IAMWATCH 2024, hosted by The Hour Glass in Singapore, marks a significant milestone as the second major event following the renowned ONLYWATCH charity auction. This inaugural gathering offers watch enthusiasts and collectors an exceptional chance to engage directly with the brands and personalities shaping the horology scene.
Dive into a curated selection of top independent watchmakers and experience the craftsmanship and innovation that define this exclusive segment of the industry. IAMWATCH is a celebration of horological artistry and a unique opportunity to connect with the creators behind some of the most sought-after timepieces. We share four observations from the independent watch making community.
Petermann Bédat Revives Classic Watchmaking Artistry
Petermann Bédat is a Swiss independent watchmaking brand founded by Gaël Petermann and Florian Bédat, who met at the watchmaking school in Geneva in 2007. After honing their skills at A. Lange & Söhne, they established their workshop.
The brand is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Their debut watch, the Deadbeat Seconds 1967 that was completed in 2018, won the GPHG’s “Horological Revelation Prize” in 2020, solidifying their reputation as emerging talents in haute horology, which allowed the brand to quickly establish itself as a notable player in independent watchmaking scene.
With a clear vision and high standards, their inaugural watch is a testament to their artisanal skill and dedication. Priced at under 60,000 Swiss francs, the Deadbeat Seconds 1967 offers exceptional value, combining excellent finishing with innovative design in a timepiece that stands out.
Signature: Combining traditional watchmaking techniques with contemporary design, Petermann Bédat’s signature style emphasizes meticulous finishing, historical influences, and a deep respect for horological craftsmanship.
Timeless Elegance of F.P. Journe
Founded by François-Paul Journe in 1999, F.P. Journe is synonymous with precision, innovation, and unique aesthetics. Known for creating intricate in-house movements and limited production runs, the brand’s creations are a staple at exclusive gatherings like IAMWATCH, where collectors can explore the craftsmanship and vision behind each piece in a relaxed, ‘resort casual’ setting.
Even its quartz rendition of the Elegante series, fit for ladies but could equally be upsized for men, comes with a luminescent function. Uniquely, its battery that could last for up to 18 years, as there is a functionality within the watch, that causes the hands to stop after 35 minutes without movement, which allows conservation of the watch’s battery reserve.
Signature: F.P. Journe’s signature off-center dial design in the Nouvelle Octa Lune, and usage of precious materials like 18K 6N gold and platinum for its case; and mainly 18K rose gold in its movements, exhibit extraordinarily high levels of workmanship, hence make the brand highly respected in the watch community and a must-see at events like IAMWATCH.
Boldness Embodied in Biver
Known for resurrecting iconic brands under LVMH like Blancpain and Hublot, former CEO of TAG Heur, and industry heavyweight Jean-Claude Biver has now turned his focus to creating a deeply personal and innovative venture with his son, Pierre Biver. No surprises what the brand is called.
The elder Biver equates the creation of this brand as his last “5 minutes of watchmaking” in his 50-year long career, but the young Biver, who started his watchmaking career as an intern in the prestigious Philips auction house, has more ambitious plans for the brand. Biver embodies a blend of traditional Swiss techniques with contemporary design, with the intention of creating a new legacy in watchmaking.
Signature: Their inaugural piece, the Carillon Tourbillon, has a highly limited production run of less than 20 pieces according to American retailer Material Good, showcases a decent level of craftsmanship, with intricate details such as a unique sodalite dial and hand-finished components.
Radical Mechanical Sculptures by MB&F
MB&F by Maximilian Büsser is celebrated for its avant-garde, boundary-pushing designs, that come from both the founder’s gut, for the models that draw on his emotional reservoir, such as a spaceship from his dreams of becoming an astronaut; and brains, for the legacy machines, which are done in collaboration with watchmakers with a strong heritage such as F.P. Journe and Harry Winston.
The brand’s presence at IAMWATCH highlights its role as a disruptor in the industry, offering collectors a chance to appreciate its unique approach to watchmaking in an environment that fosters dialogue and learning.
Signature: MB&F’s Horological Machines, which blend high horology with kinetic art, would be standout pieces that draw significant attention at collector-focused events like IAMWATCH.
IAMWATCH: A Gathering of Horological Minds
IAMWATCH is more than just an exhibition; it’s a platform for the Pan-Asian watch-collecting community to connect with the brands and artisans shaping the future of horology. This four-day program, set in the lush surroundings of The Singapore EDITION, provides an intimate space for enthusiasts to engage with the likes of Aurel Bacs, Felix Baumgartner, Konstantin Chaykin, Maximilian Büsser, Pierre Biver, Rexhep Rexhepi, and of course, Managing Director of Hour Glass Group, Michael Tay, with the full list being found here.
At IAMWATCH, the focus is on the shared transmission of passion, knowledge, and stories that define the world of independent watchmaking. Collectors and industry luminaries will gather for fireside chats, horological lectures, and community activations, all designed to deepen the appreciation of these extraordinary timepieces. The event encourages participants to showcase their favorite watches, embodying the spirit of enthusiasm and community that IAMWATCH is all about.
For those passionate about independent watchmaking, IAMWATCH offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with the creators and brands that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in horology.
Editor’s note (18 August 2024): A representative of The Hour Glass has reached out to inform that in the initial list of independent watchmakers, where Audemars Piguet was mentioned, that it is not part of the event. Details of the F.P. Journe’s Elegante have been clarified.
