When it comes to the world of watches and the craft of watchmaking, Singapore isn’t the first country that comes to mind. But in reality, it’s one of the largest markets for watch collecting in the world, boasting some of the world’s most engaged and discerning enthusiasts and collectors.
Here’s where Ali Nael and Nelson Lee come in. Recognising the growing appetite for vintage timepieces and independent watch manufacturers, they founded Singapore Watch Fair (SWF) with the intention of establishing Singapore as a regional hub for watchmaking and collecting.
Since its inception in 2017, SWF has grown from being the watch component of luxury jewellery fair JeweLuxe to a full-fledged watch event supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). And this year’s edition promises to be bigger and better than ever.
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Slated to take place at RWS from 2 to 6 October, the 2024 edition of SWF will continue to shine a spotlight on independent watchmakers while also featuring more prominent manufacturers and highlight their watchmaking savoir-faire. That said, SWF also aims to demonstrate how and why beautiful and beautifully-made watches are central to Singapore’s cultural landscape.
Ahead of this year’s festivities, we caught up with festival director Nelson Lee as he recalls SWF’s journey to success, and shares what attendees can look forward to.
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Does the world need another watch fair?
Yes, especially one that is able to bridge the geographical distance between Switzerland and the region—not just in terms of bringing watchmaking expertise to Singapore, but also being able to gather regional interest in one place. There have been stellar examples of such events in the past, but there hasn’t really been one that is consistently held on an annual basis.
Moreover, given how Singapore has cemented itself as a top export market for Swiss watches, there’s definitely local demand for such events to be held in Singapore, which last year’s event proved. So, it wouldn’t be so much that the world needs another watch fair, but more that the region needs an annual watch fair in Asia to look forward to each year; one that caters to local interests, and that is able to form a point of convergence for the best of horology and devoted aficionados in the region.
A key focus of SWF is that we’re always looking towards the future—this underlines our commitment to showcasing a variety of independent watchmakers every year, which stems from our belief that these independents represent the future of watchmaking, for instance, Krayon and L’Epee 1839.
Why has it taken so long for there to be a standalone watch fair in Singapore?
To begin with, I believe it’s only in the past five or so years that widespread interest in independent watchmakers and vintage collecting has begun to solidify and take off. As with the rest of the world, the value and appeal of watches only really entered the mainstream consciousness during the Covid period of socio-economic volatility. In the years since, tastes have only developed and diversified to include appreciation for the fine work of independent watchmakers. The SWF has always mainly focused on independent watchmakers and vintage collecting—areas where we felt demand was concrete, and a platform on which we could showcase how far watchmaking has come, and how it could develop, through the juxtaposition of timeless vintage pieces with the finest craftsmanship and avant-garde innovation that contemporary watchmaking has to offer.
In terms of practicality, it was only in 2023 that we were able to secure the support of a second key partner, RWS. Even then (with the support of STB since 2017), despite the fact that we are more motivated by passion than by profit, the cost factor is not something that can be easily ignored.
How is SWF improving upon the success of last year’s event?
In 2022 and 2023, the panel discussions spotlighting women who collect watches—conducted by TickTock Belles’ Stephanie Soh and Deborah Wong, amongst others—proved to be very popular. We see this as a reflection of change within the collectors’ demographic—where women are now keener to create a space for themselves in what is a traditionally male-dominated sphere. So, we’re definitely retaining that and bringing more engaging perspectives from our female collectors.
Besides the various watch panels and plenary sessions, we’re also looking to ramp up the interactivity of the event: Through new, on-site, immersive audio-visual driven launches and dinners, as well as a new interactive activity driven by watch expert Carson Chan (@watchprofessor).
In terms of a more hands-on experience, there will also be a strap-making workshop conducted by master craftsmen, which we hope will highlight the innovation and intricate craftsmanship of an oft-underrated aspect of watchmaking.
We are also looking to bring in two more established international watch manufacturers, to add a different dimension to the craftsmanship and innovation expertise that the independent watchmakers will bring.
This article was first seen on LUXUO.com