By Kien Lee
The Hour Glass reveals the itinerary for IAMWATCH 2024, with a splendour of GTGs, lectures, masterclasses and conversations schedule over the 4-day programme in Singapore. It is set to be a flag bearing event in the Asia Pacific with more than 40 notable members of the watchmaking and watch industry in attendance.
In 2004, The Hour Glass launched what is considered one of the watch world’s first enthusiast-facing watch expositions, “Tempus—The Great Watchscapade”. It was a much-celebrated event that enriched both its exhibitors and the audience it served. Two decades later, the regional watch retailer giant returns with aplomb, revealing a new community engagement platform entitled “IAMWATCH”.
IAMWATCH will take place at the Singapore EDITION Hotel located on Orchard Road, from 17 to 21 October, from 11.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Connoisseurs and enthusiasts who have registered will have the opportunity to foster face-to-face interactions within the relaxed, casual setting over the three-days of public access.
The IAMWATCH 2024 platform is not just about showcasing artisanal watchmaking; it’s an opportunity for meaningful engagement and discourse. We have curated a series of GTGs, insightful lectures by writer David Rooney on the evolution of timekeeping and designer Lee Yuen-Rapati on watch typography; masterclasses by Jean-Claude Biver and Maximilian Büsser, and conversations with watchmakers, designers and tastemakers. IAMWATCH 2024 will be an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to explore today’s horological landscape – Michael Tay, Group Managing Director of The Hour Glass
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Singapore, IAMWATCH 2024 promises to be a gathering like no other - an opportunity for makers and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in four days of discovery, inspiration, and connection. Every conversation and every encounter will contribute to the rich tapestry of stories that make the world of horology so captivating.
Lectures, masterclasses, get togethers and film screenings form the itinerary across three public days of the event. Highlights include:
- MARKETS, MORALITY, & MANUFACTURE (PART I): Author of About Time David Rooney speaks on Amsterdam's first stock exchange clock, modern financial timekeeping, the link between time and commerce, and how clocks and watches influenced manufacturing from the 18th century to Henry Ford.
- MASTERCLASS ON WATCHMAKING ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Explore the mind of a watch industry visionary. MB&F Founder and Creative Director Maximilian Büsser shares his incredible journey in the watch industry and the entrepreneurial lessons he learnt along the way.
- MASTERCLASS ON WATCHMAKING ENTREPRENEURSHIP: The undisputed marketing legend of the watch industry. Jean-Claude Biver shares insights on leadership, brand building and passion learned from his career at Blancpain, Omega, Hublot and BIVER.
- TOWERS & POWER (PART II): Author of About Time David Rooney explores ancient timekeeping, from Roman playwrights to Gothic Italy's water clocks and clocktowers worldwide, culminating in modern reactions against the control clocks exert over us.
- COMEBACK KINGS: Lessons in resilience. Alain Silberstein, Franc Vila, Manuel Emch and Raul Pages share life lessons in watch entrepreneurship. Why self-reflection is invaluable within an industry built on reinvention.
- REINVENTING THE WHEEL: What makes an icon? And how do icons differ from hype? Benoît Mintiens, Gautier Massonneau, Lee Yuen-Rapati and Mark Kauzlarich dive deep into contemporary watch design and explore how modern makers are developing unique design languages within a crowded market.
- HOW TO BUILD A MILLION DOLLAR WATCH COLLECTION: Aurel Bacs, Jean-Claude Biver, Sam Hines and Wei Koh explore the changing state of the watch market in 2024 and beyond, what shifts might we expect in brick-and-mortar retailing, e-commerce and auction house activities, as consumer behaviour, technology, and market forces continue to evolve.
Registration is required to attend the event. Find out more at iamwatch.com
