Next month (18-22 October) will see the inaugural installment of Dubai Watch Week - the Middle East’s first global event dedicated to the luxury watch industry.
Presented by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, in collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and the Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Geneve (GPHG), the event will celebrate the history, innovation and craftsmanship of the international watchmaking industry and feature some of the best skeleton watches, diving watches and titanium watches ever created.
Staged as a non-commercial event aimed at emerging and established fine watch collectors, the five-day fair will feature workshops and forums with some of the leading figures in horology along with a GPHG exhibition of must-see timepieces and a series of public and private events. Dubai Watch Week will also incorporate an educational element via an internship and mentoring programme for recent watchmaking graduates, which seeks to foster careers and attract a new breed of talent to the industry.
One key highlight of the fair will be the Rebels of Horology exhibition showcasing recent innovations from some of the world’s most avant-garde brands. Exhibiting companies include Richard Mille, Hautlence, Laurent Ferrier and Bovet and the show is intended to celebrate the fine workmanship and dedication of independent watchmakers whilst highlighting their importance and popularity among serious watch connoisseurs.
For seasoned collectors the Art of Horology forum is not to be missed. Bringing together over 20 speakers, including president of the GPHG Aurel Bacs, watch journalist Elizabeth Doerr and scholar and collector Auro Montanari, topics covered will include creativity, research and ongoing innovation in the creation process of fine timepieces.
“The appetite for greater insight into the world of watchmaking continues to grow exponentially in the Middle East, which has become a key export market during the last several decades,” said Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Vice Chairman of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. “Dubai Watch Week is being established as a leading platform for education, debate and discovery into the world’s most innovative and covetable timepieces.”
Dubai Watch Week takes place at the Dubai International Financial Centre from 18-22 October 2015. Visit dubaiwatchweek.com.