Dubai Watch Week-Post Event Report 2025

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INTRODUCTION

Ten years. Seven editions. One ever-evolving event.

Dubai Watch Week’s (DWW) distinction doesn’t merely lie in the fact that, in less than a decade, it stands alongside renowned events in the industry. It is defined by how masterfully it crafts deeply immersive experiences for the industry, brands, artisans, horology collectors, connoisseurs, and even newcomers.

The 2025 edition, held from 19 to 23 November, continued to reflect this philosophy while marking several milestones. The show relocated to a new sprawling new venue spanning over 200,000-square-foot premise (built in just six weeks) at the Dubai Mall, Burj Park. This expansion was not just aesthetic; it was a deliberate effort to create a truly inclusive platform, welcoming the world’s most storied maisons, as well as independent and upcoming watchmakers. It’s no wonder exhibiting brands increased by 46%, including 29 first-time participants, while visitor numbers soared by 113%.

Beyond the impressive numbers, Dubai Watch Week 2025 also coincided with the 75th anniversary of founder Ahmed Seddiqi. This momentous occasion was celebrated at the Collectors Lounge with the launch of several limited-edition timepieces.

For 2025, Dubai Watch Week launched the brand-new House of Horology, a space designed to encourage discussions, new formats and exchange of ideas among prominent figures across various industries. It was here that some of the watch world’s most exciting moments took place: a rare public appearance by Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, for DWW’s opening keynote address; and the CEO Roundtable, horology’s first-ever C-suite panel featuring four brilliant chief executives.

Dubai Watch Week’s pioneering vision wasn’t just confined to panel discussions, product launches and exchanges— impressive and enlightening as each was.. For instance, the live Time Weaver performance by renowned calligrapher Hazem Kurdali, and Alia Bent Sultan’s Dubai Races Against Time exhibition, were a testament to the breadth of creativity and cultural ambition at DWW.

Backed by this rich programme of exhibitions, conversations and masterclasses, Dubai Watch Week 2025 once again underscored its role as a truly global platform influencing the future of horology and luxury on a global scale.

EVENT OBJECTIVES

In 2015, Ahmed Seddiqi initiated Dubai Watch Week as a celebration of horology and as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and education. Across the years, the event has remained steadfast in its mission, consistently bringing together a global community of prestigious brands, prolific collectors, and enthusiasts. The 2025 edition of Dubai Watch Week, marking 10 remarkable years of passion and purpose, reaffirmed the platform’s founding purpose. Its expanded premises, doubling of brands’ participation, and dramatic rise in visitor numbers showcased the platform’s enduring influence and its strategic role in shaping the future of the industry.

A masterclass in cultural stewardship and industry building, Dubai Watch Week outlines its objectives as:

Education

Increase public awareness of the industry’s rich heritage and the craftsmanship of its brands and artisans.

Horological Hub

Highlight the importance of Dubai as a hub for luxury, retail, and horology.

Nurture Skills

Offer a platform for attendees to develop skills through a rich and diverse programme of activities, masterclasses, and industry networking.

Launch

Provide a platform for brands to further enhance their presence on a local and global scale, introduce new brands to the market, and engage the local audience.

Network

Curate a platform for networking and community-driven connections as we unite for a moment in time, across key communities and audiences.

Celebrate

Celebrate the patrons and people behind watchmaking, design, and much more.

A DECADE OF BEING EXCEPTIONAL

For ten years, some of the most exceptional horology reveals, forums and activations have been claimed by Dubai Watch Week. Today, it stands as a pioneer for watchmaking culture that is open, inclusive and driven by a shared love of horology.

Here’s a look at the milestones that have come to define Dubai Watch Week’s legacy.

• Ahmed Seddiqi launch Dubai Watch Week

• The first Horology Forum takes place

• Participating brands: 14

• Visitors: 2500

• Watches on display: 242

2015

2018

• The Horology Forum holds its first travelling edition in London following a landmark collaboration between DWW and Christies

2016

• The Mastery of Time exhibition curated by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie opens at Dubai Mall

• The first Creative Hub is held

• DWW announces an extensive schedule of panel discussions and masterclasses

• Participating brands: 3

• Visitors: 3,000

• Programmes: 61

• Masterclasses: 22

• Luxury watch launches: 7

2017

• DWW gets its own purpose-built premises at DIFC

• Participating brands: 40

• Visitors: 6,000

• Programmes: 79

• Masterclasses: 22

• Luxury watch launches: 12

2019

• Rolex marks its first appearance at DWW

• Chopard chooses DWW for the global launch of its Alpine Eagle collection

• Participating brands: 42

• Visitors: 9,041

• Programmes: 86

• Luxury watch launches: 7

2020

• The Horology Forum goes digital. Streaming on DWW’s YouTube channel, it hosts 12 speakers across four panels

In the world of contemporary watchmaking, few platforms have shaped its story as profoundly as Dubai Watch Week (DWW). Since its inception in 2015, the event has become a birthplace for exquisite timepieces and a platform for exceptional horological experiences. Dubai Watch Week’s broad and accessible trajectory follows the vision and mission of its founders Ahmed Seddiqi (AS), a family captivated by fine watchmaking since the 1950s, and committed to celebrating the art of horology through knowledge sharing, forging connections, and uniting brands, communities, enthusiasts, and industries across borders and markets.

Today, AS builds on this 75-year-old legacy as the region’s pioneer of haute horlogerie, while serving as a catalyst for distinctive timekeeping experiences through DWW.

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the event is a testament to DWW’s core philosophy of raising awareness and cultivating a wider, more informed audience for the art of watchmaking. DWW doesn’t gatekeep nor does it intimidate in the guise of luxury and exclusivity. Its displays, discussions, forums, masterclasses and activations are open to all, making it a highly-anticipated event for all attendees.

Together, these principles have helped Dubai Watch Week create some of the most memorable moments in time, defining not only how watches are experienced, but how the culture of watchmaking itself continues to evolve.

2022

• Horology Forum travelling edition 2022 arrives at Christie’s NYC

• DWW launches new formats including ClickClock and Icon vs. Icon

• Visitors: 800

• Programmes: 122

• Masterclasses: 10

2021

• The Collectors Lounge, a curated networking space for the ,horological community

• is launched

• DWW launches its unscripted video series Icon vs. Icon

• Participating brands: 50

• Visitors: 16,397

• Programmes: 122

• Luxury watch launches: 13

2023

• DWW deepens its glocal identity with its first Arabic language panel discussion

• Participating brands: 68

• Visitors: 23,800

• Programmes: 100+

• Luxury watch launches: 20+

2024

• The Horology Forum’s travel edition lands at Christie’s Hong Kong

• Visitors: 800+

• Masterclasses: 5

• Programmes: 5

2025

• DWW celebrates its 10th anniversary and 75 years of AS

• The show moves to the Dubai Mall, Burj Park

• Participating brands: 90+

• Visitors: 49,000

• Programmes: 50+

• Luxury watch launches: 20+

WHO ATTENDED DUBAI WATCH WEEK?

Dubai Watch Week consistently welcomes a diverse audience of local, regional and international visitors. Whether its heritage watch houses, eminent watch collectors or newcomers drawn in by the enduring allure of luxury timepieces, the event offers appeal and accessibility for all.

Dubai Watch Week brings together:

Industry Insiders/ Brands

Participating brands, exhibitors, retailers, ambassadors and anyone employed by the industry.

Curious Residents

Everyone keen to learn and develop their knowledge about specific industries and visit cultural events in the country.

Watch Collectors & Collector Clubs

Watch lovers of all experience levels: passionate collectors to those just taking their first step in the world of horology.

Press And Media

Horology and luxury industry journalists and general media (local and international).

Government officials & entities

Avid watch collectors who are well-acquainted with Dubai Watch Week (DWW) and what the event has to offer.

PARTICIPATING BRANDS

From technically accomplished avant-garde timepieces and models embellished with bold calligraphy and even meteorite elements, to redesigned classics, the diversity of watches launched and on display at Dubai Watch Week 2025 stood as a testament to its growing influence in the world of horology.

20+

13 global launches standalone brand pavilions

1

dedicated space for micro and ultra-niche brands

2349 sq. m in 2025 vs 1400 sq. m in 2023 (Brand Exhibition)

HIGHLIGHTS FROM DWW 2025

Marking a decade since its inception and 75 years of Ahmed Seddiqi, the 2025 edition of Dubai Watch Week was rich with memorable moments.

Given the significance of these milestones, it was only fitting that the 2025 edition of Dubai Watch Week was nothing short of outstanding. The first highlight of the event was a rare public appearance by Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour, who delivered an opening keynote session alongside Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding. Mr. Dufour shared insights on Rolex’s retail strategy, the impact of technology and AI in watchmaking, and the company’s vision for the industry.

While each discussion at The Horology Forum is remarkable, 2025’s CEO Roundtable, featuring Georges Kern of Breitling, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele of Chopard, Ilaria Resta of Audemars Piguet, and Julien Tornare of Hublot, was truly exceptional. Marking the first time that such a distinguished group was present together on a single stage, the Roundtable was a testament to Dubai Watch Week’s stature within the global watchmaking community.

Another highlight was the finale of Design.Defend.Win:

DWW x Grail Watch, a global watch design challenge. At DWW 2025, its three finalists were tasked with producing a working prototype and presenting it before a judging panel and live audience.

If the Horology Forum was awe-inspiring, the Creative Hub was groundbreaking. At its 2023 edition, the Dubai Future Foundation announced its collaboration with Audemars Piguet, signaling a new era of synergy between Dubai and the watchmaking industry. The 2025 launch of the Innovative Perpetual Calendar Box, a revolutionary concept born of that partnership, demonstrated how Dubai is not just a host of horological culture, but a driver of the future of modern horology.

Since its inception, the Brand Exhibition at Dubai Watch Week has grown steadily in scale and stature. In 2025, it expanded by an impressive 46 per cent, cementing the segment’s significance within the global luxury and watchmaking industry.

Dubai Watch Week has never been only about the watches themselvesit’s about the people, the craft, and the storytelling around them...that community spirit is what Dubai Watch Week is really about.”

Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi CEO of Dubai Watch Week

90+ brands

46% increase vs. 2023

250+ media on site

120% increase vs. 2023

72,840 registrations

108% increase vs. 2023

49k visitors

113% increase vs. 2023

195 nationalities

15% increase vs. 2023

100+ collectors on site

15% increase vs. 2023

5+ international collector clubs present

40% Increase in Dwell Time

DUBAI WATCH WEEK DEBUTS

From technical masterpieces to chronographs that pushed the barriers of creativity, Dubai Watch Week 2025 was the global launchpad for several stunning timepieces.

In its grandest iteration to date, DWW 2025 surpassed expectations with over 20 launches and limited-edition releases. Among them, the most notable was the Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike. Eleven years in the making and with a 686-component movement, it ranks among the most technically accomplished watches of 2025.

Other exceptional new creations included the BVLGARI Octo Finissimo crafted in partnership with Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej, the Oris ProPilot Desert Edition, Bremont’s Terra Nova Jumping Hour Aventurine, Tutima - Patria the Evergreen from Glashütte, Daniel Roth’s Tourbillion Platinum, the TUDOR Ranger 36mm, the Frederique Constant x Bamford Watch Department Highlife Chronograph and Strata by homegrown brand Vyntage Horology.

Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike

BVLGARI Octo Finissimo × Mattar bin Lahej

Oris ProPilot Desert Edition

Bremont Terra Nova Jumping Hour Aventurine

NEW LAUNCHES AT DWW 2025

MB&F HM11 Architect

Tutima Glashütte - Patria in Evergreen

Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre

FB 3SPC x Seddiqi

Daniel Roth Tourbillon Platinum

Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11 Platinum

Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli

Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Unfrogettable

Ressence TYPE 1 Round

Louis Vuitton Escale

Bovet Récital 30 World Timer

Parmigiani Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante

Urwerk x Ulysse Nardin UR-Freak

HOROLOGY FORUM

With its insightful discussions and candid conversations, Dubai Watch Week’s Horology Forum promises the most engaging way to acquire a world-class education in haute horology.

When the Horology Forum debuted in 2015, it was a revolutionary concept—and remains so to this day. The watch industry’s first panel-led format, it brings together master craftsmen, industry leaders, visionaries, and collectors to share their insights and perspectives. Drawing influential voices from across design, horology, retail and business, to name a few, the Horology Forum ensures that every conversation is deeply informed and refreshingly expansive.

Matching its pace with the constantly evolving watch industry, the Horology Forum has strived to keep its offerings innovative and engaging by introducing new formats— fireside chats and keynote addresses —that naturally encourage sincere exchange of perspectives, insights, and dialogues.

Horology Forum Across the Years

+897K

viewers on DWW’s

YouTube channel

322 speakers & moderators

108 panels

18 industries

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2025

The 11th edition of the Horology Forum was especially compelling, introducing not one but three never-beforeseen formats that offered riveting insights into the watch industry. It brought together the highest echelons of the watch industry, rare keynote moments, and broader cultural perspectives, all against the backdrop of Dubai Watch Week’s milestone tenth year.

The Forum’s most spectacular moments unfolded when Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, joined Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding, for the opening keynote, The Time to Act Is Now - A Note to the Watch Industry, and four of the industry’s leading executives came together for an open and thoughtful dialogue in The CEO Roundtable: Horology edition.

In a candid, eye-opening exchange, Mr. Dufour and Mr.Seddiqi discussed the state of the industry, addressing realities such as investing in the next generation of watchmakers, nurturing enduring retail partnerships, and maintaining human connections while embracing automation and AI.

The CEO Roundtable was unprecedented for several reasons: it was the first time four CEOs of the world’s most prominent watch houses came together for a live, unflinchingly candid peer-to-peer discussion, revealing industry insights that only top executives are privy to. Breitling CEO Georges Kern, Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Audemars Piguet CEO Ilaria Resta, and Hublot CEO Julien Tornare spoke about the realities that come with steering global powerhouses. From wider economic forces shaping the industry and the decisions made behind closed doors to the pressures of their positions and the successes that rarely make headlines.

Equally enthralling was the finale of the Design. Defend. Win: DWW x Grail Watch Design Competition, where finalists presented shaped watch concepts to an expert jury and live audience. The winner of this competition was ultimately Fam Al Hut’s creation titled Mark o Machina Solis.

In another DWW first, comedian Shawn Chidiac added humour to the Horology Forum with his sharp observations on all things Dubai and horology.

Panel Discussions at the Horology Forum 2025

The Time to Act is Now – A Note to the Watch Industry

The CEO Roundtable: Horology Edition

When Labubu Beats the Birkin: Luxury in the Age of Hype

Catch 22: Maintaining a Timeless Identity in a Capricious Market

Fresh Eyes on Old Dials: A Critique of the Watch Industry

Chronomania: Inside the Minds of Watch Collectors

The Legacy Tension: The Art and Risk of Modernising the Familiar

I Don’t Like Watches: Gérald Genta, The Unintended Revolutionary

The Great Clock Adventure by Ahmed Seddiqi

Beyond the Founder: Who Keeps the Brand Beating?

Gulf Standard Time: Arab Gatekeepers of Horology

Design. Defend. Win: DWW x Grail Design Finale Pitch

Lather, Rinse, Repeat: The Tug of War between Reissue and Novelty

The Family Business Playbook: Succession, Strategy and Stewardship

Comedic Timing

CREATIVE HUB

The future of horology takes shape at Dubai Watch Week’s Creative Hub.

Brimming with community-driven conversations about the industry’s evolution, alongside limited-edition reveals and both regional and global launches, the Hub stands as the nucleus of horological innovation and exploration.

Hosted at its elegant new premises at the House of Horology, DWW 2025’s Creative Hub hosted an impressive programme of thought leadership sessions, global debuts, exclusive unveilings, and scintillating activations.

Its crowning jewel was the launch of the Innovative Perpetual Calendar Box by Audemars Piguet and the Dubai Future Foundation. Two years in the making, the Box uses artificial intelligence to automatically wind, set the time, and adjust all the calendar indications on Audemars Piguet’s 41 mm Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar watches. Truly an innovation that redefines how high complications can be experienced and maintained.

This was followed by the unveiling of Biver’s Automatique Collection, which showcased crafts such as guilloché, gemsetting, and grand feu enamel. The watchmaker added seven new timepieces to its Atelier series featuring hardstone dials made from mahogany obsidian, oeil de fer, blue quartzite and lavender jade, along with baguette diamonds or blue sapphire hour markers.

Another highlight was the premiere of Man of the Hour: The World’s First Episodic TV series on Watches and Its Creators, after which audiences were treated to an exclusive panel discussion with the featured watchmakers, Maximilian Büsser (MB&F), Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (Chopard), and Rexhep Rexhepi (Akrivia).

Creative Hub 2025 Sessions

Breitling: Conquering New Horizons in Swiss Watchmaking

AP x DFF: Innovation Through Collaboration

The Unveiling of Biver’s 2025 Creations

Louis Vuitton Watch Prize Talk

Where Time Meets Photography: The Leica Watch Story

Man of the Hour: The World’s First Episodic TV Series on Watches and Its Creators

Poetry of Time by Van Cleef & Arpels

Watches, Aesthetics & Savoir-Faire

THE AHMED SEDDIQI COLLECTORS LOUNGE

Much more than a showcase of exceptional timepieces, the Ahmed Seddiqi Collectors Lounge is where the regional and international horological community comes together to network, exchange ideas, and deepen their collective knowledge.

The Ahmed Seddiqi (AS) Collectors Lounge continued to serve as a intellectual nucleus of Dubai Watch Week.

In its third edition, the Lounge also paid tribute to Ahmed Seddiqi’s 75-year legacy with its striking selection of limitededition timepieces. Highlights included Ulysse Nardin’s Diver [Air] Seddiqi edition, Breitling’s Avenger Automatic 42 Night Mission, and Bovet’s Récital 30 and Récital 12.

Several sessions took place at the Lounge, cementing its place as the meeting ground for collectors to unite, discuss, and connect over their passion. These included:

Cosmo – The silent Dance of the universe. One wind, 406 days.

Massimiliano Quintavalle, head of La Vallée, and Luciano Ricardo Sasso guided the audience through the inspiration and technical aspects of the 406-day power reserve timepiece.

Louis Erard × Konstantin Chaykin – Exclusive Unveiling: UNFORGETTBLE

Indie brand Louis Erard and master watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled how humour, narrative, and mechanical watchmaking were deliberately fused into their ‘Frog Princess’ UNFORGETTABLE watch.

Chopard: the sound of eternity – A new chapter in Haute Horology

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, Wei-Koh, the Founder of Revolution, and Romain Boulandet, Associate Professor at the Applied Acoustics Laboratory at HEPIA, explored the culmination of three decades of in-house expertise, innovation, and craftsmanship, embodied in the L.U.C Grand Strike, Chopard’s most technically ambitious chiming wristwatch yet.

The True weight of the GPHG awards

The GPHG awards recognise the highest levels of artistic and technical excellence in horology. Industry stalwarts, Ashkhen Longet, Kari Voutilainen, Pascal Raffy, Jean-Christophe Babin, and Raymond Loretan, President of the GPHG Foundation, discussed the value and influence of the awards within the industry.

TAG HEUER: Avant Garde watchmaking in motion

In an exclusive keynote, TAG Heuer CEO Antoine Pin and Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier CEO Jean-Noël Lefèvre shared insights into the brand’s latest breakthroughs and its future-focused approach to modern watchmaking.

Watch Femme – Ladies only speed dating discovery

Watch Femme united women collectors for the third time at the AS Collector Lounge, where they discussed collecting with confidence, shifting tastes in the market, and the growing influence of women in horological conversations.

STANDALONE BOOTHS

The meticulously designed standalone pavilions at Dubai Watch Week are not just a reflection of the brand’s unique design philosophy, but an invitation to step into their narratives.

Thirteen haute horology brands set up their individual pavilions at the seventh edition of Dubai Watch Week. Far more than visual showcases, these spectacular installations form an integral part of the event’s educational pillar, inviting visitors to discover the brand’s story and engage directly with its representatives in an open and approachable setting.

Among the most captivating was the Van Cleef & Arpels pavilion, which showcased its Poetry of Time collection. The dreamlike space, replete with delicate scenography and whimsical architectural elements, featured a Cabinet of Curiosities showcasing the maison’s archival documents and patrimonial pieces. At the heart of the pavilion, four workbenches hosted master artisans who demonstrated their craft, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the precision and artistry behind the timepieces. Surrounding alcoves revealed Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature ‘universes’ featuring ballerinas and fairies, poetic astronomy, love stories, and enchanted nature.

F&B

If it’s at Dubai Watch Week, it must be exemplary—and the food and beverage offerings were no exception. With some establishments collaborating with premium watchhouses, each dining experience became an unforgettable moment in time.

H.Moser & Cie x Home Bakery

Local favourite Home Bakery, known for its indulgent desserts, artisanal treats and comforting flavours, joined hands with Moser to craft exclusive pastries reflecting the watchmaker’s philosophy of precision and joy. The result was signature creations such as the Moser Moon, a divine composition of milk chocolate ganache, hazelnut sponge cake, house-made hazelnut praline topped with vanilla glaze.

Oris and M’OISHI

What’s better than discovering Oris’s latest timepieces? Pairing the moment with M’OISHÎ’s refined Japanese desserts. A truly crowd-pleasing moment on the Dubai Watch Week floor.

TWST x Vyntage Horology pop-up

In its third appearance at DWW, TWST partnered with Vyntage Horology for a pop-up that brought watchmaking to the table. Alongside Vyntage’s timepieces, guests were treated to a vibrant menu of flavour-packed dishes and gourmet desserts, creating a community space where taste, time and connection intersected.

Asma

Delighting guests with its robust Levantine flavours and gracious Middle Eastern hospitality, Asma is a celebration of regional traditions.

Joe & The Juice

Fresh juices, signature shakes and artisan sandwiches, Joe & The Juice is the perfect spot to refuel while at Dubai Watch Week.

Kokoro

Japanese culinary artistry meets modern creativity at Kokora. The result is a dining experience that pairs precision with flair.

She Burger

This cult-favourite burger brand reflects Dubai Watch Week’s spirit: Innovative burgers packed with bold flavours, and a casual yet elevated experience.

Nara Trattoria

Tuck into bespoke Italian fare with Michelin-trained Chef Gregory Khellouf and world-class mixologist Wellington who serve refined pastas, gourmet focaccias, and signature cocktails here.

La Gente Roastery

This UAE-born specialty roaster brings a community-first coffee culture to Dubai Watch Week, serving expertly roasted blends in a welcoming space designed for conversation and connection.

EVENT SNAPSHOT

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Dubai Watch Week 2025 was truly a landmark event. Here’s a summary of the all the happenings at the show.

At the seventh edition of Dubai Watch Week, something memorable and unique took place almost every hour. In a presentation befitting the 10th anniversary of one of the world’s most coveted watch shows, DWW impressed with its programme of activities, exhibitions, peer discussions and masterclasses. Each session, a vibrant kaleidoscope of elegance, engineering and education.

Brand Exhibition

Dubai Watch Week holds the distinction of being the most prominent, high-profile watch event that is entirely non-commercial. Here, brands are not driven by profit, but by a shared passion for horology. This ethos attracts watchmakers of every calibre from around the world. The 2025 edition of DWW saw the presence of over 90 brands, such as Bovet, H. Moser & Cie, MB&F, Frederique Constant, and Norqain, to independent and micro brands including Rexhep Rexhepi, Studio Underdog and Atelier Wen. The exhibition also marked a milestone with 29 brands making their Dubai Watch Week debut.

Horology Forum

In 2025, the Horology Forum raised the bar for industry dialogue. From a rare public appearance by JeanFrédéric Dufour, a landmark gathering of the watch industry’s top CEOs, debates that delved into Labubus, reissues, and enduring designs, a live watch design competition, Shawn Chidiac’s signature dash of watchmaking humour, and even a puppet show, the diverse programme was nothing short of exceptional.

Creative Hub

As discussions unfolded in the Forum, horological discovery, design and dialogue converged at Dubai Watch Week’s Creative Hub. In 2025, the hub paid homage to the industry’s design pillar with the launch of 20+ new watches. Riveting sessions with Breitling CEO Georges Kern, Louis Vuitton Watch Director Jean Arnault and L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewellery Arts, among others, shaped the dialogue on the future of watch design, craftsmanship, heritage and innovation.

Masterclasses

Dubai Watch Week’s masterclasses are like no other—by far. It’s only here that enthusiasts and aficionados can explore some of the most fascinating aspects of watchmaking, guided by masters of the craft at absolutely no cost. The 2025 roster featured immersive sessions on the ancestral Métiers d’Art of martelage and sertissage, alongside leather marquetry design and lume painting, to name a few.

Standalone Brands

Thirteen brands set up standalone pavilions for DWW 2025. These meticulously curated spaces served not only as showcases for the brands’ exquisite timepieces but also offered guests the opportunity to explore their heritage, design philosophy, and technical ingenuity. Some of the most prominent names included Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Tudor, Hublot, Chopard & Ferdinand Berthoud, Breitling, Girard-Perregaux, TAG Heuer, and Gerald Charles.

The Ahmed Seddiqi Collectors Lounge

The AS Collectors Lounge emerged as a central highlight of Ahmed Seddiqi’s 75-year celebrations. Renowned brands, including Vyntage Horology, Girard-Perregaux, Bovet, Gerald Charles, Hublot, and Atelier Wen unveiled a series of limited-edition commemorative timepieces within the space. The Lounge also hosted a programme of engaging conversations with industry leaders, while offering guests the chance to connect and network in an intimate, convivial setting.

F&B

DWW 2025’s F&B programme was thoughtfully curated to complement the event’s refined ambience, with guests enjoying a selection of local favourites, gourmet bites, and artisanal refreshments. Collaborations between leading watchmakers and DWW’s longstanding F&B partners added a unique epicurean twist to the culinary experience.

The Time Weaver

A striking live performance that brought together fashion, calligraphy, and movement, The Time Weaver unfolded as renowned calligrapher Hazem Kurdali hand-painted intricate Arabic lettering across flowing white-and-gold fabric draped on a live model.

Unique merchandise

For the first time, Dubai Watch Week introduced its own line of branded merchandise, allowing guests to take home a tangible reminder of the event. The collection featured a curated assortment of items, including water bottles, T shirts, hoodies, pens, luggage tags, and caps, each designed with quirky slogans and creative motifs that celebrated the fun, curiosity, and craftsmanship of horology.

DWW Puzzle activation

Creative tech collective Carbon Studio designed a unique, evolving digital puzzle for DWW. Guests had to scan a QR code and earn individual pieces of the puzzle by answering questions spanning horology, pop culture, Dubai, the UAE, and beyond. The interactive experience delivered an engaging blend of curiosity, culture, and competition, adding a playful yet thought provoking layer to the show.

Dubai Races Against Time

Emirati photographer Alia Bent Sultan’s Dubai Races Against Time paid tribute to the city’s luxury watch legacy through a visually compelling exhibition. Showcasing iconic Rolex timepieces alongside a bespoke art installation, the activation traced Dubai’s journey as a global horological hub.

Seddiqi Watch Academy

The newly launched watchmaking school offered guests a rare opportunity to try their hand at crafting a real watch—complete with real tools and components. The SWA was launched at DWW2025 in partnership with the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program.

Studio Underd0g design studio

Adding a playful spin to watchmaking, Studio Underd0g hosted a hands-on watch design experience for DWW. Guests could work alongside their team to explore the brand’s design approach and then design their own watch, while experimenting with colours and concepts. What’s more, some of these fan-generated designs were showcased at the event and are slated for possible limited production.

PR OVERVIEW

Dubai Watch Week 2025 earned widespread acclaim across print and digital platforms locally, regionally and internationally, with media praising its scale, ambition and cultural depth. Across all coverage, one element consistently stood out: the event’s remarkable evolution over the years and its distinctive programming.

DIGITAL CAMPAIGN

For 2025, DWW delivered a robust social media campaign across eight of the most popular platforms. The result: a high-impact digital activation that made audiences eager not to miss this landmark edition celebrating 10 years of DWW and 75 years of Ahmed Seddiqi.

58.64 million video views

67.22 million impressions across Instagram and Facebook 353,000 engagements across all DWW social pages

8 platforms activated

10+ countries targeted 653 content pieces

14+ million people reached

DUBAI WATCH WEEK WEBSITE

If Dubai Watch Week was everything about horology, its website was the gateway to the experience. Brimming with intelligent features and engaging content, the platform served as the event’s digital hub. Whether visitors wanted to plan their visit, book a masterclass, or explore what was happening in real time, www.dubaiwatchweek.com was the go-to platform.

DWW’s website offers:

Live event schedule to plan visits

Instant registrations for Horology Hub, Creative Lounge and Masterclasses

Personalised user dashboard for account holders

The history and evolution of Dubai Watch Week

Informed thought pieces on global horology trends and developments

Editorials recapping the daily highlights of Dubai Watch Week

357,000 website visits

+2 million page views

70,000+ website visitors

+25,000 programmes browsing

+60,000 registrations or 72,840 registrations across all in registrations compared to 2023

+68% growth over the number of website visitors in 2023

+108% hike digital platforms

+90% new audience

+5 pages accessed per visit

Over the past decade, Dubai Watch Week has played a significant role in cementing Dubai’s position as a destination for experts and pioneers in the watchmaking industry, and as a meeting point for creatives, emerging talent, and passionate enthusiasts eager to explore the rich heritage of this craft and its evolving ideas and perspectives. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that enrich this sector and further strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for excellence and innovation.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

We have just returned to the office following the outstanding 2025 edition of Dubai Watch Week, and we would like to extend our sincerest thanks and warmest congratulations to you and your entire organisation. The event was exceptionally executed, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to showcase our brand within such a refined and beautifully curated environment. The experience was remarkable not only for us as a Brand, but also for visitors, collectors, and members of the press, from whom we received exceedingly positive feedback.

The Frédérique Constant Team

We wanted to take the time to send you a huge congratulations to all of you on the outstanding organization of this year’s Dubai Watch Week. What a spectacular edition, truly world-class in every detail.

Norqain

As a long-term strategic partner, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is proud to support Dubai Watch Week, an event that continues to welcome growing numbers of international visitors each edition, most recently attracting nearly 49,000 attendees and over 90 global brands in 2025. Over the years, Dubai Watch Week has evolved into a defining moment on the global luxury calendar, bringing together the world’s leading horology brands, collectors and creatives in a setting that is uniquely Dubai.

Beyond its impressive scale, the event delivers a rich programme of talks, exhibitions and masterclasses that foster meaningful dialogue, celebrate craftsmanship and nurture emerging talent. Dubai Watch Week reflects the city’s ability to convene global industries in a way that is educational, experiential and forward-looking. By blending culture, commerce and creativity, it reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for luxury and a meeting point for excellence and innovation.

His Excellency Issam Kazim

CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

Marko Koncina Founder, Swiss Watch Gang

Just a big thank you from Oris for the great support you have given us and congratulations on your next level achievement. It is great to be part of it.

On behalf of Oliver, Christophe, and the entire Chronoswiss team here in Lucerne, I want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for what you and your team accomplished. Dubai Watch Week was outstanding - a world-class event. The experience, the execution, the energy… you’ve created a benchmark that will inspire and challenge the entire industry for years to come.

Thank you for the flawless organization and the warm hospitality, we truly enjoyed this edition of Dubai Watch Week and made every effort to convey this feeling to our audiences. This was by far the best watch event we attended in 2025. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for DWW upcoming editions!

Maison Alcée

All I can say is that it was a truly positive event, and I received wonderful feedback from everyone who attended. We were inundated throughout the five days, and having the opportunity to share my work with the watch community made it all worthwhile.

Roger W. Smith

Congratulations to you all. The feedback I’ve heard from stakeholders has been universally positive - bravo! Thank you for inviting me, involving me, hosting me and for your relentless charm and good humour throughout. I had a terrific time, thoroughly enjoyed panelling, and found the whole event hugely profitable by countless measures.

Robin Swithinbank

Journalist, Author, Speaker, Host of The Luxury Society Podcast

Congratulations! The entire DWW team pulled off a spectacular event. In my piece for Robb Report (posting soon), I described it as “Baselworld meets Coachella meets the TED Conference.” I enjoyed my all-too-brief time there immensely! I’ll be writing about the event and the people and watches I saw there for months to come. What an idea factory!

Victoria Gomelsky Editor, JCK Magazine

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Seddiqi family for organising such an incredible Dubai Watch Week. It was truly a fantastic experience, the event is second to none and every edition is raising the bar — it was inspiring, beautifully organised, and we deeply appreciate the passion and professionalism that went into it.

Xavier Markl

Swiss Editor, Monochrome Watches

Congratulations on delivering such a marvellous and memorable event. It has been a real pleasure working alongside each of you. Your availability, commitment, and guidance played a key role in helping us deliver the best possible experience to our visitors.

Congratulations! on the surge of visitors, and what was an astounding event. To be perfectly honest I would easily put this down as my favourite this year. The event itself was unique in its sense of blending professionalism with a distinctly warm and friendly atmosphere that suffused the event and its participants.

So thankful that I finally made it to the very end, spending my Sunday at the fair soaking up those last-minute ‘WOW’ moments with the brands. Thank you to Hind, to the Seddiqi family, and to every brand that made this 10th anniversary such an enormous success.

Kristian Haagen Co-founder, Daily Watch

A heartfelt thanks for helping us put together a successful WTI Reader’s Trip. Everything went off near flawlessly, and it simply wouldn’t have happened without your support.

Preetika Mathew Editor-in-Charge, WatchTime India

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