Now a fixed position on the watch world’s map, Dubai Watch Week is set to open its doors to international journalists, active participants in the horological scene, and Middle Eastern locals looking to learn more about high-end watchmaking.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building
Taking place from 20 through 24 November 2019 at Dubai’s DIFC, participants at Dubai Watch Week can expect to discover new watches, hear interesting opinions, learn about the culture of Dubai – the United Arab Emirates’ fastest growing city – and enjoy the immense hospitality of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, who stage the ever-growing forum under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
A view of Dubai Watch Week 2017
The DIFC is a leading financial hub for the Middle East, but the urban district is also home to many world class art galleries, top-tier hotels, and restaurants. The Gate Building – the first structure to grace the DIFC – forms the epicenter of this attractive complex as well as the Watch Week’s happenings.
Each time I visit Dubai to attend one of these events, I find that much has visibly changed due to the continuous expansion of the show. But one thing that has not changed is the dedication to uniting and growing the global watch community for the preservation and transmission of horological knowledge. That magic little element has remained the same throughout!
The five-day program of events, exhibitions, and activations has always been more than comprehensive, and I expect the 2019 edition to be even more spectacular.
Welcome to Dubai Watch Week
What’s new at Dubai Watch Week 2019: the crown arrives!
Dubai Watch Week 2019 marks the first time that Rolex has agreed to participate in a watchmaking event in the Middle East. And what a way to mark territory: with a dedicated exhibition centering around the history and continuing development of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner using panels and interactive displays.
“We are extremely honored to have Rolex present for the first time at Dubai Watch Week,” said Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, vice chairman of Seddiqi Holding. “This is something really special for Dubai following the opening of the largest Rolex boutique in the world in 2018.”
Celebrating the occasion, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is also organizing an exhibition featuring significant vintage Rolex timepieces.
Antoine Preziuso gives a technical demonstration at Dubai Watch Week 2017
What’s new at Dubai Watch Week 2019: Watchbox brings pre-owned timepieces
Watchbox is now set to descend upon the Middle East with a dedicated lounge and popup studio at Dubai Watch Week, showcasing and celebrating luxury pre-owned timepieces and at the same time engaging with the global watch community.
Watchbox leading figures will be speaking during the Horlogical Forum and otherwise during the week. This includes a panel called “Six Ways from Certified and the Wisdom to know your Place,” which will include Watchbox co-founder Danny Govberg, as well as a talk by the ever-interesting Tim Mosso taking place on November 21 from 10:00 to 11:00 called “Watch Collecting in an Era of Innovation.”
Not coincidentally, Watchbox and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons have just announced a joint venture to launch Watchbox in the Middle East with a standalone flagship store in the DIFC and from next year shop-in-shops in some of Seddiqi’s own stores. Seddiqi, which celebrates its seventieth anniversary in 2020, boasts 50 multibrand stores and monobrand boutiques across the UAE.
Photo competition at DWW 2019
Aside from the Horology Forum and masterclasses led by famous watchmakers, there is also the Creative Hub, which introduces new watches, and brand exhibitions.
The brands and makers planning to exhibit this year include Armin Strom, Bovet, De Bethune, Greubel Forsey, Tutima, Vacheron Constantin, Beauregard, Bell & Ross, Breitling, Bulgari, Charles Frodsham, Chopard, Czapek & Cie, Dior, Ferdinand Berthoud, F.P.Journe, Frédérique Constant, Garek Thomann, Genus, Girard-Perregaux, Grand Seiko, H.Moser & Cie, Hublot, HYT, IWC, Jacob & Co., Laurent Ferrier, Ludovic Ballouard, MB&F, MeisterSinger, Moritz Grossmann, Singer Reimagined, Trilobe, Tudor, Ulysse Nardin, RJ, GoS, Fiona Krüger, Antoine Preziuso, Ressence, and Roger Dubuis.
The Dubai Watch Week management assures us that visitors can expect to experience the most interactive and inclusive edition of the event to date, perfect for inspiring a new generation of watch enthusiasts. Admission to the event is free, but registration is a must.
For more and to register please visit www.dubaiwatchweek.com.
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10 Highlights From Dubai Watch Week 2017 (Plus Video)
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