Excellence in Time: Dubai Watch Week Brings Horology Forum To Asia

The prestigious Dubai Watch Week's Horology Forum, long recognized as the watch industry's most influential thought leadership platform, marked a significant milestone with its inaugural Asian edition in Hong Kong. This gathering brought together the finest minds in horology, from master craftsmen to influential collectors, cementing the forum's status as a global nexus for horological discourse and innovation.

"When we established Dubai Watch Week in 2015, Horology Forum was created to be the leading platform where industry professionals could openly discuss topics that were becoming increasingly important to address and hopefully inspire change," reflects Hind Seddiqi, the visionary behind this global horological gathering. The forum's journey from Dubai to London in 2018, its digital pivot during the pandemic in 2020, its successful New York edition in 2022, and now Hong Kong in 2024, represents a carefully crafted expansion that has maintained its core essence while embracing new perspectives.

The Hong Kong edition offered an unprecedented glimpse into the Asian watch community's sophistication and evolving tastes. The strong presence of F.P. Journe and the evident lean towards independent watchmakers among Hong Kong collectors painted a picture of a market that values artisanal craftsmanship and exclusivity over mass luxury.

One of the most engaging panels, "Is It the Age of Mechanical Innovation?" tackled pressing issues facing the industry. The discussion ventured into territory that many might consider controversial – the increasing costs of timepieces and whether we've reached a peak in watch prices. The emphasis on price-to-value ratio was particularly poignant, suggesting a more discerning collector base that's looking beyond mere brand names.

A refreshing perspective emerged during the "Simplifying Complications" discussion. The provocative question – "Is there really a need for a day-date mechanism when I can see what the day looks like outside?" – challenged the very foundation of what we consider necessary in watchmaking. This philosophical approach to functionality aligned perfectly with Ming Thein's observation that "a watch should have everything you need and not have something you don't need."

The dialogue around material innovation revealed a significant shift towards ergonomics, while the discussion about quartz watches demonstrated the industry's maturing perspective. The once-dreaded "Q-word" is no longer taboo, with collectors and experts alike acknowledging the legitimate place of quartz in the horological ecosystem.

The "Asia Watchmaking Excellence" panel provided fascinating historical context. Learning that Citizen launched the first titanium watch in the 1960s, and understanding Seiko's position as one of the oldest family-owned brands, offered valuable perspective on Asia's contributions to horology. The emergence of Chinese brands into the global market added another layer to this rich narrative.

During the "Whose Birkin Is It Anyway?" panel, the discussion veered into collecting trends and authenticity. Zoe Abelson's observations about the rise of stone dials and Ali Nael's insights on historical objects and pocket watches highlighted the diverse interests of modern collectors. The consensus was clear: while trends come and go, provenance and transparency remain paramount, and wristwatches have evolved into powerful conversation starters. The forum was enriched by personalities like Sumei Shun, whose presence as a prominent female collector with an impressive collection emphasized the growing diversity in the watch community. The impending expansion of Dubai Watch Week next year promises even more engaging content and discussions.

The Seddiqi family's legendary hospitality was evident throughout the forum, adding an extra layer of warmth to the proceedings. Their attention to detail and ability to create an environment conducive to open dialogue and networking has become a hallmark of Dubai Watch Week events. As the forum concluded, whispers about potential future locations circulated, with India emerging as an intriguing possibility for the next edition. Given the subcontinent's rich history with luxury and craftsmanship, such a move would be a natural progression for this globally influential platform.

Dubai Watch Week's Horology Forum has once again proven its ability to bring together diverse perspectives while maintaining its position as the industry's premier platform for open dialogue. The Hong Kong edition not only marked a successful Asian debut but also set new standards for horological discourse in the region.