Eyes on Dubai

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Eyes on Dubai - Editorial
2 minutes read
Turning up the heat in fine watchmaking

Dubai Watch Week (DWW) begins tomorrow. In four years, it has grown in scope and stature to become the most significant regional watch event in the year. In fact, with the London edition of the celebrated DWW Horology Forum taking place in 2018, I’m not sure DWW can even strictly be classified as a regional event anymore. 

Certainly, there are a number of watch launches lined up from DWW exhibiting brands, which will hold interest for international audiences — the list of participating brands is as varied as it is prestigious, ranging from independent creators such as MB&F and De Bethune to industry heavyweights such as Hublot and Vacheron Constantin. As a crowning touch, Dubai Watch Week welcomes horological juggernaut Rolex, marking the first time that the “Green Giant” (as Rolex is affectionately called by enthusiasts) participates in such an event. 

The aim of Dubai Watch Week, as affirmed to me by Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi — vice-chairman of Seddiqi Holding, which organises DWW — is to nurture and educate the public on the core values of fine watchmaking. This is apparent in the nature of DWW itself, open to the public and held in the heart of Dubai’s business district, where a strong concentration of the target audience for fine mechanical watchmaking can be found. The mix of activities means there’s something for everyone, from familiarisation courses and seminars conducted by partners Christie’s auction house, to exclusive cocktails hosted by participating brands to foster community spirit amongst watch enthusiasts, to the famed Horology Forum that dissects the burning issues of our industry.

For those who still can’t get over the excitement of last week’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the winning watches will be in Dubai for a one-stop victory tour, taking in a bit of well-deserved sunny weather after a rather frigid time in Switzerland.

WorldTempus will be there in Dubai, on the ground, giving you the first glimpses and hands-on experiences with new watches, the various activities and the people who make Dubai Watch Week the success that it is, year after year. Check out our dedicated DWW section for releases and news related to this globally appealing event. Starting Tuesday 19 November, there will be something new added daily. And if you’re in the area this week, do stop by to explore Dubai Watch Week, and take a minute to vote for your favourite finalist in the latest edition of the Watch Photo Awards (with the chance to win a stay at the exquisite Bulgari Hotel Dubai). You might spot us as we race around Dubai International Financial Centre bringing you all the latest information. But above all, come and see the watches, meet the people. We promise it’ll be well worth your time.