Happenings: Watch Week Aspen Returns For Its Third Year

If you need another reason to visit Aspen this summer, Watch Week Aspen is returning for its third edition, taking place from August 13 to August 16. The long weekend is packed with endless opportunities to hear from industry leaders and see some exciting (and new) watches—and, of course, get outside and explore the town's charming alpine scenery. Best of all, the entire event is free and open to the public.

The program kicks off Thursday with cocktails at the Gerald Charles Lounge inside Oliver Smith Jeweler, the event's founder, where attendees can trace renowned watchmaker Gérald Genta's legacy. They'll then have the chance to preview Glashütte Original's latest watchmaking innovation, followed by a presentation of rare watches at M.S. Rau and an expert-led panel about the pre-owned watch market and emerging collecting trends, in partnership with SYYNCH.

New to this year's lineup is a 3K run that will take place Friday morning, led by Emmanuel Bütler, the U.S. Brand President of NORQAIN, through downtown Aspen. After breaking a sweat, attendees can join a session examining Hermès' Le Temps Suspendu complication, stop by a NORQAIN ice cream truck, and enjoy presentations on the Omega Speedmaster's heritage and A. Lange Söhne's "Lumen" collection.

That evening, Avi & Co. will showcase rare releases from independent watch brands, including F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. L. Leroy will host a happy hour at the same time, where it will present a new collection, along with its latest Bal du Temps and Elyor releases. The night closes with an official welcome party held by Blancpain and Betteridge.

Saturday shifts gears again with a morning of tennis and pickleball hosted by Gerald Charles. Afterward, collectors can showcase their own watches at VintageFest to compete for prizes in three categories. The rest of the day includes conversations from IWC Schaffhausen, Omega, A. Lange & Söhne, and Moritz Grossmann. The weekend will wind down on Sunday with a morning presentation by Arnold & Son, after which you can see a curated selection from Patek Philippe, Cartier, Tiffany, Ulysse Nardin, and more.

If this year's lineup is any indication, the event is quickly becoming a fixture on the watch calendar. For more information on the event, take a look at our photo report from last year, and head over to the Watch Week Aspen website for more specific details on this year's program. 

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