Aspen Watch Week – The Full Rundown
Aspen Mountain Looking Downtown | Photo from Oliver Smith Jeweler
Aspen Watch Week, taking place from August 8-11, 2024, in the stunning setting of Aspen, Colorado, is set to be an unforgettable experience for watch enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. This inaugural event, founded by Elizabeth Smith of Oliver Smith Jeweler, perfectly blends Aspen's renowned outdoor adventure culture with the town’s rich watch culture. We sought to find out more about this novelty event and what it has to offer for watch enthusiasts who may interested in a luxury outdoor experience in the rocky mountains of Aspen.
In our interview with Elizabeth Smith, she shares the inspiration behind the event:
"Surprisingly for a small, remote town, there is already a large watch culture and community in Aspen. We were inspired to start Watch Week Aspen for two reasons: to highlight the great watch brands and retailers with a presence in Aspen, and to share our amazing small mountain town."
Oliver Smith Jeweler store in Aspen, Colorado | Photo from Oliver Smith Jeweler
Smith also highlights the main features of Aspen Watch Week, offering a glimpse into the event's diverse and exciting lineup:
"There is quite a lot happening! At Oliver Smith Jeweler, we are announcing a special collaboration watch release that will be available for preview on Friday, August 9th. A. Lange & Söhne will have a watchmaker in their boutique displaying movements and discussing upcoming releases. There are many interesting speaker series, including Yoni Ben-Yehuda at Audemars Piguet, 'How to Build the Perfect Watch Collection' led by Watch Femme, and a pre-owned watch market panel with Oliver Smith Jeweler and local collectors. Bremont is also guiding an e-bike ride to the iconic Maroon Bells!"
Parmigiani Fleurier New Release | Photo from Oliver Smith Jeweler
Among the event's standout moments is the Betteridge Presents Jacob & Co. showcase. On Friday, August 9, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Betteridge, a curated collection of Jacob & Co.'s 2024 novelties, the Brilliant Collection, and Epic X Bridges will be on display. Renowned for its innovative designs, Jacob & Co. will present pieces that exemplify the brand's creative spirit and exceptional craftsmanship. RSVPs are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
The Olympic Medal Showcase with Alex Ferreira and Norqain, promises to be inspiring. Local Aspen hero and halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira will join Norqain at Oliver Smith Jeweler to discuss his record-setting 2023 season and preparations for the 2026 Olympics. Norqain will also showcase their latest novelties and provide custom watch engraving.
Photo from Alex Ferreira Ski
Attendees can also enjoy a special viewing of rare Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex timepieces with watch expert Bernil Barthelemy. These exclusive pieces, both preowned and unworn, will be available for purchase.
With participating retailers and brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Bremont, IWC, Meridian Jewelers, Betteridge, Parmigiani Fleurier, Panerai, and more, attendees will have the chance to explore a diverse range of prestigious timepieces. Beyond watches, Aspen's stunning landscapes and thriving cultural scene offer something for everyone, making it an unparalleled destination.
A.Lange & Sohne Boutique in Aspen, Colorado | Photo from Oliver Smith Jeweler
For those attending Aspen Watch Week, Smith offers recommendations for exploring the local area:
"Aspen is all about getting outside in the summer! Some highlights include riding e-bikes to Woody Creek Tavern for lunch or floating on paddleboards in Stillwater Preserve. If you’re up for a challenging hike, head up the Ute Trail for an ascent of 1,000 feet in one mile! Aspen has a fantastic art museum, and the restaurant and nightlife scene is superb, including Bosq, Catch, Matsuhisa, and local favorite Steakhouse 316."
As Eliza Voss from the Aspen Chamber of Commerce notes, "Aspen is filled with innovators, and we love that our business community collaborated to create Watch Week, which emphasizes camaraderie and fostering connections." The event encapsulates the spirit of Aspen, blending luxury with outdoor experiences in a community-driven atmosphere.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of watches amidst Aspen's breathtaking beauty. Register for events and updates at watchweekaspen.com, and prepare for a truly special experience. Store hours are from 10 am to 7 pm daily. Cheers!