By admin 
The international horological community is preparing to descend upon Singapore this November as IAMWATCH returns for its second edition. Scheduled to take place from November 12 to 15 at The Singapore EDITION, the event marks a significant evolution in the way the watch industry engages with collectors, professionals, and the public. Unlike traditional trade fairs that prioritize commercial transactions and product launches, IAMWATCH has established itself as a "gathering of the faithful"—a phrase coined by Michael Tay, Managing Director of The Hour Glass—fostering a space where the art, science, and philosophy of timekeeping take center stage.
Organized by the retail powerhouse The Hour Glass, the 2026 edition of IAMWATCH builds upon the momentum of its inaugural 2024 debut. That first event, which was once described as one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets, was met with immediate acclaim, leading to widespread calls for it to become a permanent fixture on the global horological calendar. As the event approaches, the industry is looking toward Singapore not just as a marketplace, but as a primary hub for the intellectual and cultural discourse surrounding high-end watchmaking.
A New Paradigm for Watch Gatherings
The distinction between a "watch fair" and a "gathering" is central to the IAMWATCH identity. In an era where major exhibitions like Watches & Wonders Geneva dominate the news cycle with brand-led marketing, IAMWATCH offers a more intimate, discourse-heavy alternative. The organizers have remained unflagging in their insistence that this is an ecosystem-focused event rather than a commercial showroom.
The primary objective of IAMWATCH is to facilitate direct interaction between the creators—the watchmakers themselves—and the enthusiasts who support their work. By removing the barriers of traditional retail booths, the event encourages a peer-to-peer exchange of ideas. This approach reflects a broader shift in the luxury sector toward "experiential luxury," where collectors seek deep knowledge and personal connections with the artisans behind their timepieces.
Public access to the event is scheduled from November 13 to 15. While entry is free of charge, the organizers have implemented a mandatory registration system via their official portal to manage the high demand and maintain the quality of the interactions. This accessibility underscores a commitment to horological education, ensuring that the next generation of collectors has the opportunity to learn from the industry’s most respected figures.
The Legacy of George Daniels and the Roger Smith Lectures
A cornerstone of the 2026 program is a deep dive into the technical innovations that have shaped modern independent watchmaking. Central to this is the legacy of the late Dr. George Daniels, widely regarded as the greatest watchmaker of the 20th century and the inventor of the co-axial escapement.
The event will feature three specific sessions dedicated to Daniels, led by his sole apprentice and the preeminent British watchmaker of the current era, Roger Smith. For the technically inclined, Smith’s presence is a major draw. He is expected to deliver two comprehensive lectures: one focusing on the life and uncompromising philosophy of George Daniels, and another specifically addressing the mechanics and evolution of the co-axial escapement.
The co-axial escapement represents one of the few fundamental changes to the lever escapement in over two centuries, eventually adopted by Omega to redefine their chronometric standards. Smith’s insights into the development of this technology offer a rare look at the intersection of traditional hand-craftsmanship and modern mechanical engineering.
Adding a multi-media dimension to the proceedings, the event will also host a screening of a short film centered on the Daniels legacy. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Roger Smith alongside world-renowned auctioneer Aurel Bacs and respected horological journalist Su Jia Xian (founder of SJX Watches). This panel aims to bridge the gap between the technical creation of a watch and its eventual life in the secondary market and the cultural zeitgeist.
Examining the Horological Ecosystem and Supply Chain
While the inaugural IAMWATCH focused heavily on the individual brilliance and creative freedom of independent watchmakers, the 2026 edition shifts its lens toward the "strictures that make such freedom possible." The organizers have noted that no watchmaker, no matter how independent, exists in a vacuum.
One of the most anticipated discussions will focus on the fundamental necessity of the horological supply chain. This session addresses a critical reality of the industry: the difficulty of sourcing high-quality components for small-scale production. While a master watchmaker may be able to hand-finish a movement or even construct one from scratch, the production of cases, dials, crowns, and straps often requires specialized industrial support.
The challenge for independents lies in the fact that most high-end suppliers are geared toward larger volumes. A manufacturer of sapphire crystals or gold cases rarely finds it economically viable to produce only 50 units a year. The "ecosystem" panel will explore how independent makers navigate these hurdles, often relying on a fragile network of specialized artisans. For those curious about the business of horology, an opening talk on "how to create your own watch brand" will provide a roadmap for navigating these logistical and financial complexities.
Singapore’s Role as a Global Horological Hub
The decision to host IAMWATCH in Singapore for a second time is no coincidence. Over the last decade, Singapore has emerged as one of the most sophisticated watch markets in the world. According to data from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH), Singapore consistently ranks among the top ten global markets for Swiss watch exports by value, often punching far above its weight relative to its population.
The maturity of the Singaporean collector base is characterized by a deep appreciation for independent brands like MB&F, Urwerk, and Akrivia—names that will likely have a strong presence at IAMWATCH. The Hour Glass, as the event’s architect, has played a pivotal role in this development, transitioning from a traditional retailer to a cultural curator that champions "The Cultural Art of Horology."
The choice of The Singapore EDITION as the venue further reinforces the event’s positioning. As a luxury lifestyle destination, the hotel provides a backdrop that aligns with the aesthetic and social expectations of the international watch community.
Chronology of Events and Registration
As the program continues to evolve, the organizers have advised attendees to check the official website frequently for updates to the schedule. The current projected timeline for the four-day event is as follows:
- November 12: Private opening and industry-focused sessions (Limited access).
- November 13: Opening of public days; initial lectures on brand creation and the supply chain ecosystem.
- November 14: Focus on technical mastery; Roger Smith’s lectures on George Daniels and the co-axial escapement.
- November 15: Panel discussions featuring Aurel Bacs and SJX; closing film screenings and community networking.
Prospective attendees are encouraged to register early at iamwatch.com. Given the success of the 2024 edition, which saw a high volume of local and international visitors, the 2026 event is expected to reach capacity quickly.
Broader Impact and Industry Implications
The return of IAMWATCH signifies a broader trend in the luxury industry: the decentralization of influence. While Switzerland remains the heart of production, the intellectual and social "soul" of the industry is increasingly found in global hubs like Singapore, Dubai, and New York.
By focusing on education and the "art and science" of watchmaking rather than just the "sale," IAMWATCH is helping to insulate the independent watchmaking sector from the volatility of the global economy. When collectors are educated on the difficulty of the craft and the fragility of the supply chain, they develop a deeper, more resilient commitment to the brands they support.
Furthermore, the emphasis on the George Daniels legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship in the trades. The relationship between Daniels and Smith is the gold standard for horological succession, and by highlighting this, IAMWATCH encourages other independent makers to consider how they will pass their skills to the next generation.
In conclusion, IAMWATCH 2026 is poised to be more than just a date on the calendar; it is a critical check-in on the health and direction of the independent watchmaking world. As the industry faces new challenges in manufacturing and shifts in global demand, the "gathering of the faithful" in Singapore provides a necessary forum for the ideas that will define the next decade of horology. For the collector, the professional, or the merely curious, it remains an unmissable opportunity to witness the living history of timekeeping.
