Seasoned collectors, budding watch enthusiasts, and curious onlookers gathered recently for the inaugural Watch Week Aspen in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. The brainchild of Elizabeth Smith, Oliver Smith Jeweler, Managing Director, Watch Week Aspen was inspired by their love for the town and the desire to foster collaboration and community spirit among watch boutiques and retailers established here and included more than fifteen participating brands, 150+ attendees and thirty weekend events.
Participating brands and retailers included A. Lange & Söhne, Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Avi & Co., Betteridge, Bremont, Buccellati, Gerald Charles, IWC, Glashütte Original, Moritz Grossmann, Meridian Jewelers, M.S. Rau Antiques, Norqain, Parmigiani Fleurier, Panerai, Oliver Smith Jeweler, Roger Dubuis, and Panerai. Guests could register to attend events on the program via the official website.
“As founders of Watch Week Aspen, we wanted the event to encapsulate our family’s passion for the outdoors where Oliver finds inspiration for his jewelry designs. It’s the watches, it’s Aspen, and the love of the Smith family for this very special place that makes it a secret-season destination for people to come and discover together,” says Elizabeth Smith.
Watch Week Aspen opened with a welcome cocktail reception presented by Parmigiani Fleurier. Over thirty weekend events included talks, demonstrations, panel discussions, special previews of collectible pre-owned and brand-new timepieces, and curated, outdoor activities showcasing the best of what the Rocky Mountains have to offer, such as an e-bike ride to Maroon Bells with Bremont and fly-fishing with Meridian Jewelers.
Material Good, Head of Watches Yoni Ben-Yehuda hosted a Collectors Conversations talk with Audemars Piguet, while M.S. Rau focused on rare complications such as those driving the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande Complication, the Patek Philippe 5270J Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, and Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 6265 circa 1970.
Elizabeth Smith and Watch Femme Co-founder Laetitia Hirschy hosted a panel discussion focused on building the perfect watch collection while Oliver Smith Jeweler’s Founder, Oliver Smith, his Director of Fine Timepieces, George Reid, Troy Barmore of Revolution Watch, Travis McClain, local watch collector and distinguished guests discussed the current state of watch investments and the 2024 pre-owned watch market.
A double-signed watch is always a big deal and Oliver Smith Jeweler took the opportunity to unveil its third limited-edition commission, developed in collaboration with esteemed independent watchmaker Moritz Grossmann. This follows earlier collectibles commissioned for Oliver Smith Jeweler anniversaries. The Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph x Oliver Smith Jeweler honors the brand’s 30th birthday while double-signed Parmigiani Tondagraph GTs and Parmigiani Tonda GTs celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2021.
Betteridge Aspen presented timepieces and jewelry from Jacob & Co. and a curated collection of innovative clocks conceptualized as mechanical sculptures by L’Epée 1839 with the latter’s CEO Arnaud Nicolas in attendance. There were daily previews of novelties at the Panerai Aspen boutique, while the IWC team presented its haute horlogerie pieces and latest novelties, and Bremont revealed its new collection.
Enthusiasts could admire rare Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex timepieces flown in for the occasion at Avi & Co. or spend time at Oliver Smith Jeweler to preview novelties from independent and sought-after watch brands like Arnold & Son, Gerald Charles, Glashütte Original, and Parmigiani Fleurier. The Oliver Smith Jeweler boutique also hosted Norqain for a special Olympic medal showcase with Alex Ferreira, the halfpipe skier and local hero who answered questions about his record-setting 2023 season and preparations for the 2026 Olympics. Norqain showcased its novelties and offered custom watch engraving on site.
Aspen itself offers an array of outdoor experiences amidst stunning landscapes, especially during the wildflower season in August. Beyond its pristine slopes, Aspen boasts a thriving cultural scene, with renowned festivals, art galleries, and culinary delights that attract visitors year-round.
Eliza Voss, VP of Destination Marketing, Aspen Chamber of Commerce, adds: “Aspen is filled with innovators, and we love that our business community collaborated to create Watch Week, which has an emphasis on camaraderie and fostering connections. We are excited to see this collaboration come to life.”
Watch Week Aspen successfully brought together a unique blend of luxury watch brands and retailers in an unmatched setting. The event stood out with prestigious names all within walking distance, complemented by exceptional shopping and dining opportunities. Historic Colorado architecture met high-end accessibility in a safe and welcoming environment. More than 100 attendees had the chance to mingle with friends, meet the faces behind the brands, and network in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, making Watch Week Aspen a truly unforgettable experience.
“We are thrilled with the success of the inaugural Watch Week Aspen and the vibrant watch-collecting community it attracted to our special mountain town. The event was a true showcase of the best of Aspen, highlighting our exceptional retailers and the spirit of the local community,” concluded Torre, Mayor, City of Aspen.
