Curtain-Raiser: What to Expect at Dubai Watch Week 2023

Dubai Watch Week (DWW) has undoubtedly garnered widespread global recognition as a premier international trade show within the watch industry. In its sixth and most extensive iteration, the watch gala will start tomorrow at The Gate, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and will continue till November 20. It is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council. Needless to say, DWW promises to showcase the best of the watch world. 

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With over 60 renowned watch brands, including Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Chopard, participating in DWW 2023, the exhibition is expected to reveal exclusive timepieces. Watch enthusiasts and collectors can also attend specially curated sessions and masterclasses, conducted by industry thought leaders, such as Nour Al Hassan, the innovator behind Kintsugi art workshops, and Max Busser, founder of MB&F, who will talk about his creative process at The Collectors Lounge.

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Dubai Watch Week's diverse and experiential programme promises myriad cultural, culinary, and educational experiences. Let's now delve into the highlights.

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Kicking off the event is the Horology Forum, an original concept of Dubai Watch Week. This Forum explores the intersection of horology with luxury automotive, artisanship, and education, encouraging discussions among master craftsmen, industry leaders, visionaries, and collectors. This year's Horology Forum will introduce six panels and three debates, including the first-ever Arabic panel, enriching the experience for a wider audience. Renowned speakers, such as François-Henry Bennahmias, CEO of Audemars Piguet, will lead discussions, with live streaming on the Dubai Watch Week YouTube Channel.

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Following this, 11 masterclasses will offer hands-on workshops, including Bovet's 'Miss Audrey’s Sweet Art Dial-Making Masterclass' and the Sheikhen workshop, transforming vintage Norwegian silver spoons into wearable art. The Creative Hub will add another layer with dialogues, such as the one on the ‘Super League of Sustainability’, and an intimate conversation with Jean Claude Biver on transformative influences in the watch industry.

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Christie's will return with engaging talks, panel discussions, and a Pavilion, featuring complimentary watch valuations. For young visitors, the Christie’s auction for kids will provide a friendly experience. On-site activations and competitions will include exhibits by Amadeo and the M.A.D Gallery, showcasing the evolution of cameo and global artists' creations respectively.

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The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) will present a unique exhibition, inviting guests to scan pieces via the DWW app for a chance to win luxury watches and experiences daily. Beyond horology, culinary delights await attendees, with La Niña, Home Bakery, KITCH-IN, and TWST offering exclusive menus crafted for Dubai Watch Week 2023.

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Full List of Participating Brands:

Rolex, Audemars Piguet, TUDOR, Hublot, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, Van Cleef & Arpels, CHANEL, Bvlgari, Akrivia, Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, ArtyA, Bell & Ross, Biver, Bovet, Breitling, Bremont, Christophe Claret, Chronoswiss, Czapek, De Bethune, Dior, DOXA, F.P. Journe, Ferdinand Berthoud, Frederique Constant, GENUS, Grand Seiko, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie., HYT, ID Genève, Jacob & Co., Konstantin Chaykin, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Erard, Ludovic Ballouard, MB&F, MING, Moritz Grossmann, NORQAIN, Oris, Rebellion Timepieces, Remy Cools, RESERVOIR, Ressence, Schwarz Etienne, Speake-Marin, TAG Heuer, Trilobe Watches, URWERK, Vanguart, and Vyntage.