Ahmed Seddiqi

TICKING INTO DAY THREE

The day set off with conversations, showcases, launches, and exhibitions shaping the atmosphere throughout the grounds. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the event, meeting brands and exploring the creations on display.

INSIDE THE IMPACT OF GPHG AWARD

The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève is a defining benchmark of watchmaking excellence, honouring craft and the creators behind it. At Dubai Watch Week, Collectors Lounge, Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari, Pascal Raffy, Owner and CEO of Bovet, and Kari Voutilainen, Independent Master Watchmaker of Atelier Voutilainen, reflected on the significance of this recognition. All three have earned GPHG awards over the years, with Voutilainen achieving twelve wins throughout his career. They spoke about the pride that comes with a win, grounded in humility and shaped by the teams whose work makes these moments possible.

A GPHG win carries real impact, bringing credibility and high value in the eyes of collectors and the industry as a whole. It creates both liberation and responsibility, a positive pressure to keep advancing craft while honouring the standard the award represents. For the region’s collectors, the discussion offered a clear view of why the GPHG continues to shape how horology is understood today.

TIME TO YOUNG MINDS

Dubai Watch Week welcomed families with a children’s activity that brought timekeeping to life through a lively puppet show, music, and interactive games. The experience introduced little ones to reading time in a simple, story-style way, creating a playful space where children could follow along, sing, and engage with the characters. It offered parents and children a warm, shared moment within the spirit of Dubai Watch Week.

WOMEN OF THE WATCHMAKING WORLD

A warm, creative event led by Mahra Seddiqi brought artists, collectors, and enthusiasts together in an atmosphere shaped by connection and shared curiosity. Held as a women-only setting, the event centred on the Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin collection, which recently expanded with two bold new 41mm expressions featuring blue and green meteorite dials. Alexia Genta, co-founder of the Gérald Genta Heritage Association, joined the event, adding depth and context to the conversation around the collection’s design legacy. The evening offered a relaxed space for cultural exchange, celebrating artistry and heritage within the spirit of Dubai Watch Week.