Held from 22 to 24 October 2024 in Hong Kong, Horology Forum 10 (or HF.10) brought the vibrant world of fine watch appreciation to The Henderson, a new skyscraper masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and home to the offices of Christie’s Hong Kong. An offshoot of the celebrated biennial Dubai Watch Week event, Horology Forum — previously hosted in London and New York — brings an international, more intimate series of panels and masterclasses to different cities. In Hong Kong’s case, the setting of The Henderson added its own dose of futuristic allure, amplifying the Forum’s forward-looking ethos.
From the get-go, HF.10 catered to serious watch enthusiasts looking to roll up their sleeves and get to grips with watchmaking skills. The daily Masterclasses represented the education pillar that is central to the Dubai Watch Week brand, offering hands-on lessons in techniques such as applying luminous paint to watch hands. In her standout Masterclass, Fiona Kruger — known for her multi-layered and thoughtful designs — guided attendees through the intricacies of automata, showing them how to transform creative visions into moving mechanical art. It’s this kind of deeply engaging, accessible activity that keeps Horology Forum so relevant to its audience, as the industry works to deepen connections with enthusiasts at all levels.
Panel discussions kept up the high standard that Horology Forum regulars have come to expect. The opening discussion, expertly moderated by seasoned journalist Robin Swithinbank, brought together some of the sharpest minds in horology: TAG Heuer’s Heritage Director Nicholas Biebuyck, master watchmaker and owner-CEO of Christiaan van der Klaauw Pim Koeslag, and industry expert Su Jia Xian (founder of SJX Watches). Together, they explored the ongoing relevance of mechanical innovation in today’s watchmaking landscape, a topic sure to strike a chord with collectors and professionals alike. Further delving into the spirit of its host city, another lively session tackled Asian watchmaking excellence, with Carson Chan (on form as always) moderating an insightful conversation with Jill Chen from Christie’s Hong Kong, Atelier Wen’s Robin Tallendier, and Johnathan Chan of The Horology Club. These discussions highlighted Hong Kong’s status as a thriving hub for horological appreciation and expertise.
Not one to shy away from the experimental, HF.10 introduced a unique interactive event that is perhaps best described as horological improv with a dash of “Shark Tank.” Fiona Kruger, Bertrand Meylan (H. Moser & Cie. and Hautlence) and I took on the challenge of creating a brand concept in under 60 minutes, fuelled by audience suggestions and ideas. What emerged was an inspired watch brand concept, complete with a design, tagline, and launch strategy — proof, perhaps, of what can be produced with spontaneous creativity under pressure. Of course, all panel sessions are available to relive on the Dubai Watch Week YouTube channel, so head on over to watch the replay if your interest has been piqued!
The focus on Asian watch culture added another significant layer to HF.10, tapping into the unique perspectives and tastes of enthusiasts from the region. Local collector Jackie Ho and Singapore’s Sumei Shum shared their personal horological journeys, guided by well-known moderator and Dubai Watch Week stalwart Barbara Palumbo. Their stories and insights illustrated the strength and maturity of Asian watch collecting and highlighted the importance of making room for diverse perspectives in watchmaking discourse.
As a travelling format, HF.10 is markedly different from Dubai Watch Week, which famously features dazzling watch launches and high-profile reveals. Horology Forum, by contrast, narrows in on the people, their stories, and the passion that drives the watch community. In this sense, HF.10 succeeded in being much more than a display of products; it was a celebration of ideas and the individuals behind them.
Local collector groups lent warmth and a strong sense of camaraderie to the event, attending sessions in force and even hosting their own evening gatherings. It was here that international visitors got a real taste of Hong Kong hospitality, with collectors showcasing some exceptional pieces from their collections. For many, myself included, it was a rare treat to speak about watches in Cantonese rather than the usual English or French that you hear at international watch events. These connections, made in one’s native language, have an emotional resonance that brings added dimension to our appreciation of the things close to our hearts — in this case, fine timepieces.
HF.10’s success in Hong Kong confirms its appeal as a fresh and deeply personal approach to horology, positioning itself at the intersection of watchmaking and cultural exchange. With discussions that engaged the mind and activities that engaged the hands, Horology Forum has once again shown that it’s about much more than the watches — it’s about the stories, perspectives, and shared passions that connect us all.
