Watch Time New York (WTNY), a collector-focused watch fair, opens tomorrow at Gotham Hall in New York, kicking off a series of similar events around the city that are part of what has become unofficially known as New York Watch Week. Other events include Windup Watch Fair, the FHH Fondation Haute Horlogerie Watch Summit.
Watch Time New York, Oct. 16-18, hosts collectors from around the world.
Now in its 11th year, WTNY runs from October 16-18, and squeezes 48 exhibiting brands into the event space at Gotham Hall on Broadway. There are everal first-time participants this year, including Daniel Roth, Gerald Genta, Jacob & Co, Kollokium, and Ferdinand Berthoud. Major brands participating include Laurent Ferrier, Ming, Zenith, Ulysse Nardin, Piaget, H. Moser & Cie., Chopard, Oris, Blancpain, Parmigiani Fleurier, Urwerk and Voutilainen.
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Chronograph, displaying at Watch Time New York.
The standout feature of the show is its accessibility. Compared to trade-only shows in Switzerland, where brands are housed in massive closed booths inside a convention center, each booth at WTNY is entirely open, with brand executives present behind countertop showcases. Visitors can try on watches, talk to the experts and even make purchases, without an appointment.
The Ming Lightening, showing this weekend at Watch Time New York, at Gotham Hall.
WatchTime New York has been a pioneer at the forefront of a significant shift in the watch industry, toward a collector-focused model, bringing brands and enthusiasts together face-to-face access to the brands, watchmakers, and executives behind the timepieces. It has led to spinoffs, developing into a week of not only free shows, but boutique events around the city by major brands.
The Chopard Full Strike Dia de los Muertos minute repeater, on display this weekend at Watch Time New York.
There is also a panel discussion program, including the following topics:
– Why we collect: The many paths of watchmaking. This panel includes none other than Max Busser, founder and head of MB&F, along with actor and collector Aldis Hodge, plus a special surprise guest. This panel will explore what first inspires people to collect, what sustains their enthusiasm, and how their motivations evolve over time.
– Neo-vintage is hot: Why, and where is it headed. Featuring Paul Boutros, deputy chairman and head of watches for Phillips, Americas, along with the following collectors and dealers: Andrea Casalegno, Tim Green and Steven Rostovsky. Moderated by leading watch expert Jeffrey Kingston.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com