Founded in 2015 by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Dubai Watch Week is not in its sixth year. Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, Dubai Watch Week is gearing up to bring its biggest-ever edition to Dubai’s bustling Financial District later this month. Running from November 16th to 20th, Dubai Watch Week will welcome watch aficionados to a spellbinding showcase of over 60 iconic horological brands, immersive masterclasses, creative hubs, and more.
Curious to know more about Dubai Watch Week 2023? Here’s what to expect from the upcoming season of the annual event.
WATCHMAKING ROYALTY
Illustrious watchmakers like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Tudor, Hublot, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, and Bulgari will occupy stand-alone spaces on-site. Several of these big names are expected to unveil limited-edition timepieces at Dubai Watch Week 2023. The event will also be home to a unique Collectors Lounge – an ideal spot for watch enthusiasts to gather for curated sessions.
HOROLOGY FORUM
Conceptualized by Dubai Watch Week, Horology Forum is a unique platform sitting at the intersection of watchmaking with luxury automotive, artisanship, and education. Horology Forum will give visitors a chance to engage in free-flowing discussions with master craftsmen, visionaries, and seasoned collectors. The Horology Forum at Dubai Watch Week 2023 will feature six panels, including the first-ever Arabic panel.
The upcoming edition will witness notable speakers and moderators like François-Henry Bennahmias, C.E.O. of Audemars Piguet; Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer of Seddiqi Holding; Daniela Dufour, Watchmaker; Jean Arnault, Watch Director at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton; Nicholas Foulkes, Author & Historian; George Bamford, Founder of Bamford Watch Department; Austen Chu, Founder & C.E.O. of Wristcheck; Tim Mosso, Watch Specialist & Media Director at WatchBox and Wei Koh, Founder of Grail Watch and Revolution Watch.
IMMERSIVE MASTERCLASSES
Visitors of Dubai Watch Week can also enroll themselves in fascinating masterclasses hosted by expert artisans. A total of 11 masterclasses, including ‘Miss Audrey’s Sweet Art Dial-Making Masterclass,’ showcasing dials crafted from pure sugar; the ‘Sheikhen’ workshop, where vintage Norwegian silver spoons are transformed into exquisite wearable art, and an Emirati’ Safeefah Leather’ Bracelet making workshop, held by Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council will run through the course of the event.
CREATIVE HUB
The Creative Hub at Dubai Watch Week 2023 is equipped to host engrossing discussions and dialogues, including the “Super League of Sustainability,” which delves into the concept of circularity within the Swiss luxury watch industry, with leadership from ID Géneve. Additionally, there will be “Winding Forward,” offering an intimate conversation with Mr. Jean Claude Biver, shedding light on his transformative impact on the watch industry.
CHRISTIE’S AT DUBAI WATCH WEEK
Christie‘s will return to Dubai Watch Week with a dedicated pavilion within the event venue. Guests can make their way to the Christie’s pavilion to participate in captivating educational talks and panel discussions with leading speakers. Complimentary watch valuations will also be undertaken by appointment. As for young attendees (ages 7-14), Chrsitie’s will offer a unique opportunity to participate in a mock auction.
ACTIVATIONS AND COMPETITIONS
In the central area, visitors can explore intriguing displays, including Amadeo‘s ‘Evolution of Cameo’ and the M.A.D. Gallery. Amadeo, a renowned artisan, will showcase a distinctive collection of cameo pins designed for watch leather straps at Dubai Watch Week, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. The M.A.D. Gallery, on the other hand, will spotlight the creations of global artists, accentuating the inherent beauty of meticulous craftsmanship.
Furthermore, as part of an exclusive on-site exhibition organized by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, guests can use the Dubai Watch Week app to scan their favorite pieces and answer five questions correctly. By doing so, they can win luxury watches and unforgettable experiences daily.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Beyond the world of horology, guests can indulge in the best of gastronomy at Dubai Watch Week 2023. Some of the city’s top restaurants and cafes–including La Niña, Home Bakery, Kitch-In, and TWST, among others–will treat visitors to their beloved delicacies.
