Local shows are increasingly important for watch connoisseurs worldwide, not just those native to the hosting region. Events like Watches & Wonders Shanghai, SIAR (Salón Internacional Alta Relojería México), and DWW (Dubai Watch Week) attract clientele from across the globe, not just from China, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The appeal of these events is clear. Held in autumn, they contrast with the major international watch salon in Geneva, which takes place in spring. Unlike Geneva's offerings, which often include prototypes or future collection samples, these events showcase watches ready for market delivery. And who wouldn't relish a trip to sunny Dubai in November?
The biennial Dubai Watch Week, founded in 2015 by watch retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, has grown significantly. The 6th edition in 2023 brought together 56 watch brands at The Gate, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), including prestigious names like Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Hublot, alongside refined independent watchmakers.
Notably, the event featured special editions created in partnership with Dubai retailers, aimed at local clients. Most of these watches are in a green hue, fondly referred to by Swiss manufacturers as “the color of Dubai creativity.” However, the event also showcased several world premieres.
The appeal of these events is clear. Held in autumn, they contrast with the major international watch salon in Geneva, which takes place in spring. Unlike Geneva's offerings, which often include prototypes or future collection samples, these events showcase watches ready for market delivery. And who wouldn't relish a trip to sunny Dubai in November?
The biennial Dubai Watch Week, founded in 2015 by watch retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, has grown significantly. The 6th edition in 2023 brought together 56 watch brands at The Gate, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), including prestigious names like Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Hublot, alongside refined independent watchmakers.
Notably, the event featured special editions created in partnership with Dubai retailers, aimed at local clients. Most of these watches are in a green hue, fondly referred to by Swiss manufacturers as “the color of Dubai creativity.” However, the event also showcased several world premieres.
Watch the Hands
At the expansive Audemars Piguet exhibition, one of the headliners was the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle. This complex watch contains 40 functions and 23 complications, including a perpetual calendar and flying tourbillon. Housed in a 42 mm octagonal case with a round bezel, this watch is a testament to sophisticated design and won the prestigious “Aiguille d'Or” at the recent Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
F.P. Journe brought his highly anticipated F.P. Journe Classic FFC to Dubai. This watch, originally conceived by director Francis Ford Coppola, features a mechanical hand on the dial that indicates time with its fingers. Initially a prototype presented at the 2021 Only Watch auction, it's now available as a production timepiece.
With the cancellation of the Only Watch event in 2023, DWW visitors had the rare opportunity to see unique timepieces, like Konstantin Chaykin's Stargazer, featuring 16 functions and several of the master's inventions.
Ulysse Nardin unveiled the latest version of its Freak One – the Freak One OPS, a military-style watch in a khaki and black carbon case, another GPHG winner.
Frederique Constant revealed its limited edition Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Rose Gold at DWW. Limited to 35 pieces, this watch combines a tourbillon and perpetual calendar in a gold case with interchangeable straps.
Another highlight was the Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement, a continuation of the brand's revolutionary journey that began in 2008. This model uses a unique silicon razor system, providing a constant impulse to the balance.
Letters Matter Special editions for local clients were a significant part of Dubai Watch Week. Hublot, in collaboration with calligraphy artist Wissam Shawkat, presented the Classic Fusion Black Magic Dubai Watch Week, featuring Arabic calligraphy on the dial.
Byrne Watch introduced the ARQAAM, a limited edition timepiece with rolling hour indication, using Arabic, Indo-Arabic, and historical numerals. This series, made in collaboration with 10tenlabs, is limited to 10 pieces.
Ressence unveiled the T1°Round DX3, inspired by Middle Eastern architecture, with a dial that turns green in the dark.
Finally, Genus showcased its new Rainbow Green edition, inspired by the Dubai national flag, featuring a dial adorned with emeralds and a green leather strap.
With such exquisite timepieces, Dubai Watch Week offers a prelude to the winter holidays, giving enthusiasts a chance to experience horological artistry up close.
