The Trials And Tribulations Of Watch Innovation With Stephen McDonnell


As a general rule, the world becomes aware of a new watch only on the day of its launch. However, that watch did not magically come into being on that day. In fact, its development probably began many years before, and this long, complex and often tortuous process is only ever seen by those directly involved with it.

In this conference, I want to provide a window onto that process, and will try to give a flavour of the soaring highs and devastating lows of creating new innovations in watchmaking.

I will also look at the fundamental strangeness of what I do: I find myself driven by forces beyond my control to pour my heart and soul into the creation of these watches, and as a result I struggle greatly with stress, and with maintaining a reasonable work/life balance. Yet, I myself am not a watch collector – in fact I don’t even wear a watch.

Speakers:
Stephen McDonnell, Watchmaker and designer

Follow us on:
Instagram – @DubaiWatchWeek
Website: www.DubaiWatchWeek.com
TikTok: DubaiWatchWeek

We would love to hear from you!
Leave your comments below and join the conversation.
#Trials #Tribulations #Watch #Innovation #Stephen #McDonnell

Latest

Return to the Elemental | The Alchemy of Aman

In a world drifting ever further from the natural, Aman offers a rare return. Places where light, air, water and space work their quiet...

Breaking down the R&D series.

“Who’s writing the next chapter of watchmaking? Who’s pushing movement innovation to its highest level?” asks Wei Koh. Watch the clip to find out....

Backstage at the BOSS Spring/Summer 26 show. What’s the biggest paradox in your life? #BeYourOwnBOSS

Discover the collection at https://on.boss.com/BOSS/Spring_Summer26 Follow BOSS on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/boss TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boss Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hugoboss Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hugoboss #Backstage #BOSS #SpringSummer #show #Whats #biggest #paradox #life #BeYourOwnBOSS

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games | OMEGA

In one month today, the dreams begin at Milano Cortina 2026. As Official Timekeeper, OMEGA will be measuring every event at these Olympic and...

2025, through our owners’ voices.

Some words stay with you. Voices of gratitude, emotion and pride. Stories that give meaning to what we build together. 2025, through our owners’ voices. #owners #voices