DID YOU Know that … Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons has teamed up with the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève to launch the first Dubai Watch Week? Every year, GPHG highlights excellence in contemporary watchmaking by inviting horological brands to compete for 19 coveted awards. This is the 15th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony and this year, the 72 shortlisted watches will be showcased in Dubai as part of an exhibition that will also travel to Hong Kong, Seoul and London, before returning to Geneva for the awards ceremony on October 1. From Tag Heuer, A Lange & Söhne and MB&F to Harry Winston, Chopard and Hermès, all the big names will be on show, displaying everything from high-mech ladies watches and "petite aiguille" (watches priced at less than 8,000 Swiss francs; Dh31,000) to high-complication masterpieces for men. There will also be watchmaking masterclasses by some of the most respected watchmakers and a series of discussions by industry experts, including curators, historians, authors and collectors. These include scholar and collector Auro Montanari and Aurel Bacs, president of the GPHG jury.
Head down to … DIFC between October 18 and 22. The GPHG Public Exhibition will take place at the Opera Gallery, from October 19 to 21, while the Art of Horology forum will be at The Empty Quarter.
Go if … you know your chronographs from your tourbillons. This is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the year's most groundbreaking timepieces. Also head over if you have even a passing interest in the intricacies of the watchmaking process.
Don't go if … you think that your 1990s Casio is the very height of sophistication. Or if you are perplexed by the need for all those teeny little wheels.
Impress people by … knowing that one of the judges on this year's GPHG panel is Eric Singer, the drummer from rock band Kiss. When not smothered in monochromatic make- up, Singer is a massive watch fan.
Look out for … The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher chronograph (pictured), which was developed in partnership with the race driver before his debilitating skiing accident. Priced at 226,800 Swiss francs, it's the timepiece that has industry experts aflutter.
