WatchTime New York’s milestone 10th event reaffirmed its place as North America’s premier watch collector gathering, featuring world premieres and rare opportunities to connect with industry icons.
In a world where fleeting digital moments often overshadow tradition, WatchTime New York quietly celebrated a remarkable milestone: its 10th edition. From October 17 to 19, Manhattan’s iconic Gotham Hall once again opened its doors to North America’s premier watch collector event, welcoming a record crowd of over 2,700 enthusiasts, collectors, and industry leaders.
What began a decade ago as a modest gathering has grown into the anchor event of the city’s unofficial Watch Week and a coveted global destination for aficionados of fine watchmaking.
This year’s celebration featured a record 44 exhibiting brands — a testament to the event’s ever-expanding influence and draw. Elder statesmen of horology mingled with trailblazing independents, presenting newly unveiled timepieces that set pulses racing. Notable highlights included the world premiere of the Ulysse Nardin Freak S Enamel and the first hands-on showcases of the Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar 180th Anniversary Edition and the URWERK UR-10 Spacemeter.
From timeless maisons like Breguet, Blancpain, and Chopard to innovative independents such as MB&F and Laurent Ferrier, the event was a living panorama of watchmaking excellence.
Sara Orlando, Publisher of WatchTime Magazine, reflected on the event’s journey: “From day one, our aim was simple: to bring watch lovers into the same room as the brands and makers they revere. The tenth edition of WatchTime New York underscores how deeply that idea resonates, and each year, the event continues to educate, inspire, and connect a truly global watch community—right here in New York City.”
The weekend unfolded with customary fanfare. Friday’s sold-out VIP cocktail reception in Gotham Hall’s rotunda blended conviviality with exclusivity, as collectors and makers raised a toast to a decade of shared passion.
Wempe’s custom cocktails heightened the atmosphere, flowing seamlessly into the inaugural 10th Anniversary Dinner—a first for WatchTime New York—offering intimate, seated conversations over a curated three-course meal with leading industry figures and editors.
Saturday and Sunday expanded the experience with extended exhibitions, opportunities for mingling in newly designed lounges, and curated tasting sessions—from Domaine Drouhin Oregon’s elegant wines to Bruichladdich’s single malt Scotch whisky.
For those seeking a tactile connection to horology’s artistry, bespoke watch strap crafting by Jean Rousseau added a personalised touch.
Roger Ruegger, Editor-in-Chief of WatchTime Magazine, praised the event’s unparalleled engagement: “In journalism, we usually avoid superlatives, but considering the passion and knowledge of our attending collectors and the level of brands engaging with them, it’s impossible not to recognise WatchTime New York as the leading luxury watch show in the most important market of the world.”
Distinguished watchmakers and executives were on hand to greet attendees personally, from Vincent Brasesco of Breguet to Kari Voutilainen, whose eponymous brand continues to push the boundaries of independent watchmaking.
Even actor and director Fred Savage was spotted exploring contemporary horology alongside fellow enthusiasts, embodying the event’s magnetic appeal beyond industry circles.
For Carlos Rosillo, CEO of Bell & Ross, the event encapsulated something almost philosophical. “The ancient Greeks had three kinds of time: Chronos (linear), Aion (cyclical), and Kairos (the timely moment), when everything aligns. For me, Kairos is the most meaningful. A watch can measure time, but can it capture that perfect moment? WatchTime New York contributes to creating that perfect moment for watch collectors through the quality of the organisation, the wonderful venue at Gotham Hall, and the generosity and magic touch of the WatchTime team.”
Benoit de Clerck, CEO of Zenith, echoed these sentiments, viewing the anniversary as both a celebration and a milestone: “It is a real pleasure for us at Zenith to take part as WatchTime New York marks its 10th anniversary, resonating beautifully with our own 160-year journey in fine watchmaking. This event is a truly unique platform where creativity, craftsmanship, and passion converge.”
A decade on, WatchTime New York has transcended its initial vision as a simple consumer-facing show. It has become a defining moment on the global horological calendar, driving a quiet evolution in how enthusiasts interact with brands. What once was a pioneering format of direct access has inspired an entire ecosystem of watch exhibitions and collector gatherings worldwide.
As the lights dimmed over Gotham Hall at the close of the event’s tenth edition, one thing was clear: WatchTime New York remains a cherished institution, not merely marking time but shaping it. For watch lovers and the industry alike, the heartbeat of New York Watch Week pulses stronger than ever—a compelling reminder that in a fast-paced world, some moments are worth savouring.
This celebration of WatchTime New York’s 10th edition is not just a nod to longevity; it is a quiet affirmation that craftsmanship, passion, and community endure in an era of rapid change. The journey continues, with the promise of new horological stories to tell, new moments to capture, and new milestones ahead.
Photography by Maryan Khomych, Onysko Photography and WatchTime.
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