Dubai Watch Week 2016 unveils robust itinerary for its second edition

Organized by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Dubai Watch Week (DWW) -- under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority saw a grand opening on 15th November and announced key programme highlights for the event taking place at The Dubai Mall (15th-29th November) and Dubai International Financial Centre (15th – 19th November).

For its second edition, DWW 2016 continues its objective to raise awareness for master craftsmanship and innovation in the watch industry and to share this passion with the rest of the world. While positioning Dubai as a global platform for horology in the region, DWW covers a wide range of topics for any audience including exhibition panels that are free and open to the general public. This year’s itinerary includes 4 major exhibitions; 22 watchmaking master classes, 15 Creative Hubs and 16 panels at the Horology Forum that will bring the world’s most prominent watch icons including the following highlights:

Creative Hubs

DWW 2016’s newest addition, the Creative Hub is presented through a series of talks that are designed to foster creativity and showcase innovation. This year, for the first edition of the Creative Hub, there will special launches and announcements made by over 10 brands, a session by Christie’s on curating a collection and Hodinkee hosting their first networking platform at the Dubai Watch Week. All the sessions at the Creative Hub will take place from the 16thto 19thof November at Socialista, at Cipriani located in the Gate Village DIFC.

Watchmaking Masterclasses

DWW’s second year sees the return of the renowned AHCI Watchmakers welcoming Antoine & Florian Preziuso, Vianney Halter and Andreas Strehler for 2016.

A very special guest this year will be the world’s best-known case-maker, Jean-Pierre Hagmann. Most noted for his work with Patek Philippe, his work is the point of reference for case making and he leads a legacy as one of the most skilled artisans in his field. At almost 76 years old, his passion and energy for watches is contagious and the chance to interact in a masterclass under his guidance is a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

In addition to master classes hosted by AHCI watch makers, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger LeCoultre, Panerai and Vacheron Constantin. All master classes will from 15thto 19thNovember at Art Space gallery located in the Gate Village DIFC. 

Master of Time Exhibition

The Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium will be host to over 100 museum pieces, which will showcase the region’s largest watch exhibition to date in The Mastery of Time curated by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) and will a special presentation of unique pieces curated by the participating brands.

24 Hours in The Life of Swiss Cuckoo Clock

The Fashion Catwalk will be home to unique Cuckoo Clock exhibition from the 15th– 29thof November curated by Alexandra Midal. The exhibit will be showcasing 24 modern renditions of the Swiss emblematic figure of time created by students of HEAD-Genève art school.

Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve

The GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve) will be presenting their annual travelling exhibition of winning watches at the Ayyam Gallery from 15thto 19thNovember located in the Gate Village DIFC.  In addition, this year, guests will also have the rare opportunity to meet and greet select members of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve and share information in an informal, open setting through whilst viewing the GPHG 2016 winning watches.

Horological Movements

Curated by Dubai Watch Week and participating brands, the Horological Movements exhibition will introduce guests to the watch movements and complications and visitors will have a rare opportunity to meet the “masters of time” – brand CEOs, Founders and watchmakers. The exhibition will run from 15th– 19thNovember located in the Farjam Foundation and Opera Gallery locate in the Gate Village DIFC.

Make Time Your Own

This year, for the very first time Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons have curated an experience called Make Time Your Own. The experience will let the visitor step into the world of time as they experience four different relationships with Time; Walk with time, Control Time, Let Time Slip Away and Hold Time Still. The activation will run from 15th to 19th November at Yadoti, located in the Gate Village DIFC.

Horology Forum

The Horology Forum will bring together leading watch curators, authors, historians, writers, collectors, brands and industry professionals. This year the forum will bring together more than 30 international speakers covering topics such as Smart Watches, Digital Curators, 100 Years of Watchmaking and What Makes the Value of a Watch.

Wednesday 16th November 2016 

10:00 – 11:00 - The Language of Time

12:00 – 13:00 - Evolution of a brand

15:00 – 16:00 - Creative economy

17:00 – 18:00 - Challenges of a retailer

Thursday, 17th November 2016

10:00 – 11:00 - Digital Curators

12:00 – 13:00 - Design & Creativity

15:00 – 16:00 - Haute Horology

17:00 – 18:00 - Smart Watches

Friday 18th November 2016

10:00 – 11:00 - It’s Complicated

12:00 – 13:00 - Dynamic Changes

15:00 – 16:00 - 100 years of watchmaking

17:00 – 18:00 - Starting your own brand

Saturday 19th November 2016

10:00 – 11:00 - What makes the value of a watch?

12:00 – 13:00 Metiers d'Art - The art of craftsmanship

15:00 – 16:00 - Brand ambassadors

16:30 – 17.30 - The Power of Influence

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