EXCLUSIVE: US Watch Awards to celebrate industry excellence
The inaugural US Watch Awards will be taking place on November 23 at Manhattan’s Guastavino’s.
The night will be a celebration of the outstanding work and accomplishments of the brightest and most innovative retailers, brands, and suppliers that operate in the US watch industry’s ecosystem today.
“The US Watch Awards is an irresistible event whose time has come.” said CEO Daniel Malins. “There is simply no more important market for watches in the world than the States, and this shows in the quality of the retailers and brands that I’ve had the privilege to meet and get to know over the past decade.”
“A flagship gala event like this should reward those individuals and companies that are working tirelessly in their roles all year round. These are the people that keep the magnificent US watch wheel turning, and now they will get the recognition they deserve on November 23.
“Watch Insider is the US watch industry’s magazine and the US Watch Awards is a physical manifestation of the audience and community that we speak with and bring together on a daily basis.”
Working in partnership with the US Watch Awards will be Jewelers for Children (JFC), whose amazing work over decades has transformed the lives of young people, donating over $65 million along the way.
“It is very exciting for the US watch industry to have a trade-only awards experience,” said Sara Murphy, executive director at JFC. “The watch and jewelry industry is made up of the kindest people; they deserve recognition for their hard work and creativity.
“So much of the way we function in the watch and jewelry industry is by building relationships of trust and shared values with vendors and retailers,” she continued. “When you form a personal relationship with a charity like JFC you are making sure everyone knows that your value system involves supporting those in need. When you build a relationship with a charitable partner, you really get to see your impact and feel the change you are making.
“The US Watch Awards give us the opportunity to meet even more watchmakers and retailers and talk about the ways they can make an impact.”
Murphy has worked and made friends with many of the generous leaders that make up the US watch trade, and she believes that it’s a natural partnership. “The US watch and jewelry industry is our community. JFC would not exist without the kindness of the industry, but also without the thoughtful leadership the industry provides.
“We have become the largest private funder of three of our nonprofit partners. Millions of children have been affected by JFC funds. The impact of JFC is vast, and important, and without the kindness of the industry none of it would be possible,” she concluded.
There will also be a line-up of talks and seminars at the venue in the afternoon on the day of the US Watch Awards, creating a real sense that 23 November will be a genuine jamboree and coming together of the leading lights of the American watch trade.
The list of categories will be revealed in the coming weeks, along with the lineup of seminars and talks, and information on how to secure tickets and join JFC and the biggest names in the industry on 23 November.
