Dubai Watch Week
Dubai Watch Week 2023 Set To Be Biggest And Best Yet With A Bumper Line-Up Of 55 Brands
This November, Dubai Watch Week returns for its highly awaited sixth edition. With a record number of brands confirming their participation, this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best edition of the show yet.
By Steven Rogers
Contributor
By Ash Longet
PR & Business Development
From November 16th to 20th this year, The Gate at Dubai International Financial Centre in the UAE will be transformed into a horological haven once again as Dubai Watch Week returns for its hotly anticipated sixth edition.
And this year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever: A record number of brands – no fewer than 55 – have already confirmed their participation at the show, including Rolex and Audemars Piguet.
Record visitor numbers are expected too, as the event looks to widen its appeal through an immersive program of talks, masterclasses and activations that will explore the intersection between watchmaking and other fields like design, art, and fashion, under the theme “Curious Confluence.”
Must-Attend Event
Founded and organized by leading retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Dubai Watch Week has become one of the must-attend events of the global watch industry calendar since its inception eight years ago thanks to its slick organization and strong, diverse roster of brands. It was also one of the first watch platforms to put an emphasis on horological education and knowledge sharing through its Master Classes and Horology Forum panel discussions.
As a testament to the event’s growing importance across the luxury and horology sector, 16,000 visitors attended the previous edition in 2021, while in the same year the platform was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
Mouthwatering Mix of Brands
This year, no fewer than 55 watch brands will take part at Dubai Watch Week – the highest participation to date – and they include a mouthwatering mix of established big names, niche independents, and rising stars.
Exhibiting in their own stand-alone spaces within the 100,000 sq. ft. venue will be heavy hitters Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Tudor, Hublot, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, Chanel, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Collectible and pre-owned e-commerce platform WatchBox will also have its own dedicated space.
Other big names on the bill include Breitling, TAG Heuer, Bell & Ross, Frederique Constant, Jacob & Co., and Grand Seiko.
There will also be several familiar faces from the world of high-end independent watchmaking: Akrivia, Armin Strom, Bovet, Czapek, De Bethune, F.P. Journe, Ferdinand Berthoud, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie., Konstantin Chaykin, Laurent Ferrier, MB&F and Urwerk, to name but a few. And a number of younger, highly creative outfits – like ID Genève, Norqain, Reservoir, Trilobe and Vanguart – will also be present.
At past editions of Dubai Watch Week, participating brands have used the show to release exciting new collections and unveil spectacular limited editions. Visitors can no doubt look forward to more of the same this November.
“Curious Confluence”
Attendees to the show this year will also be treated to a dynamic program of presentations and activations that will shine a light on the crossovers between watchmaking and other creative spheres, under the banner of “Curious Confluence”.
Hind Seddiqi, Director General of Dubai Watch Week, says: “The sixth edition is shaping up to be the largest iteration of the event yet, underpinned by collaboration and cultural elements, as we celebrate Curious Confluence and the intersection of industries further. As the event transcends horology, we are keen to expand our offering, thus appealing to a wider audience.”
She continues: “Dubai Watch Week, a movement in horology, will continue to pioneer rising players across key fields and support initiatives that further elevate our industry, and cement Dubai as a global center for culture in line with the nation’s vision.”
The organizers have also promised visitors new on-site food and beverage concepts, a variety of entertainment, insights into craftsmanship, and technology-driven activations.
Open to All
As in previous years, the Watchonista team will be present in Dubai to bring you news about all the latest happenings from the show. We can’t wait to witness the growth of this event first-hand.
And the great thing is, entry to Dubai Watch Week is free and open to everyone. You can already register now to attend. For more information, please visit the Dubai Watch Week website.
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)
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