Story Highlight
– Record 3,000 attendees at WatchTime New York event.
– Sold-out opening night featured 625 guests.
– 48 brands showcased latest watch designs.
– Nine brands debuted at the event.
– Panels discussed watch collecting and neo-vintage trends.
Full Story
WatchTime New York has marked a significant milestone by attracting 3,000 participants to its event held at Gotham Hall in Midtown Manhattan from 16 to 18 October.
Celebrating its 11th iteration, the annual event brought together a diverse group of collectors, enthusiasts, watchmakers, and industry leaders for a weekend filled with exhibitions, panels, and unique experiences.
The event’s opening night cocktail party saw a packed house with 625 guests, including notable figures such as actors Aldis Hodge and Fred Savage, who mingled with fellow watch collectors.
“The record attendance this year confirms what we have known all along: that the US market is thriving and demonstrates a continually growing appetite for watch collecting,” commented Sara Orlando, Publisher of WatchTime.
She added, “In our 11th year, we are thrilled to count on the continued support of the global watch collector community, and as the market continues to expand, WatchTime New York will continue to evolve to meet that demand.”
This year also saw a record 48 brands showcasing their latest timepieces, with nine making their debut at the event. Newcomers included prestigious names such as Jacob & Co., Kollokium, Kudoke, Gérald Genta, Daniel Roth, Singer, Ferdinand Berthoud, Schwarz Etienne, and Keris.
Moreover, more than 14 brands chose the event as a platform to unveil or showcase their new watches, including Ressence, Bell & Ross, MB&F, Urwerk, Oris, Ming, Chopard, and Ulysse Nardin.
The programme featured engaging discussions, including a panel on Saturday titled “Why We Collect: The Many Paths of Watch Collecting,” moderated by Aldis Hodge, which included insights from MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser. A subsequent panel on Sunday delved into the growing trend of neo-vintage timepieces.
Minda Larsen, Event Director at WatchTime, remarked, “We were the first to build a large event for the American collector, and we continue to see unbelievable growth and enthusiasm around the US market. We attribute our success to the enthusiasm and curiosity of the American collector, to whom we are extremely devoted.”
