Horological Meandering

Gerardo
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Watch & Wonders Miami

Hi everyone, it has been a while and I know Watch & Wonders Miami was one month ago, but I didn´t want to let go the opportunity to write about it, because for me it was kind of a refreshing experience.

Last year when I read about WWM I got very excited but I thought it was a little too late for me to plan the whole trip, thing that I regret now, because actually I just needed to buy plane tickets Mexico- Miami for me and the wifey as we have a place to crash in Miami. So, this year I was completely decided to attend, plus I was invited by Vacheron Constantin.

I normally attend  watch events in Mexico, for example the SIAR (Salón Internacional de Alta Relojería) which is a nice annually event where most of the big houses and important independent brands (it is always nice to have independent brands present in the events, as much of the time they are the ones that go the extra mile in innovation)  show their novelties and new collections, of course, there are other smaller events like parties, cocktails or presentations made by specific brands to their customers, Don get me wrong, I really like this kind of events, but they lack something really important, that true feeling of community. WWM is an event full with “private” cocktails were the brands can show their novelties to their important clients and pamper them with some nice champagne, fancy dinners and nice brunches, I am always grateful to be invited, thanks again to VC and IWC for the invitation this year, but what really makes this event different are the workshops, conferences and panel discussions. I went to a few such as:

·         Getting you super collector all-access pass by Roger Ruegger of Watch Time magazine

·         Point of records and complications by Jack Forster of Hodinkee

·         The true influence of social media in watch buying with James Stacey of Hodinkee as moderator

·         How to build a collection of endurance value by Paul Boutros Senior Vice President of Philips Watchers (Philips Auctions)

·         Behind the scenes of watch creation by Fabrizio Buonamassa of Bulgari and Stephane Belmont of Jaeger LeCoultre.

This is an event B to C (business to customer) as opposed to Basel or SIHH that are more B to B oriented. This shows the concerns of the brands to educate their customers which is always important, and better yet a strong watch community interest in educating themselves. The panels and workshops sold out in a couple of days and the watchmaking workshop sold out in a few minutes¡ As you read above the panels and discussions feature an amazing lineup of CEOs, journalist and other specialists. Aside from the educational activities, the meetups help to create a bond in the watch community and space to share your passion for watches with fellow enthusiast.

In MHO events with these kinds of activities strengthens the community and the market, and attracts new people to this passionate world of watches.  

Design district is a great location for Watch & Wonders as it is a special place dedicated to innovative design and of course, Miami is an “easy” location for most people south, central and North America.

The number for this year was 28,000 attendees, a 40% growth from last. So, we expect great things for 2020. Keep up the good work.

Don´t forget to follow @watchnerdmx on Instagram

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