Dubai Watch Week 2025: The Most Spectacular Highlights and Exclusive Releases
Dubai Watch Week 2025 delivered one of its strongest editions ever, bringing together global watchmakers, independent artisans, collectors, and journalists in a vibrant celebration of horology. This year’s event balanced innovation with artistry, offering an exciting mix of groundbreaking complications, design revivals, and cultural craftsmanship. Below is a complete breakdown of the key moments — based entirely on the releases and showcases featured across official event posts.
A Grand Opening: Atmosphere, Venue & First Impressions
The event opened with an atmosphere that combined elegance, architectural beauty, and modern Middle Eastern design. The venue décor showcased warm lighting, open exhibition layouts, and interactive zones that made the experience both immersive and educational.
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The energy of the opening evening set the tone for what would become one of the most talked-about watch gatherings of the year.
Rolex Highlights: Subtle Innovations With Big Impact
Rolex generated considerable attention with its presence at Dubai Watch Week, offering a closer look at new configurations and refinements for its 2025 lineup. While not a stage for major world premieres, the exhibition revealed:
- New dial variations expected to expand core collections
- Updated case finishing techniques enhancing modern references
- Boutique-exclusive configurations reserved for the region
Collectors were especially interested in how Rolex adapts its strategy for the Middle Eastern market — a region with high demand for precious-metal models and unique configurations.
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Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike: Acoustic Haute Horlogerie at Its Finest
One of the standout complications of the entire event was the unveiling of the new L.U.C Grand Strike — a timepiece that pushes the limits of chiming watch innovation.
This exceptional minute repeater featured:
- A refined sapphire-crystal gong system for exceptional acoustic clarity
- Mechanical architecture designed for both power and resonance
- Luxurious hand-finishing showcasing Chopard’s dedication to fine watchmaking
The model quickly became one of the most shared and discussed pieces among enthusiasts attending the event.
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De Bethune Stuns Dubai: Two Masterpieces of Duality & Precision
De Bethune delivered one of the most anticipated showcases of the event, presenting two new mechanical marvels that captured the brand’s signature fusion of creativity and horological science.
1. DB Kind of Two Jumping GMT
A reversible watch demonstrating incredible mechanical complexity:
- Dual dials powered by a single movement
- Specialised gear system ensuring the hands always rotate clockwise
- 43mm Grade 5 titanium case with floating lugs
- A contemporary side featuring deltoid titanium bridges and blued steel
- A classic side with guilloché textures and elegant gold hands
2. DB25 Perpetual Calendar
A poetic reinterpretation of celestial timekeeping:
- 40mm Grade 5 titanium case
- Blued titanium starry-sky dial
- Hand-set white gold stars creating a micro-cosmic landscape
Both models reinforced De Bethune’s reputation as one of the most innovative independents of our time.
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Kari Voutilainen KV21 Tonneau: Pure Artisanal Elegance
Finnish master Kari Voutilainen unveiled the KV21 Tonneau, a piece embodying his unmistakable artisanal signature. The watch featured:
- A refined tonneau-shaped case with traditional hand finishing
- Voutilainen’s signature dial work with deep guilloché patterns
- Exceptional movement decoration visible through the caseback
The KV21 Tonneau became a collector favourite at the event, admired for its restrained elegance and uncompromising craft.
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Jacob & Co. Astronomia Regulator: A Rotating Mechanical Sculpture
Jacob & Co. drew significant attention with the Astronomia Regulator, a spectacular interpretation of 19th-century regulator clocks — transformed into a kinetic horological sculpture.
Key features included:
- A fully 3D rotating movement completing a 60-second revolution
- Separate hour, minute, and seconds displays arranged in regulator format
- A 43mm sapphire case offering a panoramic mechanical view
This dramatic creation perfectly embodied Jacob & Co.’s philosophy of blending mechanical innovation with bold artistic expression.
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Louis Vuitton Escale Malachite: A Jewel of Modern Luxury
Louis Vuitton’s watch division brought modern elegance to Dubai with the Escale Malachite, a visually striking timepiece featuring:
- A dial crafted from richly striated natural malachite
- LV’s signature Escale case shape
- Refined aesthetic details blending Parisian design language with gemstone artistry
The piece stood out as one of the most photogenic models of the entire event.
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Final Thoughts: A Defining Edition for Global Watchmaking
Dubai Watch Week 2025 proved once again that the event has become a central meeting point for both the industry’s biggest players and its most creative independents. From innovative chiming mechanisms to reversible dual-dial engineering and gemstone artistry, the exhibition showcased the full breadth of modern horology.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this year’s edition delivered everything: innovation, exclusivity, and unforgettable craftsmanship.