Participating names include Greubel Forsey, Chopard, Louis Vuitton, Rexhep Rexhepi and Romain Gauthier
The programme will feature exhibitions, talks, masterclasses, watch unveilings and cultural activations
The collector-led event will focus on watchmaking, storytelling, craftsmanship and culture
The new collector-led horology event will take place over three days.
Abu Dhabi’s events calendar continues to tick along nicely. The UAE capital has welcomed everything from global concerts and sporting spectacles to art fairs and cultural festivals, and is now turning its attention to the world of luxury watches. Enter The Escapement, a new horology event set to debut at Etihad Arena in 2026.
Taking place from 20 to 22 November 2026, The Escapement will bring together watch collectors, luxury brands, independent makers and industry insiders for a three-day celebration of modern watch culture. Rather than following the format of a traditional trade fair, the event has been designed as a collector-led platform, placing craftsmanship, storytelling and community at the heart of the experience.
Across the weekend, Etihad Arena will be transformed into a dedicated destination for horology enthusiasts. The programme will include exhibitions, panel discussions, masterclasses and live activations, offering visitors a closer look at the skill, creativity and technical precision behind fine watchmaking. Guests can also expect exclusive watch unveilings, with select timepieces being presented to the public for the first time.
The line-up already includes some of the biggest names in the business. Greubel Forsey, Chopard and Louis Vuitton are among the luxury brands set to take part, alongside respected independent watchmakers such as Rexhep Rexhepi and Romain Gauthier. The mix reflects the event’s ambition to bridge heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design and innovation.
The Escapement also aims to explore the wider cultural impact of watches. Alongside horology-focused programming, visitors can expect creative experiences spanning music, design and live performance. The result is a more immersive approach to watch collecting, where conversation and culture are positioned alongside the timepieces themselves.
The launch of The Escapement comes as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global destination for luxury, culture and high-profile events. With its focus on collectors, creators and storytelling, the event looks set to offer a fresh perspective on the world of watches.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: 20 to 22 November 2026
Contact: https://theescapement.com