echanical watches have long transcended their original purpose of telling time. Today, they represent a fascinating combination of technical mastery, design, heritage and personal expression.

This is precisely the world that Salon Exceptional Watches celebrates. Over the years, SEW has established itself as one of Europe’s highly respected watchmaking events. Last year’s edition welcomed more than 4,200 visitors to Prague’s magnificent Žofín Palace, and the organisers are preparing an even more extensive programme for this year’s event.

Above all, SEW offers something increasingly valuable in the world of fine watchmaking: the opportunity to meet the people behind the creations, discover their stories and experience exceptional timepieces in person.

Unlike traditional exhibitions, SEW provides direct access to the watches themselves. Visitors can examine the finest details, try on their favourite models, discuss their technical features with brand representatives and, in many cases, place an order or purchase a watch directly at the event.

This Friday and Saturday, visitors will discover a diverse selection of contemporary watchmaking, ranging from established Swiss manufacturers to innovative independent creators.

Returning exhibitors include renowned names such as Czapek Genève, Arnold & Son and Bell & Ross, alongside brands including the recently revived historic name Favre Leuba, Chronoswiss, Bianchet, Sinn, Fortis, Maurice Lacroix and Vulcain.

For the first time, SEW will also feature a dedicated presentation of brands from the Swatch Group. In the elegant Primátorský Salon, prestigious Prague retailer Carollinum will present Longines, Hamilton and Mido, while another dedicated area of the main exhibition hall will showcase Rado, Union Glashütte and Certina, represented by retailer Koscom.

Independent watchmaking has always been an essential part of the SEW identity, and this year’s edition will once again highlight creators whose work combines traditional techniques with distinctive artistic visions.

Among the notable names are internationally acclaimed independent watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin and Slovak watchmaking studio Molnar Fabry, both representing highly individual approaches to mechanical horology.

Czech watchmaking will also enjoy a strong presence, with brands and creators including Prim, Robot, Prokop & Brož, independent watchmaker Ondřej Berkus and the creative project XIIVI. Visitors will also have the opportunity to discover the intricate art of hand engraving through live demonstrations by Veronika Tesaříková, whose exceptional craftsmanship will be displayed in detail through a microscope projection.

Beyond the exhibition itself, SEW is a place where collectors, watchmakers, designers, retailers and enthusiasts come together to share their passion for mechanical timepieces.

A comprehensive programme of presentations, interviews and live demonstrations, curated by watch expert Igor Sirota, will offer fascinating insights into watchmaking complications, materials, technologies and traditional manufacturing techniques.

This Friday, 6 November, SEW will host its traditional VIP Evening, beginning at 7:00 pm. The exclusive gathering will provide guests with an opportunity to meet representatives of participating watch brands in a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the Horological Creativity Contribution Award, recognising a lifetime contribution to creativity in the world of watchmaking. The celebrations will continue on Saturday with the announcement of the SEW Watch of the Year 2027, honouring the most outstanding timepieces presented at the exhibition.

The 12th edition of Salon Exceptional Watches promises much more than an impressive display of exceptional watches.

It is an invitation to discover the extraordinary human skill, patience, creativity and passion that lie behind every mechanical movement.

The event will also introduce a new collection of watch-themed T-shirts, created in support of the Czech Fund for Children in Need.

For collectors, enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the world of mechanical watches, Prague’s Žofín Palace is the place to be this Friday and Saturday, 6–7 November.

Dates: This Friday and Saturday, 6–7 November 2026

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