5 unmissable highlights at the upcoming IAMWATCH 2026

When IAMWATCH debuted in Oct 2024, it discarded the rigid corporate atmosphere of traditional trade shows in favour of an intimate, resort-casual celebration at The Singapore EDITION. Organised by luxury retailer The Hour Glass, the inaugural fair brought together 40 independent watchmakers and industry legends, allowing enthusiasts to interact directly with the creative minds behind the movements.

For its second edition from Nov 12 to 15, 2026, IAMWATCH builds upon that foundation by shifting focus from individual craft to interdependence — exploring the vital networks, mentorships, and shared heritage that keep independent watchmaking thriving.

Public days run from Nov 13 to 15, offering complimentary admission, although advance online registration is required to secure your entry.

Whether you missed the inaugural event or were among those double-wristing in 2024, here are five key highlights making IAMWATCH 2026 an essential destination on the global horological calendar.

1. Access to next-gen independent watchmaking stars

Alongside returning powerhouses like Kari Voutilainen, Roger W. Smith, Vianney Halter, and Felix Baumgartner, IAMWATCH 2026 expands its roster to 45 independent watchmakers. Crucially, the 2026 edition spotlights a fresh line-up of rising independent talent the likes of Alexandre Hazemann, Alexis Ramel-Sartori, Thomas Aubert, Mathieu Cleguer, Victor Monnin, and Yosuke Sekiguchi.

For visitors, this offers an unpretentious, face-to-face opportunity to discover the breakthrough techniques and design philosophies of the next generation of horological pioneers.

2. Thematic penthouse Get-Together (GTG) sessions

Building on the casual, community-favourite get-togethers of 2024, the 2026 fair introduces dedicated generational themes in the hotel’s Penthouse. Free of agendas, these open-ended socials pair attendees directly with watchmakers.

Friday’s The OGs in the Penthouse gathers established masters, while Saturday’s The Young Guns turns the spotlight on the rising generation. Guests are encouraged to bring grail timepieces from their personal collections to discuss and double-wrist alongside the creators themselves.

3. Practical watch movement masterclasses

For visitors eager to step behind the bench and experience high watchmaking first-hand, IAMWATCH 2026 debuts a hands-on workshop program running across all three public days.

Led by Swiss Federal Master Watchmaker Michael Dubs, these dedicated masterclasses offer participants the rare thrill of pulling up a chair, loupe in hand, to disassemble, adjust, and reassemble a mechanical movement under guidance. Best of all, they take home the exact mechanical movement they worked on, along with an official certificate of completion.

4. Historic centenary tribute to George Daniels

Marking 100 years since the birth of modern horology’s ultimate master, this year’s fair hosts George Daniels 100: The Genesis of Artisanal Watchmaking, a landmark centenary exhibition presented in partnership with Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo.

The showcase unites 22 exceptional Daniels timepieces — including the historic first-ever pairing of his legendary Space Traveller I and II pocket watches — alongside the premier of a documentary examining his life, working methods, and invention of the Co-Axial escapement.

The tribute culminates in a live panel with Roger W. Smith and Aurel Bacs, followed by lectures detailing Daniels’ enduring influence on independent craft.

5. Provocative panels and deep-dive technical lectures

IAMWATCH 2026 and The Hour Glass continues its commitment to thought leadership with a packed line-up of debate-style conversations and educational lectures.

Key panels explore industry tensions, such as Who Actually Invents Anything Anymore? with Andreas Strehler, Kari Voutilainen, Rexhep Rexhepi, and Roger W. Smith, and also examine whether independent watchmaking relies on corporate conglomerates.

Supplementing the debates, two-part lecture series by expert Carlos Torres on observatory precision competitions and Roger W. Smith on horological heritage offer deep technical insights into precision timing.