Every September, Hong Kong becomes the heartbeat of the global watch world. From September 2 to 6, 2025, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair will once again transform the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) into a playground for collectors, brands, journalists, influencers, and dreamers of all things horology.
But here’s the thing: even if you’re not flying into Wan Chai, you can still feel the pulse. This isn’t just an event—it’s a moment that ripples across the industry, one that sparks conversations far beyond the aisles of the fairground.
Why It Matters
Imagine a place where heritage brands unveil their latest creations, micro‑brands carve their space, and the sharpest minds debate what “value” means in watchmaking today. That’s the Watch & Clock Fair. It’s about spotting prototypes, hearing firsthand where the market is heading, and being reminded that watches are more than tools to tell time—they are cultural statements.
This year’s program is stacked. Industry giants like Mr. Zhang Hong‑guang of the China Horologe Association, Pierre Burgun of France Horlogerie, and Dr. Yves Bugmann of the Swiss Federation will share their perspectives on global trade, innovation, and the challenges ahead at their Hong Kong International Watch Forum. And then there’s the creative spark: voices like Benjamin Hui of Independent Watcher, Amarildo Pilo from the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion, and content creators such as Ronald Chew (@Horologym) and Ko Sir from Hong Kong will bring raw community energy to the stage.
The Rhythm of the Week
If you’re walking the halls in person, mornings are for chasing down those must‑see booths before the crowds swell. By midday, you’ll want to slip into the compact sessions at The Dial (Halls 3FG)—short, punchy talks that give you insider takes. Afternoons are a mix of structured forums and serendipity: that chance encounter in a side aisle that leads to a new partnership or discovery. As the sun sets, the conversations often spill over into Hong Kong’s buzzing streets, cafés, and rooftop bars.
For those of us watching from afar, the rhythm feels different but no less exciting. Instagram stories light up with wrist shots. YouTube clips capture panel highlights. Analysts drop quick takes on LinkedIn. It’s like being part of the fair without boarding a plane.
The Moments to Follow
The International Watch Forum will set the tone on Day 1, as association leaders sketch the industry’s landscape. Day 2 brings the Asian Watch Conference, tackling trends and consumer insights. And on Day 4, the spotlight turns to the KOL Global Meetup, where voices from Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong—including our founder Thomas J. Sandrin of WatchDNA—will discuss how storytelling and digital communities are shaping the future of watch culture.
Each of these sessions is worth more than just a note in your calendar—they’re conversation starters that ripple through media and collector groups worldwide.
How to Join the Conversation
If you’re on the ground, the Exhibitor List is your map to navigate the halls, but it’s also a treasure chest for those at home. Explore the brands, jot down names, and then follow their feeds. You’ll often see their most significant announcements first online.
For content lovers, the trick is simple: follow the right people. Thomas J. Sandrin / WatchDNA, Ronald Chew, Ko Sir, and Erwin Chu will each bring their unique lens. Save their posts, comment with your own perspective, and before long, you’ll feel like you’re part of the dialogue.
A Fair That Travels Beyond Its Walls
What makes the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair unique is that it isn’t confined to HKCEC. It spills into WhatsApp chats, Zoom calls, WeChat groups, Instagram DMs, and the pages of watch magazines across the globe. Whether you’re shaking hands at a booth or double‑tapping a post from your couch, you’re participating in something bigger: the collective shaping of watch culture.
So mark your calendar for September 2–6, follow the voices that matter, and dive into the flow of updates. Because the fair is more than a trade show—it’s where ideas, designs, and communities connect.
See you at The Dial, online or on the ground.
Where time connects us all.
