Story Highlight
– IAMWATCH celebrates independent watchmakers, not just watches.
– 45 makers will participate in the November exhibition.
– Event reflects three generations of Tay family’s watch tradition.
– Focus on community and personal connections among attendees.
– George Daniels exhibition highlights modern artisanal watchmaking’s impact.
Full Story
The Hour Glass is set to showcase 45 watchmakers at its upcoming IAMWATCH exhibition, reflecting a commitment to honour independent artisans that has spanned multiple generations. CEO Michael Tay highlights the significance of this tradition, noting that the focus of the event is not on the watches themselves, but on the talented individuals who create them.
Scheduled to occur in Singapore from November 12 to 15, IAMWATCH provides collectors with a unique chance to engage with the craftsmen and women responsible for some of the most innovative timepieces in contemporary watchmaking. This initiative aligns with nearly a century of the Tay family’s involvement in the industry, which has seen significant evolution since the pre-World War II era.
For Tay, IAMWATCH represents the culmination of longstanding relationships with independent watchmakers, whose artistic and technical prowess has been vital in advancing the heritage of mechanical horology. “We have this little maxim that we put out there for IAMWATCH: before the brand, before the watch, the people,” he explained, emphasising the event’s focus on celebrating the artisans.
The roots of the Tay family’s watchmaking legacy can be traced back to the 1930s when Michael’s grandfather started a watch business in Singapore. After the Japanese invasion disrupted their operations, he reestablished the brand in 1946, becoming an official Rolex retailer shortly thereafter. The brand, under Michael’s parents, pivoted toward working with independent makers in 1979, significantly shaping the company’s identity.
Michael recalls, “In 1980, they decided to work with the first artisanal maker of that era and that generation, which was Gérald Genta.” This marked a pivotal moment for The Hour Glass, positioning it at the forefront of promoting independent craftsmanship at a time when many collectors only engaged with a select few historic brands. By 1991, the retailer supported Philippe Dufour in selling his renowned wristwatches, further solidifying its role in the independent watchmaking scene.
Although The Hour Glass eventually sold the labels of Genta and Dufour to Bulgari in 2000, the family’s commitment to showcasing independent makers has remained strong. Tay asserts that showcasing these artisans is not merely a commercial venture but an essential aspect of the broader watch industry ecosystem.
The significance of IAMWATCH is underscored by its intimate structure, aimed at fostering direct connections between collectors and makers. The event follows previous efforts, such as the Tempus initiative launched in 2004, which incorporated various formats including exhibitions and discussions to engage audiences.
A highlight of IAMWATCH 2026 will be a commemorative exhibition dedicated to George Daniels, the British watchmaker celebrated as a pioneer of modern artisanal watchmaking. This will feature 22 remarkable timepieces, including the much-anticipated union of his acclaimed Space Traveller I and II.
According to Tay, Daniels’ influence is pervasive in contemporary watchmaking, inspiring a new generation of artisans. “If you speak to the independent makers today, I would say most of them have read ‘Watchmaking’ and refer to the idea of the sole maker at the bench,” he notes, underlining the legacy that continues to motivate creative pursuits within the craft.
IAMWATCH 2026 adopts a theme that acknowledges the interconnected nature of the watchmaking community. Tay emphasises the importance of collaboration, revealing how even the most skilled independent makers often rely on the expertise of others.
The event will also address the rising enthusiasm for independent watchmaking, particularly among new collectors informed by social media, while recognising the cyclical nature of collector behaviour. Despite market fluctuations, Tay expresses confidence that the current surge in interest will have lasting implications for the industry.
IAMWATCH will also see the unveiling of a new watchmaking project by renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, along with an engaging schedule of lectures, discussions, and masterclasses that delve into the significance of horology.
The inaugural IAMWATCH in 2024 received enthusiastic feedback from participants, showcasing the community-building spirit among artisans and allowing for direct interaction with attendees. This year’s event is crafted to ensure a relaxed atmosphere conducive to sharing knowledge and ideas.
Ultimately, IAMWATCH not only signifies a celebration of craftsmanship but reflects three generations of the Tay family’s dedication to the world of horology, fostering an appreciation for the artisans behind the exceptional timepieces cherished by collectors.
IAMWATCH 2026 will take place at The Singapore EDITION from November 12 to 15, with public admission available from November 13 to 15, subject to advance registration.
