one of the most popular spaces at Dubai Watch Week. Panel discussions between industry experts, modern artisans, journalists, brand representatives and seasoned collectors occur here. The earlier editions of the event have hosted speakers like Jean-Claude Biver, Fabrizio Buonamassa (Design Centre Director, Bvlgari Watches), Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi (CCO, Seddiqi Holding) and Aldis Hodge (Watch enthusiast and Hollywood actor). This year, DWW will have speakers including Felix Baumgartner (Masterwatchmker and Co-Founder, Urwerk), Nicholas Foulkes (author, historian and journalist), and Max Bernardini (vintage watch dealer and collector). The conversation and discussions will be free-flowing, to enlighten the audience and participants with different points of view. 

 

 

What can we expect at the Masterclass?

 

Apart from the panel discussions at the Horology Forum, the Masterclass is another big attraction for all attendees. It allows attendees to participate in workshops led by experts and artisans. These experts teach the participants various watch-related skills like assembling their first mechanical watch, learning the traditional art of enamelling, engraving a movement, or even painting a miniature dial. Held in small groups, these classes at DWW help achieve the objective to educate and ensure an experiential time for the guests. This year’s calendar includes an array of exclusive workshops like learning the use of Murano glass in watchmaking, an introduction to the techniques used by Fiona Krüger in her latest collaboration with Japanese luxury brand TASAKI, an advanced class with master watchmaker Florian Preziuso and many more.

 

 

What does the Creative Hub offer?

 

The Creative Hub offers an avenue to hold conversations that encourage creativity and innovation. It is organised into many sessions that cover a variety of topics, such as new product launches and community-related talks that are informative. This year’s Creative Hub is set to be the platform to launch a new brand called Aramedes, new releases from brands like Oris and Urwerk, and a slew of exciting sessions with industry stalwarts.

 

 

What is the latest at DWW?

 

Chaperoned by Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CCO, Seddiqi Holding, The Collectors Lounge is the newest addition to the series of activities at Dubai Watch Week. It was established to bring representatives from the regional watch community under one roof and encourage and welcome collectors to initiate exciting conversations while freely putting forth their perspectives.

 

For more information, visit Dubai Watch Week’s website here.

 

Image Courtesy: Dubai Watch Week