Dubai Watch Week will open for the first time on October 18, 2015, offering a multifaceted series of events, including talks and masterclasses, to spread the gospel of fine watchmaking.

The first edition of a planned annual event, Dubai Watch Week (DWW) brings together watches and people for a five day watchmaking extravaganza. DWW includes exhibitions, talks, panel discussions and watchmaking masterclasses. Organised by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the largest watch retailer in the Middle East, DWW is under the patronage of Under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

A highlight of the fair will be the presence of the luminaries of independent watchmaking, including Felix Baumgartner of Urwerk, Maximilian Büsser of MB&F, Stephen Forsey of Greubel Forsey, and Philippe Dufour. Key people behind international watch auctions will also attend, including Aurel Bacs of Phillips and John Reardon of Christie’s.

The week’s events will also include Christie’s Important Watches auction on October 21. And major personalities from the world of online horological media will also be part of DWW, including William Rohr, the chief executive of Timezone, Alexander Friedman of Watchonista, and of course your correspondent who will be on a panel discussion titled “Effect of Social Media” on October 19.

DWW takes place from October 18 to 22 at the Gate Village of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). More information, including registration for DWW events, can be found on DubaiWatchWeek.com.