The 2026 WatchTime New York exhibition marked its eleventh consecutive year, achieving unprecedented success by drawing an impressive 3,000 attendees and featuring 48 prominent watch brands over a dynamic three-day period. From its sold-out opening night to a weekend filled with hands-on explorations of timepieces and engaging dialogues, this annual gathering served as a vital hub where enthusiasts connected directly with the skilled artisans, visionary designers, and leading executives who shape the world of horology. Positioned as a central event during New York Watch Week, this year's show presented numerous compelling reasons for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Both emerging exhibitors and established participants showcased their latest innovations under the magnificent dome of Gotham Hall, offering attendees exclusive previews of new watch releases and direct conversations with their creators.
The event fostered a unique environment for watch aficionados to deepen their appreciation and knowledge. Sarah Orlando, the publisher of WatchTime, highlighted the event's growing significance, stating that the record turnout confirms the American market's flourishing state and its sustained demand for watch collecting. She emphasized the community's continuous support and pledged that WatchTime New York would keep evolving to cater to this expanding interest. The opening cocktail party on Friday welcomed a record 625 guests, including notable figures such as actors and watch collectors Aldis Hodge and Fred Savage. Attendees mingled among the exhibits, trying on various watches and enjoying an evening of sophisticated camaraderie with refreshments. Among the distinguished guests were renowned personalities from the watchmaking world, including Maximilian Büsser of MB&F, master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, Chopard's Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, and Urwerk's co-founder Martin Frei. Other luminaries present included Claude Greisler and Serge Michel from Armin Strom, Carlos Rosillo from Bell & Ross, Bertrand Meylan from H. Moser & Cie., Guido Terreni from Parmigiani Fleurier, Rolf Studer from Oris, and Christine Hutter from Moritz Grossmann, underscoring the event's broad appeal within the industry. Additionally, Wempe hosted a special Golden Hour cocktail, and a separately ticketed collector's dinner, sponsored by U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, offered a gourmet three-course meal on the mezzanine.
The exhibition proudly presented a diverse assembly of 48 brands, with nine making their inaugural appearance at WatchTime New York. These newcomers included Jacob & Co., Kollokium, Kudoke, Gérald Genta, Daniel Roth, Singer, Ferdinand Berthoud, Schwarz Etienne, and Keris. They joined a robust lineup of returning brands, encompassing both venerable watchmaking houses and innovative independent manufacturers, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of distinct approaches to watchmaking within a single, dynamic venue. New product launches were a significant draw throughout the weekend, with brands like Ressence, Bell & Ross, MB&F, Urwerk, Oris, Frederique Constant, Ming, Massena LAB, and Fortis unveiling or spotlighting their latest creations. For collectors, the opportunity to not only see these timepieces but also to try them on, inspect their intricate details, and engage directly with their creators was an invaluable experience. Beyond the main exhibits, guests enjoyed complimentary Chandon wine and spritz cocktails, Jefferson’s Bourbon tastings, and the Jean Rousseau “Tailor Your Watch” strap bar in the Lounge, adding further dimensions to their visit. The weekend also featured compelling discussions, such as Saturday’s “Why We Collect: The Many Paths of Watch Collecting.” This panel brought together actor and collector Ryan Reynolds with MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser, moderated by actor, collector, and watchmaker Aldis Hodge. Before a captivated audience, they shared personal narratives, insights into their most coveted timepieces, and the profound personal connections that fuel their passion for watches. Sunday’s program shifted focus to the burgeoning neo-vintage market with “Neo-Vintage Is Hot. Why—and Where Is It Headed?” Collector Jeffrey Kingston moderated this discussion, featuring Paul Boutros, Andrea Casalegno, Tim Green, and Steven Rostovsky, who delved into the current fascination with neo-vintage watches and anticipated future trends within this segment.
The remarkable success of WatchTime New York's eleventh edition underscores the enduring passion and intellectual curiosity within the American watch collecting community. By consistently offering a platform for direct engagement with watchmakers and a firsthand look at cutting-edge innovations, the event continues to inspire and educate, fostering a deeper connection between enthusiasts and the artistry of horology. This continuous evolution and dedication to the community serve as a testament to the vibrant future of watch collecting, promising more opportunities for discovery and appreciation.
