October’s Key Watch Events: A Timepiece Enthusiast’s Guide

You might assume that April, with its Watches and Wonders event in Geneva, is the biggest month for the watch industry. But this October is set to change that perception. With four different watch fairs happening, it looks like October will really give April a run for its money.

Here are four watch events to look out for:

Milano Watch Week

Dates – October 4 to 6

Kicking off October is Milano Watch Week. This event will take place at the Terrazza Martini in Milan. The two-story venue will showcase a range of watch brands that you can see up close, along with panels like “The Rebirth of Parmigiani Fleurier” featuring CEO Guido Terreni, and a masterclass on “How to Choose the Perfect Watch Strap” with Principe Milano 1940. What’s unique about the brands participating is that they aren’t the usual big-name companies; instead, you’ll find more independent watchmakers that you might not always get a chance to meet personally. Some of the exhibitors include Andersen Genève, Czapek, De Bethune, Ferdinand Berthoud, Franck Muller, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie., HYT, Krayon, L’EPPE, Ludovic Ballouard, MB&F, Parmigiani Fleurier, Ressence, Reuge, Romain Gauthier, Singer, Trilobe, Urwerk and Vanguart. 

WatchTime New York

Dates – October 18 to 20

This event tends to focus on more well-known brands that often come with higher price tags. Some of the brands you’ll find at WatchTime include Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, Bell & Ross, Blancpain, Bovet, Breguet, Bremont, Chopard, Czapek, Frederique Constant, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie., Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk.

Worn & Wound Windup New York

Dates – October 18 to 20

Known for featuring more accessible watchmaking, this event gives visitors a chance to get hands-on with smaller, lesser-known microbrands like Atelier Wen, Baltic, Fears, Furlan Marri, Horage, Nivada Grenchen, Studio Underdog, Serica, SpaceOne, Yema, William Wood and many others. With a total of 133 exhibitors, there’s a lot to explore. 

Dubai Watch Week Horology Forum. 10

Dates – October 22 to 24

Wrapping things up, Dubai Watch Week’s Horology Forum is set to hold its 10th edition—this time in Hong Kong, marking the first time it’s been held there. Normally hosted every two years in Dubai, the Horology Forum travels in between to different spots around the world, connecting with various watch-collecting communities. Unlike other fairs that focus on brand showcases, the Horology Forum is all about panel discussions and masterclasses. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the watch world or have been a dedicated collector for years, there’s something for everyone.

The panels will cover an interesting mix of subjects like “The Watch Industry Starter Pack: How to Build a Watch Brand in 60 Minutes” and “Whose Birkin is it Anyway? A Chat with Vintage Experts.” Masterclasses will include hands-on sessions like “Tin Clock Making, Tea Blending, and the Art of Chinese Calligraphy” with Elaine Wong, a creative Automata workshop led by watchmaker Fiona Krüger and a special session on “The Art of Lume Painting” with Wristcheck, where participants can try applying luminous coating to watch hands.