The Top Watch Collector Events That Enthusiasts Should Know

Keeping up with the watch industry can be overwhelming, with exciting news getting pumped out almost every week, no matter the time of the year. As a watch enthusiast, we won’t have it any other way. 

To keep up with the latest trends, there is probably no more efficient way than to keep tabs on the top watch collector events in the world. There are plenty held throughout a single year, and in this article, we’ve compiled the ones that we think are the most substantial.

Source: Robb Report

From New York to Dubai, these watch events are a great way to see incredible new timepieces in terms of design and innovation. If you want to know more about the world’s top watch events, you are in the right place. 

Let’s take a look! 

Watch Events Bring You The Best 

Watch events let you see all the new timepieces from top brands, and preview all the latest designs. You can see upcoming trends in an environment where like-minded people all love horology.

There is a big list of watch events ranging from local to international, but we are going to focus on top-tier events in this list. We rounded up the four best watch collector events around the world where you can get close to a massive selection of watches.  

Top Watch Collector Events

The following watch events will let you talk to the brands you love, and see watches on a scale you may have a hard time imagining. If you are close to one of these events, or feel like taking a trip – don’t miss out! 

Baselworld

If you work on watches, whether professionally or as a hobby, the term “Watch Valley” should ring a bell. Watch Valley refers to two well-known cities in the world of Swiss horology - Geneva and Basel. 

Baselworld takes place in Basel and is undoubtedly the most-awaited annual watch event in the world.

Source: Monochrome Watches

The event, which began in 1917 as the Schweizer Mustermesse Basel (MUBA), was the forerunner of watch events worldwide. 

Originally, this event focused not only on wristwatch exhibitions, but also on horology and jewelry. Over the next few years, the event drew increasing attention from watchmakers.

The event was renamed "Swiss Watch Fair" in 1931, marking its goal to become a watch-focused event. Since then, Baselworld has been used as an event for prominent watchmakers to launch new collections or introduce fresh ideas.

Baselworld attracts the world's most prominent watch brands, including Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Rolex, Royal Oak, and Audemars Piguet. 

The popularity of Baselworld has spread beyond the Swiss region to France, Italy, Germany, and England. It is still the undisputed leader in the world of horology events. 

Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Ceremony

That’s quite the mouthful isn’t it? Thankfully, watch fans have a nickname for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Ceremony - The Oscars of Watchmaking. 

Every year, the watchmaking industry gathers to celebrate innovative and sophisticated designs at this event.

Source: Watches by SJX

What’s special about The Oscars of Watchmaking? It shows off all the best watch models in a variety of categories. Some outstanding categories at this awards ceremony include the best watches for women and men; the mechanical exception, and the most affordable models. There even is an award for “Audacity”, which is usually the most visually striking watch of the entire fair.

The undeniably most exciting part of this event is the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” award honoring the finest timepiece. The prize organizers and the master jury include all important members of the watch industry so you know that the winners are very expertly selected.

Some of the most prominent entities associated with the show are The Republic and Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva, and the International Museum of Watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Master watchmaker Roger Smith, and famous designer Emmanuel Gueit.

Dubai Watch Week

Dubai Watch Week is the youngest of our Big Four. The event normally lasts for four days and is hosted by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. It is a wonderful event in the world of watchmaking and attracts more watch lovers every passing year. 

Souce: Financial Times

Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons opens the door for enthusiasts to gain insight, learn from the most important figures in the industry. The event is the gathering place of the most famous watch manufacturers and takes place in a luxurious and wealthy city.

In addition to a showcase of the finest watchers, Dubai Watch Week is also a place to meet many talented individuals; the skilled craftsmen who make and design the best watches in the world. 

Each year has a different theme and if you are in the area, this is one watch event you don’t want to miss. 

WatchTime New York

Unlike events that attract retailers and media, WatchTime New York is more consumer-oriented. 

Source: Watch Time Events

WatchTime New York gives casual watch collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to see the latest releases of the year and to meet some of the characters behind their favorite brands. 

The event usually takes place in October in one of the most dynamic cities globally. 

WatchTime New York brings together great watch models from the participating brands and focuses on industry heavyweights such as A.Lange & Sohne, Grand Seiko, Omega, or Oris.

Thousands of invitees attend the watch event every year to rub elbows and share their love for watches. Stunning watches are on display alongside an exclusive cocktail party to entertain and inspire show-goers. 

Watch Collecting is Global and Growing 

The watch industry has been delivering record profits over the past few years, and it is clear that watchmakers are experiencing elevated levels of interest. 

A luxury watch means something different to everyone, and here at namokiMODS, we think Seiko mods allow anyone to have a high-end timepiece even without an eye-watering price.

We dream of the day when modders also have a chance to get together and discuss the pains and joys of being a watch mod enthusiast. Hopefully it will not be too far in the future!

Watch mod parts are also gaining in popularity, as people see how cool Seiko mod watches look. With the Seiko spare parts we sell, you can craft your own high-end watch with loads of design options to choose from!