First held last year, the Dubai Watch Week has very quickly established itself as an event not to be missed for anyone involved in the world of watches. Part sales event, part cultural platform, the Dubai Watch Week offers a rare chance to meet with brands and see their latest products but also to discuss the burning issues of the moment and hear the opinions of the leading figures in the industry, from the brands themselves to independent experts and opinion leaders.
The Language of Time
I will be speaking at the first of 16 panel discussions throughout the week on a subject that is very close to my heart: language. Since my two university degrees are in languages and translation and I spent the early days of my career as a conference interpreter and translator, only later discovering a passion for watches when my profession took me into the industry, I have always been interested in the use of language. I am particularly looking forward, therefore, to discussing the role of language in the watch industry with three of my Anglophone peers who represent a perfect cross section of the English-speaking world.
Fine Watchmaking
Later in the week I will be moderating Panel 7, which will discuss the notion of fine watchmaking in light of the recent White Paper published by the FHH. The confirmed speakers are auction supremo Aurel Bacs, Elizabeth Doerr, Editor-in-Chief of Quill & Pad, independent designer Eric Giroud and Pascal Ravessoud, Director of Missions & General Secretary of the Cultural Council at the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie.
The Power of Influence
I will conclude the week as a speaker on the last and perhaps the most controversial panel, entitled “The Power of Influence”, which will look at the role of influencers in the industry. Are they a good thing? Is there a gap between impact and knowledge? Moderator Remy Julia, Head of Watches, Christie’s – Middle East, India, Africa, will steer the discussion in search of answers to these questions.
In addition to the panel discussions, there will also be a series of “Creative Hub” events hosted by individual brands, as well as watchmaking workshops and master classes. In this busy schedule I will, of course, also squeeze in time to talk to brand representatives and bring you the latest news from the show. If you are attending the event in Dubai, please join in the debate – I would be happy to see you.
For more information on the Dubai Watch Week, and to download the complete schedule of events, visit www.dubaiwatchweek.com.
