The first edition of the “Golden Hour” Watch Event took place this June 2023 at the Hotel Beaulac in Neuchâtel, right alongside the lakeside. The primary goal of the event is to celebrate the watchmaking legacy of the Neuchâtel region.
Hundreds of visitors got the chance to discover exceptional timepieces by such established players as Greubel Forsey, Panerai, Zenith, and Czapek, as well as contemporary newcomer brands like Alain Silverstein, BA111OD, and Utinam. WatchBox, the global leader in pre-owned luxury watches, was also part of the Golden Hour event alongside Visiodome, Watch CertificateTM, and Fine Watch Club.
From classic timepieces to cutting-edge mechanical technology, the exhibition truly had something for everyone. Throughout the three days of the event, there were workshops led by expert artisans, showcasing the genuine hand-craftsmanship behind a timepiece. These sessions offered a unique opportunity for visitors to gain insight into the creative processes behind some of the most iconic timepieces, particularly how much time and dedication each of these craftsmen puts into each piece.
The watch specialist auction house ICONEEK exhibited 155 lots for sale via live and online auctions (open to the public). At the charity-driven Golden Hour auction, 130 guests were presented with a hand-selected catalogue of watches that included an assortment by Mrs Lena bint Wail, as well as incredible timepieces and unique experiences donated especially for this occasion by none other than brands Audemars Piguet, BA111OD, Bulgari, Czapek, Greubel Forsey, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Utinam, WatchBox, and Zenith. Benefits and proceeds from this auction were donated to the L’Enfant C’est la Vie Foundation, dedicated to the welfare of orphaned children of the region of Neuchâtel.
The Opening Cocktail host and organizer of the event, Mrs Lena bint Wail, closed off the 2023 event with appreciation: “We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the resounding success of the Golden Hour experience. This remarkable occasion served as a momentous opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of Swiss watchmaking within the borders of Neuchâtel while showcasing its magnificence to the rest of the world.” The Golden Hour event is to return next year and continue to honour the horological diversity of the canton of Neuchâtel and the surrounding region, including the twin French city of Besançon.
Photos Golden Hour and Darya von Bergen
