IAMWATCH Returns To Singapore From 12 November-15 November 2026

In the world of high watchmaking, few events capture the raw passion of independent horology quite like IAMWATCH. Taking back the spotlight, the community-driven platform has officially announced its return to Singapore from November 12th to 15th, 2026. Over four dynamic days, the upcoming event is set to once again transform The Singapore EDITION into the global epicentre of contemporary watch culture.

Building on the massive momentum of its past iterations, the 2026 edition promises a deeper dive into the soul of artisanal watchmaking. This year, the setting will bring together more than 50 of the world's finest watchmakers, designers, and industry visionaries. Far from a standard watch exhibition, this elite gathering is purposefully designed to dismantle the barriers of traditional horology, bridging the gap between established legends and the rising forces of independent creators. Singapore will take the centre stage as it sets new terms for contemporary horology culture.

The Soul of Horology 
In a world that is dominated by digital notifications and devices, I find it rather interesting that the beauty and allure of the mechanical watch remain cemented even today. If anything, the craving for artisanal watchmaking has only grown more powerful among watch enthusiasts and that is only further proved by the array of events around watchmaking. The physical art of making watches has to do a lot more than simply telling time, rather it is about the preservation of the intimate connection between art and micro-engineering and the human hands that have honed their skills over the years to bring these creations to life.

Unlike digital devices, a mechanical watch is deeply personal to its owner. It is an amalgamation of the vision of its maker and the innumerable hours of hand finishing, polishing and assembling. This touch of personal and permanence stands starkly against the fleeting and disposable nature of contemporary tech. The watch enthusiasts do not aim to buy mere tools that tell them time, they make a direct investment in a shared passion for a mechanical soul that transcends the bounds of contemporary trends. It is a celebration of all the different stories of artisans who refuse to let the traditions of horology fade. This very passion for human connection, a sense of community, and storytelling is what created the IAMWATCH, a platform that is dedicated to community engagement, spearheaded by the luxury manufacture, The Hour Glass.

  
Looking into Past Success 
In October 2024 IAMWATCH made its debut by paying homage to The Hour Glass’s groundbreaking 2004 exposition, Tempus. Instead of a highly formal corporate atmosphere that is commonly found in modern watch fairs, IAMWATCH 2024 broke the glass case by adopting a much more casual format.

Set against the backdrop of the lush topicals in the Singapore EDITION hotel, this inaugural event encouraged a resort casual dress code. Through the setting of a much-relaxed atmosphere, it stripped away the stiff formalities and allowed the enthusiasts in attendance to share a drink, strike up a conversation and engage with the creative minds behind their favourite independent brands. The success of the event proved that the collectors of today desire a lot more than just the passive viewing experience. They want a face-to-face discussion and the fellowship over this shared passion. 

The Golden List
The lineup created for this event will include the “who’s who” of the watchmaking world, including renowned figures like Kari Voutilainen, Rexhep Rexhepi, Andreas. Strehler, Konstantin Chaykin, Max Büsser, Raúl Pagès, and Vianney Halter. Rising stars and visionaries like Alaxandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin, Norifumi Seki, Reuben Schoots, and Simon Michlmayr. Other well-known creative forces like URWERK co-founder Martin Frei, influential collector William Massena, and celebrated Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.

As independent watchmaking persistently moves away from the margins and into the very centre of the watch collector’s domain, events such IAMWATCH are incredibly important. These types of events are reminders that behind every watch is a person who has a story to share and in 2026, Singapore will once again take the spotlight to share these personal stories and the artists behind it.