What is "Talking Time," an event worth checking out at the Singapore Watch Fair?

The Singapore Watch Fair will be held from October 18th to October 23rd, 2023. This major fair brings together exhibits from micro-maisons and independent watchmakers, but it is also worth noting that a wide variety of events are planned. This time, we will introduce one of the events being held at the fair, Talking Time.

Talking Time is the must-see at the Singapore Watch Fair!

　The Singapore Watch Fair will be held from Wednesday, October 18th to Monday, October 23rd, 2023. The fair will feature a diverse range of exhibitors, including micro-maisons like Ophion and Tang Zephyr, as well as independent watchmakers, auctioneers like Christie's, and antiques shop 2tone Vintage. It's also worth noting that there will be events held every day. Talking Time, in particular, is definitely worth attending if you can find the time and reservations.

　Talking Time is a panel discussion featuring watch journalists, experts, and collectors, with a wide range of topics planned for the event from the 18th to the 21st.Singapore Watch Fair official websiteReservations can be made through the link below. Participation is free. Be sure to check out the Talking Time for topics that interest you.

　This time, the Kronos Japan editorial department will be introducing four interesting talking times.

The relevance of Singapore Watch Fair

　The first Talking Time on the first day of the Singapore Watch Fair will be titled "The Relevance of Singapore Watch Fair," which will run from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The main topic will be how the Singapore Watch Fair can provide a platform to connect participants with the timeless art of watchmaking and craftsmanship in the digital age.

　In today's digital age, many people use gadgets such as smartphones and wearable devices on a daily basis. However, throughout the Singapore Watch Fair, participants will be able to learn about traditional mechanical watch manufacturing techniques and craftsmanship, the artistry cultivated over a long history, and the ever-evolving innovation through panel discussions. There will also be a discussion on what benefits the Singapore Watch Fair can bring to the Asian watchmaking community.

　Speakers include Ali Nael, founder of Singapore Watch Fair & Future Grail, Nelson Lee, founder and festival director of Singapore Watch Fair, and American watch collector Gary Getz.

The Rise of Chinese Watchmaking

　Also worth checking out is the Rise of Chinese watchmaking, which will be held on the second day of the fair, the 19th, from 6pm to 7pm.

　This panel discussion will focus on the craftsmanship of luxury watches in China, home to the micro-maison Atelier Wen and Tang Zephyr, a member of the Independent Watchmaker Academy. China may not be the first name that comes to mind when talking about luxury watchmaking. However, as mentioned above, the country is home to maisons and independent watchmakers that stand apart from mass production. The panel discussion will explore China's future potential for luxury watchmaking and the impact it will have on the watch industry.

　The speakers will be Wilfried Buiron, founder of Atelier Wen, and Tang Zephyr.

Big vs. Small

　Big vs. Small, which will be held from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the 20th, is a panel discussion typical of the Singapore Watch Fair, bringing together niche brands and watchmakers. Panels representing a wide range of brands, large and small, from major brands to micro-maisons and watchmakers, will gather to discuss their respective traditions and innovations, approaches to customers, brand strategies, and more.

　The speakers will be watch collector Gary Getz, Georg Bartkowiak, CEO of LANG 1943, Michael Holthinrichs of Holthinrichs Watches, and Vincent Calabrese. A panel discussion focusing on Vincent Calabrese will be held on the following day, the 21st, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Rise of Female Watch Collecting –Insights from the Middle East

　The Rise of Female Watch Collecting will be held on the 21st from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It will be a panel discussion focusing on female watch collectors. At this event, participants from groups such as TickTockBelles, Dubai Watch Club Girls, and Kuwait Watch Club Ladies will share their unique perspectives and experiences, and reveal how they have carved out a new market for watch collecting, a hobby that has traditionally been dominated by men.

　Speakers include Aisha, founder of Dubai Watch Club Girls, Anwar Alyousef, founder of Kuwait Watch Club Ladies, and Deborah Wong and Stephanie Soh, founders of TickTockBelles.