KL’s Ultimate Timepiece Exhibition brought together leading maisons, watchmaking experiences and creative collaborations at Pavilion KL.
Swiss Watch marked its 25th anniversary with the return of Art of Time 2026, bringing the world of fine watchmaking to the heart of Kuala Lumpur from 9 to 20 September at Pavilion KL.
Now in its 12th edition, the exhibition presented an immersive showcase bringing together celebrated watchmaking maisons, independent haute horlogerie, hands-on experiences and creative collaborations under one roof.
Headlining Art of Time this year were Bell & Ross, Breitling, Bvlgari, TAG Heuer, TUDOR and ZENITH, each presenting its own distinctive brand space alongside a specially curated selection of novelties and exceptional timepieces.
From Breitling’s warm, industrial-inspired setting to Bell & Ross’ highly photogenic space, Bvlgari’s refined contemporary aesthetic and the distinctly modern worlds of TAG Heuer, TUDOR and ZENITH, each environment brought the individual character of the Maison to life, allowing visitors to move seamlessly from one watchmaking universe to another.
Beyond the six headlining maisons, visitors discovered the latest creations and special timepieces from Montblanc, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai and Piaget. For discerning collectors looking to venture further into the world of haute horlogerie, Bovet and Jaquet Droz further enriched the exhibition with their distinctive expressions of craftsmanship and mechanical artistry.
Together, the 13 participating watchmakers presented a multifaceted view of contemporary fine watchmaking – from iconic maisons and high-performance timepieces to rare creations that celebrate traditional savoir-faire.
At the heart of Art of Time 2026 was the opportunity to go beyond admiring a finished timepiece and discover the skill and precision behind its creation.
Exclusively for Art of Time, a ZENITH watchmaking expert from the Manufacture in Switzerland was in Kuala Lumpur to conduct a series of intimate, hands-on watchmaking workshops from 9 to 11 September. The dedicated ZENITH Watch Clinic gave invited participants a rare opportunity to experience first-hand the precision and patience required in fine watchmaking, bringing them closer to the craftsmanship and technical mastery behind a mechanical timepiece.
Adding another dimension to the experience, Leica joined Art of Time as an event partner with a specially curated watch photography workshop for participants of the Watch Clinic. From appreciating the smallest mechanical details to learning how to capture them through a lens, the collaboration brought together two disciplines united by precision, craftsmanship and an eye for detail.
Beyond watchmaking, Art of Time continues to explore how creativity and craftsmanship can take different forms. For this year’s exhibition, Swiss Watch reunited with renowned Malaysian graffiti artist Cloakwork, this time in collaboration with Tesla, to transform a Tesla Model Y L into a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Created specifically for Art of Time 2026, the unique vehicle became Cloakwork’s canvas, bringing together contemporary art, movement and design in an unexpected expression of creativity.
While timepieces remain at the heart of the exhibition, Art of Time has evolved into an experience that encourages visitors to linger, discover and enjoy the occasion.
The Art of Time Coffee Bar brought Bacha Coffee’s signature Moroccan coffee experience into the exhibition, where visitors enjoyed premium 100% Arabica coffees and pastries over conversations about their favourite watches.
Motorsport enthusiasts had another reason to visit Art of Time. Visitors who purchased a TAG Heuer timepiece during the exhibition stood a chance to win Grandstand passes to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Scenes from the Art of Time 2026 launch night at Pavilion KL.