WatchTime Düsseldorf has continued its course as a meeting place for the watch community. From 23 to 25 October 2026, 5,300 visitors came to the Rheinterrasse Düsseldorf by D.LIVE, an increase of six percent on the previous year. 13 percent of guests travelled from abroad, and the share of female visitors remained stable at 21 percent. More than 60 exhibitors from eleven countries presented novelties, classics and collector's pieces that visitors could experience directly on the wrist.
Premieres and watches to try on
Numerous brands used the seventh edition to launch new models. Sinn Spezialuhren celebrated its 65th anniversary with the 140 A S Jubiläum, limited to 300 pieces, while Christopher Ward presented the C1 Loco Classic, nominated for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, at one of its first appearances in Germany. Titoni unveiled the new Luxe Tourbillon, Fortis the Novonaut Halo and Sternglas the Zirkel X, marking the brand's tenth anniversary.
With the Jean Marcel x WatchTime Stealth Limited Edition, the WatchTime Germany editorial team also presented a watch of its own. Bold colours and unusual case shapes were among the defining trends.
A programme between stage, workbench and indulgence
On all three days, a stage programme featured conversations with leading figures from the industry, including a CEO interview with Simon Hall (Hanhart), the panel "Made in Germany" with representatives of Sinn, DUG, Stowa and Laco, a founder talk with Martin Smogeli (Micromilspec), the panel "The Power of Collaboration" with Formex and Horage, a CEO interview with Olivier Schluep (Titoni) and the panel "Time for the Next Mission" with Fortis CEO Jupp Philipp and Nåva Space founder Nima J. Shahinian. In the format "WatchTime x Flomp89: WatchTime Unfiltered", the audience set the topics. In workshops run by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chronometrie (German Society for
Chronometry), visitors worked on mechanical movements themselves, while editorial tours introduced selected brands and novelties. The Bavarian School of Master Watchmakers in Würzburg tested the accuracy of visitors' watches, demagnetised them and provided information about the watchmaking profession. Dorotheum assessed the value of collectors' watches, while Van Ham, jeweller Rüschenbeck and ChronoRestore rounded off the offering with vintage, certified pre-owned and service expertise. A livestream with Luxury Chrono took place at the eBay stand. The weekend was complemented by the Villiger cigar lounge and tastings with Bushmills and 1800 Tequila.
WatchTime Award 2026: the winners
The highlight of the opening day was the third presentation of the WatchTime Award powered by eBay in front of around 450 guests. The community cast almost 6,000 votes. The Collectors' Choice Award was decided exclusively by readers; in the other categories, a five-memberexpert jury nominated the candidates before the audience chose the winners. The evening washosted by Charlotte Frieß, Director of Events WatchTime Germany, and Julia Verpoorten, Head of Luxury & Fashion eBay Germany.
• Collectors' Choice Award: Heinrich Helicoprion MKII Karneol
• Visionary Leadership Award: Nathalie Birk, Managing Director POINTtec
• Innovation of the Year: Sinn Spezialuhren 1800 Titandamaszener
• Design of the Year: Laco Frankfurt 40 GMT Grau
This year, the Visionary Leadership Award replaced the former "Watch Person of the Year" award and honors leaders with vision.
"WatchTime Düsseldorf is an event by people, for people. Here, visitors get to hold watches they would rarely see otherwise, talk to the founders and watchmakers behind them and meet like-minded enthusiasts. We are delighted that even more guests shared this experience with us this year," says Charlotte Frieß, Director of Events WatchTime Germany.
Further information, event reports and images are available at watchtime.net (in German) and on Instagram at @watchtime_germany.
