While the first London Watch Event only dates back to 2017, the whole idea started developing when we created the Diver’s Watches Facebook Group, in 2011. The group grew very fast, now with over 90,000 members, making it the biggest online watch group. The group is very popular and friendly which led us to decide to organise get-togethers, to give our members the opportunity to meet personally. In the last few years we have organized such get-togethers all around the world.
The first London get-together was organized in 2017 and quickly grew to double the size in 2018. In 2019 we had an astounding event with almost 45 brands present. The 2020 event was never meant to happen due to covid-19 but the 2021 event was equally strong, attracting a large number of exhibitors and visitors. From 2022 onwards we moved the event to an even larger venue within the Sofitel, the “Zen Garden” which, accommodated close to 75 exhibiting brands in our first year there.
Our effort is to grow the World Time UK (The London Watch Event) to a European-based exhibition fair that will give the opportunity for watch brands from around the world to exhibit their products and meet their prospective customers not only from the United Kingdom but also from Europe.
The time of year will remain the same (last weekend of September) so that we can make it easier for watch brands to attend and exhibit, not interfering with the Hong Kong Watch Show or any other major watch event. For 2022, the date will be Saturday September 24th. The event times will, for 2023, move one hour earlier: 2pm – 7pm.
The Sofitel London Heathrow in Terminal 5 has proved an exceptional venue so far and we intend to continue with the same venue, space allowing. Being a large and modern hotel, security is better and all rooms have safes. The hotel provides us with competitive room rates and discounted parking prices. For anyone flying in to attend, it’s a short walk from the terminal, with no need to get into downtown London. For visitors driving in, it is easily accessible from a large portion of the UK with ample parking.
If you are a watch brand and would like to exhibit, send us an email and we will reply with all the necessary information. If you are a visitor, follow us on Instagram for regular updates on the events. Either way, we look forward to seeing you soon!
Andreas and Colin
