For several months, I’ve been part of the Micro Indy Collective Community a community on WhatsApp which is a group of watch collectors and enthusiasts.
The MIC Community was created a little over a year ago by Omar Kabbani and Samuel Danho, and it’s truly a success.
The discussions there are very interesting, and obviously, when you love watchmaking, you enjoy participating in all of it.
Building on this success, the duo, in association with Ahmed Gawdat from Watchcollectivetwo, decided to create the Timezones. The latter seems very interesting given the 70+ brands that will be participating.
I won’t reveal everything, but thanks to this interview, you’ll learn a little more, particularly about co-founder Omar Kabbani.
Could you tell us a bit about you and your story with watches?
By profession, I am a legal headhunter. I have been in the legal sector for over 20 years but have always been attracted to watches. I started my collecting journey approximately 10 years ago but I only really started getting hooked around Covid. Of course, in the beginning and like most other people, I admired the likes of Rolex and the Holy Trinity but this later began shifting to microbrands and independents. The more I researched, the more I enjoyed discovering and learning about watchmaking. But it isn’t easy to get hands on with these types of watches as they are not typically found in shops or stocked with retailers.
What is MIC?
It was in April 2024 that me and a friend, Samuel Danho, decided to set up a Whatsapp community called Micro Indy Collective or MIC. The idea was to create a platform with the purpose of connecting microbrands and independent watchmakers to a global group of collectors and enthusiasts. The unique feature about this was to create a bridge between brands and enthusiasts, a direct access point if you will. This is something you would only otherwise find by attending watch exhibitions and shows.
How has MIC evolved since its inception?
MIC is a community where brands promote, showcase and educate us about their creations. What started as a hobby project soon scaled beyond our expectations. Today, we have close to 250 brands participating on the platform. MIC is much more than a Whatsapp community now. We have since hosted numerous events in London, Dubai and Geneva, brand showcases, launched various models for multiple brands and even collaborated on some MIC special edition projects which sold out in short time.
We have been able to offer members pre-public sale allocations for some sought after models, photography/videography and marketing services thanks to Ahmed Gawdat of Watchcollectivetwo, and more recently we are even involved in helping brands with investment funding. We have evolved into a complete 360 service for independents and microbrands.
When did the idea to create a watch event came to you?
Hosting watch events was always part of what MIC offered and wanted to do. However, our experience to date revolved around hosting smaller scale shows – typically showcasing 15-20 brands. With the fast growth of the MIC community came the demand to do something on a bigger scale. In association with Ahmed Gawdat from Watchcollectivetwo (who is a dear friend and ally of MIC), we started planning Timezones together.
Why did you choose to do it in Dubai and not in another city?
Two main reasons. Firstly, it is where both MIC and WCT are based. Secondly, it is where we identified a gap in the market. There is no shortage of exhibitions in other cities. In fact, some may argue it is getting a little saturated. There are numerous events held in the US, UK, Europe and Asia already. Brands are well represented there. The only significant event in the Middle East is Dubai Watch Week (DWW) which is bi-annual. So we wanted to plug this gap but also offer to the market a variety of brands not typically exhibited anywhere else in the Middle East region. Dubai is the hub for the entire region and makes perfect sense.
Is the show only for microbrands or is it open to indies and mainstream brands?
True to MIC’s ethos, the event is focused on both independents and microbrands only. DWW does a fantastic job of showcasing mainstream brands as well as some of the independent brands. We are not looking to compete with DWW at all but rather enhance the overall visitor experience by showcasing brands you would not typically be able to see at DWW or elsewhere in the region.
To whet our appetites, can you say how many brands will participate at Timezones and give us some names of participating brands?
We are still in the closing stages of the registration phase but are filling up fast. We hope to have 70+ exhibitors at Timezones. Some of them will unveil exclusive timepieces, limited edition models and even brand-new launches making their global debut at our show. You can expect to see some well-known household named brands as well as some you will likely have never come across before. This is the whole point of our show. It is about the experience and discovery.
I admit we’re very excited by the variety of microbrands and independents that will be participating in the event.
From micro brands like Feynman Timekeepers and Sunrex, to independents like Frédéric Jouvenot and Holthinrichs, and even Christopher Ward and Isotope, not to mention Sushkov Maxim and even Felipe Pikullik.
There will be something for everyone, all tastes and all price points.
Is there one or more brands that you have never seen in real life and are excited to discover?
A small number of our exhibitors will be making their global debut at Timezones. I have not seen these pieces in real life, and neither has anyone else. It is very exciting to experience these together for the first time, exclusively at Timezones. Additionally, some other exhibitors are announcing and unveiling brand new model launches.
For example, Felipe Pikullik‘s eagerly awaited Moonphase II will make its grand unveiling at Timezones – an exciting watch from an equally exciting watchmaker. Of course, there are other brands that I haven’t yet had the pleasure to experience in real life. Maxim Shushkov and Rashid Tsoroev are exhibiting for the very first time. Such a rare opportunity to see these timepieces and meet the artisans who make them is really unique and special. There are too many to mention but there is a lot to look forward to seeing.
From your perception, what will make your show so special?
It is the first show of its kind in the region, dedicated to independents and microbrands only. And it is more than an exhibition – it is an immersive experience. From strapmaking to dial-painting and watchmaking masterclasses, we have curated a vibrant program that puts visitors in the heart of horlogy like never before.
Some of our exhibitors are showcasing their watches for the very first time outside of their home jurisdiction! They have never exhibited internationally before. Visitors will be very fotunate to see these watches up close in the metal. Finally, we have a unique and never been done before theme to our event, but this is under wraps until the official announcement of Timezones (but lets just say the clue is in the name!).
How many visitors do you expect in Dubai?
Hard to say, it is a 2 day event and our inaugral event. But given our team includes one of the top 5 Middle Eastern content creators, we are confident in the reach to the highest number of collectors in the region. Additionally, the close proximity to typical tourist hotspots such as Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountains as well Burj Khalifa itself (that attract millions of visitors a year), we expect a lot of people to visit the show. The venue is also a short stroll away from DWW so it will be a fantastic experience for any watch enthusiast.
Social networks are really important for watch brands. Can you explain to us what is your strategy to highlight the brands that participate in your show?
An aggressive social media campaign will be at the forefront of our marketing strategy. But beyond this, utilising the strength of MIC’s community and network is very important. We are fortunate to have some strong supporters and will have some help from some of our content creator and influencer friends to spread the word.
Now and more generally, what are your plans for the future? Do you think of developing the event, and possibly making it live in another city?
We called it Timezones for a reason. It is a little early to lay concrete plans for the future but it is our hope to establish this as a branded global event that can be hosted in multiple destinations.
What aspects of your show you think people should know more about?
It is an experience to discover brands that you didn’t know about but the majority of visitors can afford. Additionally, it is a sales event, unlike other shows in the region. Visitors are welcome to make purchases on the day, particularly for the limited editions and new launches. We will also be offering watchmaking classes – spaces are limited so as soon as this is announced, its advised to book and register it quickly!
Is Timezones open to the public or is it a private event? And how can people reach you for more info?
Timezones is open to everyone and anyone. Visitors will have to register their attendance and select which day they prefer. Other than the watchmaking classes, it is free to attend. More details on how and where to register will first be announced on our instagram page – so please do follow us there for announcements and updates – https://www.instagram.com/timezones_official/. Brands who are interested in exhibiting with us can reach us via instagram or email us on microindycollective@gmail.com
To finish, but I already know the answer, are you also a watch collector? If yes, what kind of watches do you collect?
Of course. My collection includes watches across all the segments – estalished brands, indys and micros. Sports/divers to dress watches and everything in between. I buy what I love, that is the broad rule of my collecting habits. More recently, I am leaning heavily towards indys and micros – this is where I experience more innovation, accesibility to the watchmaker, and better customer service. It is exactly these types of brands and watches that will be on show at Timezones.
Hope you guys have enjoyed this interview. You can follow Timezones on the social networks :
Timezones Instagram / MIC Facebook / MIC Instagram
Discover 70+ premier watch brands on an exploratory journey of Horology
When : 21st – 22nd November 2025
Where : Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa – Dubai
Get Registration Pass by clicking HERE.
Jonathan Kopp
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