The revival of watch fairs—after a lull brought on by the pandemic—has sparked an undeniable surge in enthusiasm for horology. This resurgence comes on the heels of IAMWATCH’s innovative approach to blending physical and digital experiences in the watch world.
It is shaping up to be a remarkable event for watch enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals, featuring an exciting blend of GTGs (Get-Togethers), lectures, masterclasses, and conversations.
Set in Singapore next week in a tropical themed climate, from October 18 to 20, the event is designed to bring together the Pan-Asian watch-collecting community, creating opportunities for deep engagement and knowledge sharing. With contributions from renowned watchmakers, industry leaders, and designers, IAMWATCH 2024 promises to be a hub of inspiration and learning.
The detailed programme includes:
- GTGs: Casual gatherings with watch brands like Urwerk, AkriviA, Girard-Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin, and prominent industry figures like Maximilian Büsser.
- Lectures: Insights from David Rooney, author of About Time, covering the history and evolution of timekeeping in relation to commerce, power, and modern technology.
- Masterclasses: Led by industry giants Jean-Claude Biver and Maximilian Büsser, offering valuable lessons in watchmaking entrepreneurship, leadership, and creative thinking.
- Panel Discussions: Engaging topics such as collecting artisanal watches, contemporary watch design, and the future of the watch industry with industry experts like Aurel Bacs, Jean Arnault, and Felix Baumgartner.
- Film Screenings: Keeper of Time, showcasing the stories of renowned watchmakers like Philippe Dufour and Roger W. Smith, complemented by interviews from scholars in theoretical physics and philosophy.
Resurgence of Watch Fairs
As for the resurgence of watch fairs, particularly in Asia, the rapid expansion in 2024 is an unexpected development. Even as digital channels became dominant during the pandemic, there’s been a clear, renewed craving for in-person experiences. Watch fairs like Watches & Wonders in Geneva, the SIAR in Mexico are being complemented by regional events like Dubai Watch Week as well as emerging showcases in cities like Shanghai and Hong Kong. This increase reflects a global industry shift, recognizing the importance of tactile engagement and personal connections in a market deeply rooted in craftsmanship and heritage. As the number of these fairs grows, the Asian watch circuit stands to benefit immensely, providing its collectors and retailers the chance to immerse themselves in the evolving world of horology.
Intersections of Media and Commerce
The intersection of media and commerce, as seen in the Hodinkee acquisition, combined with the renewed enthusiasm for physical watch fairs, signifies a new chapter for the global watch industry, and holds particular significance for the Asian watch circuit.
Asia has increasingly become a hub for luxury watch collectors and brands, with major cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo acting as central players in the watch market. The region’s appetite for high-end timepieces is undeniable, and it has a growing base of younger, tech-savvy consumers who are heavily influenced by online platforms like Hodinkee.
With Watches of Switzerland integrating Hodinkee‘s content and e-commerce reach, this acquisition could strategically enhance the watch giant’s influence in Asia. The ability to blend content, retail, and exclusive releases provides a direct gateway to an engaged community of Asian collectors, where storytelling plays a key role in consumer choices. For the Asian market, where luxury goods are often more than just items—they are cultural signifiers—having a trusted platform with a balance of editorial content and retail can bridge the gap between consumer education and sales, offering a more tailored experience to this diverse audience.
However, this integration brings with it concerns about editorial independence. Asia’s collectors, like others globally, rely on platforms like Hodinkee for impartial reviews and trusted insights into luxury brands. The buyout introduces an element that has to be taken of, to maintain its authentic editorial voice and ensure it is not overshadowed by commercial interests, especially in a region where loyalty to the brand is crucial.
Whether these shifts will enhance or dilute the experience for collectors, especially in markets like Asia, remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the convergence of media, retail, and in-person events is reshaping the horology landscape.
IAMWATCH 2024 is not only about admiring exquisite timepieces but also about fostering meaningful discussions on the future of horology, innovation, and craftsmanship. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required via the official website www.iamwatch.com.
