Dubai Watch Week 2019 kickes off its Fourth Edition

Dubai Watch Week is back for its fourth year, and it’s certainly the biggest and best yet. The event is free to everyone who loves watches and will include brand presentations, limited-edition watch unveilings, masterclasses and panel discussions. Some of the industry’s top brass are also in town, which continues through the weekend until November 24th.

This year there are two themes, innovation and technology.

According to Hind Seddiqi, director-general of Dubai Watch Week, the event aims to impress aficionados, enthusiasts and watch novices alike.

“Open to all, Dubai Watch Week not only introduces the general public to the watch industry, but we also add value to the seasoned watch enthusiast by giving them access to a more exclusive level of detail through programmes such as the Creative Hub,” she said at the official opening.

“There are so many reasons to come to Dubai Watch Week that it’s hard to pinpoint one, but it’s important to highlight that, as a non-commercial event, the visitor experience is at the heart of what we do.”

"Anyone attending will be able to walk away with an unrivalled understanding of the watch industry.” - Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Director General of Dubai Watch Week.

Some of the world’s best watches

Watch Week brings with it some of the world’s best watches, on display at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneva exhibition (basically, it’s like the Oscars of the watch world).

Visitors can get up close and personal with these award-winning watches, and marvel at some of the most innovative approaches to watchmaking the world of Horlogerie has ever seen.

Dubai Watch Week also brings with it fresh new watches, including seven ‘world-first’ watches and limited editions, form seven new brands.

Beyond the regular stands, this year’s Watch Week also features some standout exhibits. The Rolex Experience, for example, mark’s the brand’s first participation at Watch Week. It will explore the universe of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner, through panels and interactive displays.

“We are extremely honoured to have Rolex presented for the first time at Dubai Watch Week. This is something really special for Dubai following the opening of the largest Rolex Boutique in the world in 2018,” says Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, Vice Chairman of Seddiqi Holding.

Anyone interested in second-hand watches (or has a watch they think might be valuable) can also make the most of Dubai Watch Week.

Thanks to Seddiqi & Son’s latest partnership with Watchbox, punters can get free evaluations and learn more about the vintage watch trade from the Watchbox lounge.

Experts on pre-owned watches are available to advise on buying, selling and trading in pre-loved timepieces, and you can also see a selection of the company’s more interesting wares.

Dubai Watch Week has attracted some of the biggest names in watchmaking, and many of them are speaking at the Horology Forum.

Under the main two themes, Dubai Watch Week has put on a stellar roster of speakers from all walks of watchmaking life, including designers, collectors and artists. Among the speakers are Jean-Claude Bivet, one of watchmaking’s all-time greats. Also, actor and watch designer Aldis Hodge – who starred in What Men Want – and visionary Dubai chef Izu Ani. Danny Govberg, chief executive of Watchbox, will also be among the speakers, discussing the changing climate of the luxury watch market.

There are also watchmaking workshops running through Dubai Watch Week. Hosted by David Flecchia, the head of watchmaking and workshops at Ulysse Nardin, will allow guests to get up close and personal with the inner workings of watches, as well as learn more about the tools and use of silicium in watchmaking.

Dubai Watch Week is from Wednesday, November 20, until Sunday, November 24, 10am-10pm; free; DIFC Gate Village, Dubai; visitors should register on www.dubaiwatchweek.com