OAK Collection in Dubai: rare Patek Philippe and what to see in the city
In the fall, Dubai gives you a warm sea and a packed city program. The OAK collection has been shown to the public only a handful of times, and one of those exhibitions took place here in November 2023. The region's largest watch fair, Dubai Watch Week, is not connected to that showing.
Below: what Dubai Watch Week is, what made the OAK collection memorable, what weather to expect in Dubai, and what to see in the city in the fall.
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What Dubai Watch Week is
💡 In short:
- Dubai Watch Week is the largest watch fair in the Middle East.
- Admission is free for visitors; tickets are only needed for city venues.
- The 2023 Christie's showing of the OAK collection was not part of Dubai Watch Week.
- Dates and admission: 09/2026, verified on the official Dubai Watch Week website
Dubai Watch Week is not just showcases; it is also a major industry conference. It was founded in 2015 by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, with Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as its patron (as of 09/2026, Christie's press release).
The fair is held as a biennale, so each edition becomes an event. The seventh exhibition ran from November 19 to 23, 2025 at Dubai Mall and Burj Park: more than 90 brands were brought in and the exhibition area was doubled (as of 09/2026, Dubai Watch Week website). There is no fair in the fall of 2026; the next edition is expected in 2027.
The program goes far beyond showcases. You will find open talks, a watch forum, masterclasses, and seminars on art, design, and fashion. Every brand tries to hold its own event, while gastronomic and entertainment evenings run in the background.
© Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SAPhoto: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsA separate value of the fair is talking to manufacturers directly. You will see new releases before they reach stores and get answers about movements. For collectors, this is a rare format where everything is gathered in one place.
Why the OAK collection is unique
The OAK collection was shown in Dubai in November 2023 in the DIFC district; you cannot see it there now. It was brought by the auction house Christie's, and these watches were shown in the Middle East for the first time in history (as of 09/2026, Christie's exhibition page).
The abbreviation OAK stands for one-of-a-kind. The entire collection numbers more than 600 pieces, and more than 150 of them were brought to Dubai (as of 09/2026, Christie's data). Each piece was produced as a limited series, on commission, or as a special edition.
The collection took almost four decades to assemble, and it consists exclusively of Patek Philippe watches. It includes pocket and wrist models, chronographs, perpetual calendars, and world time watches. The exhibition was divided into 11 thematic sections (as of 09/2026, Christie's material).
© Rama · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rama, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/fr/deed.en), Wikimedia CommonsThe collection has been shown publicly only twice. The first time was in London in May 2022, and the second stop on the map was Dubai (as of 09/2026, Christie's announcement). The owner opened the collection to the public after many years of private storage, so the chance to see such pieces comes rarely.
The most recognizable exhibits in the collection are considered to be the Gay Frères bracelet and the V11 H7890 piece with the OAK engraving. The exhibition sections ran in order: from the early Calatrava to the work of independent masters.
What the weather is like in Dubai in November
November in Dubai marks the start of the velvet season. During the day the air stays around +30 °C, at night it drops to about +20 °C, and the water in the Persian Gulf remains warm, around +27 °C (As of 09/2026, Holiday-Weather).
So pack a swimsuit and sunscreen, and leave your warm coat at home. Beaches fall into two categories: paid ones with loungers and service, and free public city beaches. At these temperatures, time by the water is easy, but keep a hat and a supply of water close at hand.
In the evening the heat fades and the city becomes more comfortable. Dubai's nightlife comes alive after sunset, and if you are not into loud clubs, go for a walk along the waterfront and dinner by the bay.
What to do in Dubai in the fall
Dubai can easily fill a week ahead. Below are options that pair well with a visit to the exhibition. For the full range of tours and excursions, see GetYourGuide.
Sea cruise across the emirates
A cruise is a way to see several emirates in one trip. Routes usually include Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as a stop on Sir Bani Yas Island. You get to know the main attractions of each destination without spending time on transfers.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a separate museum in the UAE capital, not the one in Paris. It is about 140 km from Dubai by highway, so plan a full-day trip (by car). Inside you will see an art collection and a dome with a pattern of light.
© Boubloub · CC BY-SAPhoto: Boubloub, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsIMG Worlds of Adventure
If you are traveling with children, add IMG Worlds of Adventure. The park is divided into themed zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, and IMG Boulevard. Cafes, souvenir shops, and cinemas operate inside, so the day will pass without pauses.
© Jeremy Thompson · CC BYPhoto: Jeremy Thompson, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsDesert safari
A desert safari offers a contrast to the city. You ride over the dunes in jeeps, then swap the vehicle for a camel and arrive at a Bedouin village. This way you see the daily life of the indigenous population and compare it with the metropolis.
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world. The At the Top observation deck offers a panorama of the city and the bay. Tickets are cheaper during off-peak hours, and the sunset slot sells out first, so book in advance.
© OzAdr1an from Canberra, Australia · CC BYPhoto: OzAdr1an from Canberra, Australia, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsIf you are short on time, pick two items from the list and leave one evening free. That way you can fit in both the exhibition and the beach.
Tours and tickets in Dubai
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.
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How to get to Dubai
The easiest way to get to Dubai is by plane: there are direct flights from major European cities. Tickets are usually cheaper on weekdays, and it's best to arrive in the morning so you can get to your hotel without rushing. You can find a flight on Kiwi.com.
Where to stay in Dubai
The city has a huge number of hotels: from budget options in Deira to beach resorts in Jumeirah. If you want to combine the beach and the exhibition, choose an area near Dubai Mall. You can compare prices and book a room on Trip.com.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
When does Dubai Watch Week take place?
The next edition is expected in 2027. Check the official website for exact dates (as of 09/2026, Dubai Watch Week program).
How much does admission cost?
Admission to Dubai Watch Week is free for visitors. Ticket prices for the Burj Khalifa observation deck depend on the floor and time of day, so check the official website before your trip.
Can I see the OAK collection now?
No, the Dubai showing ended long ago. The watch is now with its owner, so keep an eye out for announcements of new exhibitions (as of 09/2026, Christie's Dubai).
How many days do you need for Dubai?
A few days are enough for the city and the exhibition. Set aside one day for the Burj Khalifa observation deck and another for the Louvre Abu Dhabi or a desert safari. If you're planning a cruise around the Emirates, add time for the sea portion of the itinerary.
In short: what to book
If you're going to Dubai for the exhibition, combine it with the Burj Khalifa observation deck and an evening stroll along the waterfront. Those who want more can add a desert safari or a trip to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The choice is simple. Traveling with kids? Go for IMG Worlds of Adventure. Love the sea? Plan a cruise around the Emirates. Want a quiet evening? Choose dinner by the bay.
The only things worth booking in advance are observation deck tickets and a hotel near Dubai Mall: Burj Khalifa tickets. Everything else can be decided on the spot.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.