We watch lovers – especially in America where we were persona non-grata during the Geneva Watch Days and the Asian Watches and Wonders shows — have all been starving for hands-on experiences with our favorite brands. This is the time of year we all usually flock to New York for the WatchTime show, or to other parts of the world for the Horology Forum, run by the folks who put together Dubai Watch Week, along with Christies. Sadly, those events can’ t possibly happen right now, either, but there is some good news. They’re going virtual.

WatchTime Live

Beginning on Thursday October 22 and running through Saturday, October 24, watch lovers can join digital presentations and stay up to date on all the newest watches from nearly two dozen brands at WatchTime Live. The virtual format witnesses industry panel discussions, interactive conversations between brands and collectors and more. And watch lovers can access the live streaming from anywhere in the world via Zoom.

Additionally, if you miss a discussion (once registered), all ticket holders will be emailed links to all of the sessions after each day’s events close. Brand CEO’s who will be making presentation include the beloved Maximillian Busser of MB&F, Stephen Forsey, Laurent Ferrier, Christoph Grainger-Herr of IWC,  and so many more who will be participating live from their home locations or from the SIAR show in Mexico. Ticket holders will also be able to ask questions live at every panel and can have access to the Collectors Lounge to meet with industry presenters and friends.

The event schedule includes presentations by Bell & Ross, MB&F, Vacheron Constantin, Bremont and Greubel Forsey, Norqain, De Bethune, Laurent Ferrier, Oris, Grand Seiko, Blancpain, IWC, Eberhard, Chopard and Breguet,  among others – with many brand CEO’s present and accounted for. Panel discussions include topis like High Tech, Pilot’s watches, dive watches adventure and sport watches, complicated haute horlogerie watches from 2020, and the future of watchmaking. Tickets cost $29 and can be purchased on line at the WatchTime Live website.

Horology Forum

On the heels of the WatchTime Live event,  the Horology Forum begins on Monday the 26^thof October. Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Watch Week, in association with Christies, holds the sixth edition of forums.

An original concept pioneered by Dubai Watch Week, the Horology Forum is an intellectual space comprised of free-flowing discussions between master craftsmen, captains of industry and seasoned collectors. In light of current events, the Horology Forum will take place digitally, on the Dubai Watch Week YouTube platform. The panels will be pre-recorded and will air on October 24, 26, 28October November 9 on YouTube. As each panel airs, the audience will be able to engage in a live Q&A session, with opportunity to submit follow up questions on social media in the days that follow.

Panel discussions include Pump & Dumping 24K (about unofficially selling luxury on they grey market), Servants of Serpents (a panel about authenticity and conspiracy) and Means to the End of the World about sustainability. The full schedule including more information on panel topics and speakers is now available to view on the Dubai Watch Week website.