Story Highlight
– The Escapement event moved to Las Vegas, February 2027.
– VIP opening night at Sphere; main event at T-Mobile Arena.
– Higher ticket prices expected due to venue costs.
– Collectible watch brands to participate and showcase their products.
– Event includes entertainment such as comedy and live performances.
Full Story
The upcoming Escapement event, initially scheduled for November in Abu Dhabi, will now take place in Las Vegas from February 5 to 7, 2027. This change is intended to provide both organisers and participating brands with the necessary time to create an exceptional collector-focused experience.
The event will kick off with a VIP evening at the Sphere arena on the first day, featuring a charity auction. Following this, the main exhibition will occur at the T-Mobile Arena, offering a platform for independent watch brands alongside a diverse programme that includes presentations, comedy performances, the inaugural Rubis Awards, and a closing concert.
Organisers are currently confirming the participating brands for the new date and will release a complete list once this process is finalised. Ticket sales are set to begin in early September, although prices are expected to be higher than the previous Abu Dhabi event due to elevated venue and production costs in Las Vegas. General admission tickets previously sold for $435, while VIP tickets were priced at $1,195. Current ticket holders from Abu Dhabi will receive refunds from Etihad Arena and can request a code for future tickets that retains their original pricing tier.
“Unfortunately, the war with Iran put our event on the back foot from the moment it started,” expressed KingFlum, an anonymous event team member known for his commentary on watch collecting through social media and Substack. Despite Abu Dhabi remaining safe from Iranian missile and drone attacks since May, ongoing corporate travel restrictions to the UAE have influenced the decision to move the event to the United States.
While the overall concept will largely remain intact, it is important to note that The Escapement is distinct from traditional trade shows like Watches and Wonders, being specifically designed “for collectors, by collectors.” Originally, the Abu Dhabi event aimed to accommodate around 10,000 attendees.
With a reported possibility of a greater number of brands participating in Las Vegas due to its status as a prominent watch market, expectations for the event are high. Notable brands such as Rexhep Rexhepi and Greubel Forsey are anticipated to headline, alongside others like Czapek, Armin Strom, and Ming, who are already featured on the event’s official website.
KingFlum envisions a vibrant live stage experience that will not conform to typical expectations, stating, “There will be no brand reps reading press releases.” He aims to include a range of programming in the evenings, including orchestral performances, comedy acts featuring renowned comedians who are also watch enthusiasts, and a closing ceremony with a prominent musician.
The Escapement will be orchestrated by The Trade Group, a Texas-based organisation known for its successful events such as Bitcoin Miami and the Pokémon World Championship Series in Japan. Media personalities including Marko Koncina, Anish Bhatt, Ezzat Eid, and Ales Pohl are set to engage their online audiences in promoting the event.
