The third and by far largest (five times bigger) Dubai Watch Week (DWW) runs 16-20 November 2017. And, as I wrote in 5 Reasons (And Then Some) To Visit Dubai Watch Week 2017, None Of Which Involve Looking At Amazing Watches (Although You Can Do That Too), one of the highlights of the fair  is the series of discussion panels in the Hology Forum that run parallel with the watch exhibitions, Creative Hub talks, new product launches, watchmaking Master Classes, great food, and superb hospitality.

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is even more impressive than photos convey: you just know that there is either a superhero or super villain (perhaps both) going to show up at any minute!

Dubai Watch Week has recently published the list of discussion panels, speakers, and moderators, and I’m honored to have been invited back this year to moderate a few panels myself. There is usually plenty of time for audience questions after the talk, plus you often see the speakers throughout DWW each day so you can easily ask follow-up questions.

Here is a list of the topics and speakers for 2017.

1. Designing Time – A Horologically Inclined Beauty
Panel: Kurt Klaus, Laurence Nicolas, Christian Selmoni
Moderator: Benjamin Clymer
Time: 11:00 – 12:00, Friday, November 17, 2017

Watch brands tend to take part in a little dance while deciding between investing in either the aesthetics of a watch or designing an impeccable movement. Is it necessary to sacrifice or favor one over the other, should the watch’s structure or function overtake the aesthetics of design? Watchmaking is a creative process that demands in depth knowledge and adept craftsmanship, especially when discovering a new way for time to perform on one’s wrist. Finally, can you have a watch that is as equally beautiful as it is masterful in its movement?

2. Millennial Watchmakers – Current Contributions Impacting Watchmaking
Panel: Felix Baumgartner, Alexis Georgacopoulos, Kurt Klaus, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht
Moderator: Suzanne Wong
Time: 14:00 – 15:00, Friday, November 17, 2017

Millennial watchmakers wouldn’t be where they are today without their historical predecessors. It can also be said that game changers and horological pioneers throughout history have impacted the path on which the watchmakers have embarked upon. The timepieces we see today are a product of evolution based on tried-and-true classical methods that remain fundamental to the watch industry. The debate between continuing traditional craftsmanship vs. introducing new methodologies is a discussion between mentalities as well as technical skills. Do these millennials know what they’re doing, and is the future of watchmaking in safe hands?

3. Innovation & Technology – Influencing Traditional Methodologies
Panel: Felix Baumgartner, Stephen Forsey, Alexis Georgacopoulos, Benoît Mintiens
Moderator: Ian Skellern
Time: 16:00 – 17:00, Friday, November 17, 2017

What is the impact of innovation on traditional watchmaking techniques? How have new technologies and methods affected the process of creating timepieces? Do traditionalists fear tainting of historical craftsmanship, or can new innovative methods compliment the process of classical craftsmanship? What is the perceived difference in value of the piece that is completely handmade vs. being made via partial or complete mechanical process? Masters of a profession founded on craftsmanship for such delicate objects certainly could look upon innovation with fear and disapproval. Opinions differ, and the struggle revolves around finding a balance between taking advantage of innovation and technology without compromising the integrity of watch-making.

4. Icons and Classics – The History
Panel: Marco Borraccino, Pascal Ravessoud, John Reardon, Mohammed Seddiqi
Moderator: Benjamin Clymer
Time: 18:00 – 19:00, Friday, November 17, 2017

This panel will showcase a meticulous collection of major horological icons as well as host a deeply nostalgic elucidation of why they are celebrated timepieces of today. For most it is the Rolex Paul Newman or Daytona, the famous Patek Philippe Nautilus, or iconic pieces from the personal collection of the most recognizable faces in history. This coveted presentation explores the Watch Hall of Fame and provides the audience with a rare glimpse into amazing individuals and stories that inspired the legends. Our esteemed panelist experts will also explain the specificity of collecting vintage watches.

5. The Independents – Unique Voices of the Industry
Panel: François-Paul Journe, Pascal Raffy, Pascal Ravessoud, Theo Staub
Moderator: Ian Skellern
Time: 11:00 – 12:00, Saturday, November 18, 2017

The nonconformist, non-traditionalist, and non-conventional are rebels of today’s horological kingdom. Their contributions and influence in shaping the future of watchmaking is primarily credited to their freedom to express themselves creatively and technically. To an independent brand, the ability to remain independent due to the current criteria imposed by the industry is quite challenging. These rebels are the unique voices that speak to a target audience in a language only the two parties can understand.

CAD image of the new dedicated 150-seat Horology Forum, where the discussion panels take place

6. Grand Complications – An All-Boys Club?
Panel: Cara Barrett, François-Henry Bennahmias, Alexander Friedman, John Reardon
Moderator: Suzanne Wong
Time: 14:00 – 15:00, Saturday, November 18, 2017

Does the world of horology cater to men primarily when deciding who gets the most complicated watch? Market trends show that jewelry brands prioritize women for their target audience, while watch brands design and create complicated timepieces with men in mind. We look at the relationship between watchmakers, grand complications, and the spending power of both genders, which is significantly impacting cultural and gender norms. In this panel, we explore how some brands are breaking away from the norm, while others insist on remaining within traditional boundaries. Will we be seeing a more androgynous approach or will the stigma prevail?

7. Intangible Muse – Discoveries to Inventions, the Measurement of Time
Panel: Fabrizio Buonamassa, Quentin Carnaille, James Gurney, Antoine Munch
Moderator: Ian Skellern
Time: 16:00 – 17:00, Saturday, November 18, 2017

Watch brands tend to take part in a little dance while deciding between investing in either the aesthetics of a watch or designing an impeccable movement. Is it necessary to sacrifice or favor one over the other, should the watch’s structure or function over take the aesthetics of design? Watchmaking is a creative process that demands in-depth knowledge and adept craftsmanship, especially when discovering a new way for time to perform on one’s wrist. Finally, can you have a watch that is as equally beautiful as it is masterful in its movement?

8. The Modification Question – The Elephant in the Room
Panel: Ted Gushue, Gianfranco Ritschel, Xavier de Roquemaurel, Maximilian Büsser
Moderator: Marc-Andre Deschoux
Time: 18:00 – 19:00, Saturday, November 18, 2017

It is policy for an official watch retailer or brand to revoke a watch’s warranty if it has been modified, or in the watch industry’s eyes been “tampered with/sullied.” Established watchmakers will normally refuse to personally customize a watch for a client, no matter what the client is willing to pay – is this due to integrity? Is it due to the fact that brands feel that modifying a timepiece is diluting the brand’s image and quality of the piece? We delve into why watch customization is, traditionally speaking, taboo and discuss how there are increasing alterations that serve as an important indicator of changes in societal behavior.

9. Generation to Generation – How Families Shape Businesses and Know-How
Panel: Ted Gushue, Edouard Meylan, Pascal Raffy, Mohammed Seddiqi
Moderator: Thomas Mao
Time: 11:00 – 12:00, Sunday, November 19, 2017

In certain industries it is common to raise one’s offspring with the intention of training them to carry on the family business once they are eligible. Successful businesses breed heirs. What is the reasoning behind this and is there a particular pattern in raising successful generations to look after the family legacy? In this panel we draw comparisons between family businesses in the U.A.E and Switzerland. Here we take a look at the effect of generational storytelling and the importance of preserving one’s heritage for future generations and the importance of succession planning.

10. Counterfeit Culture – Understanding the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Panel: James Lamdin, Benoît Mintiens, Mohammed Seddiqi, Paul O’Neil
Moderator: Suzanne Wong
Time: 14:00 – 15:00, Sunday, November 19, 2017

With technology improving at an exponential rate, thus facilitating watchmaking to impressive levels, we also see the downside through the ease in which duplicates are being created. Vulnerable watch buyers are being swindled more and more by duplicitous techniques established by increasingly sophisticated charlatan watchmakers and sellers that haunt the black market. Today, even weathered watch industry veterans are having trouble deciphering the authenticity of timepieces from this sordid world. Here we discuss what measures one should take to avoid the situation or how to deal if one ever finds oneself in it, techniques to spot a fake watch, and the impact of counterfeit on the watch industry.

11. The Aftermath of a Purchase – Knowing What Comes Next
Panel: Jonathan Darracott, Claude Greisler, Christine Hutter, Gianfranco Ritschel
Moderator: Thomas Mao
Time: 16:00 – 17:00, Sunday, November 19, 2017

You just bought a watch. You’re wrong if you think all you have left to do now is wear it. Most people aren’t aware of this but in actuality, this is the most crucial part of ensuring your watch gets to tick flawlessly for generations to come. A true connoisseur would be heavily alarmed to hear about clients that do not take their watches for regular servicing. After-sales is also about being educated on knowing how to perform seemingly simple tasks such as winding, setting perpetual calendars, and generally looking after a timepiece correctly. Our panelists will discuss why after-sales tends to be the most neglected part of owning a watch and how timing plays a significant role in the art of servicing.

12. E-Commerce: Perfect Storm or the Silver Lining?
Panel: Edouard Meylan, Maximilian Büsser, Stephane Von Bueren, Xavier de Roquemaurel
Moderator: Stacy Perman
Time: 18:00 – 19:00, Sunday, November 19, 2017

In today’s world, online shopping is rapidly becoming common practice worldwide, some would arguably say an even more favorable form of collecting. Numerous industries, such as luxury, are taking advantage of clients who prefer to shop from the convenience and privacy of their homes. With the adaptation of society’s growing dependency on technology, is e-commerce an opportunity or threat and for whom? We look at the traditional practice of buying a watch and question how it could be tailored to suit e-commerce without diluting the treasured experience most watch sellers and collectors prize.

13. Static Diversification – The Contribution of the Watch Industry
Panel: Eneuri Acosta, Grégory Dourde, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht
Moderator: Thomas Mao
Time: 11:00 – 12:00, Monday, November 20, 2017

Industries that need creativity in order to thrive and grow tend to absorb or influence from alternative industries even if the functions of their products are completely unrelated. For example, the expression of the haute couture spirit in watchmaking is evident. The known marriage between watch and car is self-explanatory; both are expertly designed machines despite one being worn on the wrist and the other being driven on the road. However, throughout history design and functionality have evolved based on inspirations and ideas that travel back and forth between the borders. Let us discuss how the watch industry has impacted other sectors and in return drawn inspiration from other industries.

14. Hammer Time – The Importance of Auction Houses
Panel: Cara Barrett, Ali Khadra, Claude Sfeir, Stephane Von Bueren
Moderator: Marc-Andre Deschoux
Time: 14:00 – 15:00, Monday, November 20, 2017

There is a well-established relationship in the art world between auction houses, art gallerists, and artists that demand  a certain savoir faire when putting a piece to be auctioned. Similar can be said for the watch industry and its relationship with the auction house world. Auction houses are, like the stock market, unpredictable. They play a direct role in determining a brand’s reputation. This is a discussion on auction houses, the nature of their relationships with the watch industry, and their part in establishing the value of a timepiece and collecting. Finally, we explore the intricacies of what makes a watch auctionable.

15. The Resurrection of Brands – The Importance of Marketing
Panel: Alexander Friedman, Ali Khadra, Hind Seddiqi, Julien Tornare
Moderator: Stacy Perman
Time: 16:00 – 17:00, Monday, November 20, 2017

The Phoenix effect in the watch industry is a rare occurrence and considered quite the accomplishment, especially in today’s world of blossoming watch brands. Once a brand has fallen, the watch industry can be very harsh and unforgiving, and if a negative reputation is established it is hard to forget. The art of marketing and the role it plays is pivotal when bringing brands back to former glory. This is a discussion about the individuals and how their strategies helped make brands relevant again.

16. How Big is Your Collection?
Panel: Alexander Friedman, Ali Khadra, Claude Sfeir, Remy Julia
Moderator: Melika Yazdjerdi
Time: 18:00 – 19:00, Monday, November 20, 2017

Contrary to popular belief, there is no “Oz” entity in the watch world that gives aseal of approval and labels who has the right to bear the title collector and who does not. Or is there? The watch industry is a living, pulsating being on its own and there is a mutual understanding between all players in order to keep the peace and maintain timeless values. This is a subjective vs. objective discussion on what it takes to be acknowledged as a watch collector and what the different categories of collecting are, additionally how have the tiers between “young” collectors and “distinguished” collectors been established?

For more information on Dubai Watch Week 2017, including biographies of all of the moderators and panel speakers, please visit www.dubaiwatchweek.com.

You might also enjoy 5 Reasons (And Then Some) To Visit Dubai Watch Week 2017, None Of Which Involve Looking At Amazing Watches (Although You Can Do That Too).