Happening for the first time, Singapore Watch Fair will make its debut in the city’s prime shopping district at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza along Orchard Road. Affectionately known as “The Tent”, the event is considered Asia’s most prestigious festival celebrating the art of horology. Formerly part of the JeweLuxe Festival, Singapore Watch Fair is now independent and will welcome watch enthusiasts from the 26 to 30 October 2022.
According to its press release, this watch-centric festival is dedicated to “[perpetuating] the appreciation and collecting culture of mechanical timepieces in Singapore and around the region and will be the venue where relationships between collectors and watchmakers are forged.” The Tent will host more than 20 independent watch brands like L’epee 1839, Bianchet, Furlan Marri and many more. Visitors who wish to hone their knowledge of horology can attend the slew of experiential activities, including viewing vintage pieces and a panel discussion by industry experts like Alexandre Bigler, head of Asia-Pacific for Christie’s Watches and Marc Andre of WatchesTV. They will share their opinions on key topics and the future of watchmaking and watch collecting.
“Watch imports in Singapore have been steadily increasing to meet the growing demand here. With a defined retail structure, stable business environment and accessibility to the rest of Asia, Singapore is the perfect destination for watchmakers and watch enthusiasts to present their showcase, exchange information, and expand their network,” says Nelson Lee and Ali Nael, founders of the Singapore Watch Fair.
“This year, we have elevated the Singapore Watch Fair with the aim to be the ultimate destination for horologists in Singapore and around the region. Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities including a one-of-a-kind showcase to engage consumers and instil a deeper appreciation of the art of watchmaking as well as panel discussions with distinguished individuals and foundations such as Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie. Ultimately, our goal is to be Asia’s leading watch trade show and a destination for horologists everywhere.”
One of the highlights will be the amalgamation of horology and the NFT. Luxury standalone watch retailer Culture Watches and world-renowned watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin has created an exclusive Bored Ape Yacht Club timepiece that will be launched at the Singapore Watch Fair. The event will also be a congregation point for the crypto rich, and they can join in the live NFT minting process and closed-door shopping, among other activities. Closer to home, the five-day affair will set the stage for Singapore-based Atelier Holgur to showcase its creations.
Also launching at the Singapore Watch Fair is FutureGrail, which is the city-state’s inaugural bespoke private storage, museum and Web3 service provider. In conjunction with the event, it will introduce a watch and vault service for collectors to securely store their prized watch collection in its state-of-the-art facility. Already a preferred storage platform for many, it boasts one of the largest collections of historical timepieces from the early 1800s and is on permanent display at its private museum. At the same time, visitors have the chance to experience these vintage pieces in an immersive and engaging setting.
The exciting lineup of activities when coupled with an exceptional showcase of the independent brands’ savior faire makes Singapore Watch Fair the go-to destination for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Head down to Ngee Ann Plaza Civic Plaza for an unforgettable time revelling in the different manifestations of time.
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