CEOs Share Their Thoughts

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Among all the events held around the world as part of the watch industry calendar, Dubai Watch Week has found a tone of its own. We asked seven CEOs what sets it apart from other watch shows
Frédéric Grangié © Chanel

Frédéric Grangié 
President Watch and Fine Jewelry Chanel

How do you think Dubai Watch Week differs from other watchmaking events? 
“With its unique spirit celebrating the views, vision and trends of today’s and tomorrow’s international watch industry, DWW has become a major influential event in the watchmaking calendar and we are particularly proud to be invited to participate for the first time. 
As far as we’re concerned, DWW was a special time involving presentations, contacts and exchanges revolving around our singular approach to watchmaking, which goes beyond the creation of time-measuring instruments to focus instead on magnifying allure and style. The DWW will be an opportunity to discover or rediscover our latest creations, including Calibre 5, a Fine Watchmaking movement stemming from collaboration between the Chanel Watchmaking Design Studio headed by Arnaud Chastaingt and the Chanel watch Manufacture; as well as our Artistic Crafts collections, which passionately express the creativity and excellence of Chanel Fine Watchmaking.” 

Antoine Pin © Bulgari

Antoine Pin 
Watch Managing Director Bulgari

How do you think Dubai Watch Week differs from other watchmaking events? 
“Dubai Watch Week is different in that it is organized by a retailer. Its perspective brings another dimension to the show. This translates into a space for direct interaction between brands and the general public, a closeness that strengthens the bond between designers and watch enthusiasts, thereby creating a memorable immersive experience. 
By focusing on the clear desire to recruit and educate new consumers while meeting the expectations of seasoned collectors, DWW has succeeded in striking a delicate balance between education and commercial appeal, helping to create an environment where watch enthusiasts can deepen their knowledge while having the opportunity to explore and acquire exceptional new timepieces for their collections. This combination of elements has made the show a must-attend event in the world of watchmaking. 
DWW, like Geneva Watch Days, represents a new kind of event that shakes up the world of watch fairs by being more inclusive, more agile and more cultural. They pave the way for a more modern style of watchmaking.” 

Niels Eggerding © Frederique Constant

Niels Eggerding 
CEO Frederique Constant

How do you think Dubai Watch Week differs from other watchmaking events? 
“Dubai Watch Week is globally significant and uniquely hosted by the Seddiqi family, our local distributor. Their key role in distribution and expansive retail network reflect their watch industry passion. The show unites brands, retailers, distributors, journalists and collectors from around the world. Set in the vibrant city of Dubai at this specific moment in the year, it boasts an unmatched atmosphere and offers a unique opportunity for meaningful interactions. Our presence at Dubai Watch Week is a source of great excitement for us.” 

Claude Greisler © Armin Strom

Claude Greisler
Owner and Director Armin Strom

How do you think Dubai Watch Week differs from other watchmaking events? 
“With Dubai Watch Week’s focus on know-how transfer, it has a spirit and an energy that distinguish it from our industry’s other events. The exhibitions are always excellent but the real excitement comes from the panels, the Master Classes, as well as the amazing networking opportunities. The DWW also offers Armin Strom – with its focus on the “Science of Movement” – an ideal platform for the launch of great new products, like our Tribute 1 Fumé. The chance to interact with a particularly well-informed international audience – including collectors, the media and even our competitors – is priceless.” 

François-Henry Bennahmias © Audemars Piguet

François-Henry Bennahmias 
CEO Audemars Piguet

How do you think Dubai Watch Week differs from other watchmaking events? 
“The Seddiqi family has done a great deal for the watch industry as a whole and Dubai Watch Week is a perfect example of this contribution. It’s always a pleasure to attend and has become an essential fixture in the watchmaking year.” 

Benjamin Arabov © Jacob & Co.

Benjamin Arabov 
CEO Jacob & Co.

How do you think Dubai Watch Week differs from other watchmaking events? 
“Dubai is definitely a major, strategic market for us. We have recently reopened our redesigned boutique in The Dubai Mall. Our double-digit growth, our relentless creativity and our drive to innovate all find a very focused and affectionate audience here. Dubai Watch Week is a great platform for us to showcase our brand identity and our exciting new launches. The unique setup, the venue and the program give us ample room and time for sharing with dedicated watch lovers and collectors. We love to engage with the large crowd of people who want to know us better. We like to get up close and personal.” 

François Moreau © Reservoir

François Moreau 
CEO and Founder Reservoir

How do you think Dubai Watch Week differs from other watchmaking events? 
“I’m delighted to be back at Dubai Watch Week, which is undeniably one of the world’s leading watch fairs. It’s a key event thanks to its regional and increasingly international reach, reflecting the image of Dubai, which has considerably developed its position in the world of watchmaking, making it one of today’s key hubs. 
Remarkably well thought-out and organized, this show turns the spotlight firmly on the major Maisons, while leaving particularly well-designed spaces for independent brands, enabling us and the team to meet the market in a relaxed yet highly professional atmosphere. The event attracts considerable numbers of discerning visitors, demonstrating that the region’s watch enthusiasts are becoming increasingly sophisticated connoisseurs of timepieces and complications. 
Our only regret is that there are only 24 hours in a day – and that this show only takes place every two years…” 

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