Dubai Watch Week 2023 Begins on a High Note

Dubai Watch Week 2023 has just commenced and, as expected, the first day has served as a promising start to the five-day event that has rightfully earned itself widespread global recognition as a premier international trade show within the world of horology. Industry stalwarts, collectors and watch enthusiasts set the venue — The Gate, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) — abuzz as they headed to sessions, brand exhibitions, exclusive Masterclasses, and more. Team GMT India was on site as well, taking in all the immersive experiences on offer.

The one-of-a-kind workshops for the day included Kintsugi Art Workshop, where Nour Al Hassan — the creator of Kintsugi art workshops — taking visitors through a self-discovery journey via the Japanese art of Kintsugi. Another fascinating MasterClass featured a workshop with Maison Alcée, where one could immerse themselves in the workings of a regulator and how it breathes life into timepieces. An insightful talk set up by Christie’s addressed the power of provenance in light of a Patek Philippe owned by Andy Warhol that’s headed to auction in December.

‍

Over 60 brands are exhibiting at Dubai Watch Week 2023 and among the ones that stood out for GMT India on day one included the resplendent Van Cleef & Arpels novelties at the brand’s magical Poetry of Time exhibit. The exceptional F.P.Journe creations on display caught our eye as well. The Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d’Egalité Seconde Morte—an F.P.Journe classic—was especially wonderful to set eyes on. Team GMT India also had the chance to try on the all-new ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser by Oris, as well as the Hublot novelties exhibited by the brand. Getting to see MB&F’s latest timepiece—the HM11 Architect—from close quarters made for a unique experience as well.

‍

Breitling had on display the latest Avengers collection and, in an exclusive chat with GMT India, CEO Georges Kern shared why the signature wings had been replaced by the B logo of the brand. Kern, as part of Creative Hub, took visitors through an interactive journey of Breitling’s history and association with all things aviation. Also part of Creative Hub was the introduction of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives by Louis Vuitton Watch Director Jean Arnault. He was joined by members of the Committee of Experts: Nicholas Foulkes, Wei Koh and independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi.

‍

Mention of the first day at Dubai Watch Week 2023 would be incomplete without highlighting the Horology Forum. An original concept by Dubai Watch Week, it explores the intersection of horology with luxury automotive, artisanship, and education, encouraging discussions among master craftsmen, industry leaders, visionaries, and collectors. The sessions for the day included topics such as customer satisfaction in light of limited supply and the age-old horological debate of whether or not timepieces should be subjected to bespoke processes.

‍

We’ll be tracking new launches and other developments over the next few days. Stay tuned to find out more, and follow us on Instagram to keep track of our experiences in Dubai.