What to Expect at Swiss Watch’s Art of Time 2026

No dice on getting to those international watch fairs? No problem. Swiss Watch’s Art of Time is back to satiate local enthusiasts’ appetite for spectacular watchmaking. Happening until 20 September at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the 12th edition brings 13 luxury watch brands under one roof, from heritage houses to independent labels. The exhibition not only promises to platform the shiny new releases from the world of horology but also to promote a deeper understanding of the artistry behind them through hands-on experiences and creative collaborations.

Here, each allotted space has been curated to mirror the respective brands’ DNA. Think an industrial-inspired setting for Breitling and a traditional gentlemen’s club for Bell & Ross. The latter, in particular, is done with deliberate intention. The refined atmosphere echoes the main attraction: the BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont. Created alongside S.T. Dupont, the chronograph captures the spirit of epicureanism synonymous with the cigar culture.

But the allure of Art of Time 2026 goes beyond the exceptional timepieces on display. The exhibition pampers its patrons with offers they cannot refuse. Those who purchase a Tag Heuer timepiece, for instance, stand a chance to win Grandstand passes to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang. There is also the Zenith Watch Clinic providing masterclasses by an expert from the Manufacture in Switzerland.

Turning what some may think is a niche gathering into a lifestyle event, Art of Time 2026 has joined forces with some of the biggest names across industries. The idea is to showcase that creativity and craftsmanship can take different forms. Participants of the clinic, for starters, may join a watch photography workshop by Leica. Cloakwork and Tesla have also lent the exhibition an unlikely centrepiece: a tag-covered Tesla Model Y L.

These activations are a highlight in their own right. Getting through them can be just as exhausting as it is exciting. So guests who wish to take a breather may make a beeline for the Art of Time Coffee Bar. This caffeine counter allows them to indulge in a premium cup of Joe by Bacha Coffee. Blending these contrasting elements, which in turn introduces new layers to haute horlogerie, the latest instalment of Art of Time might just be its best one yet.

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