HS-U at the Inaugural Deer Valley Watch Week

The Horological Society of Utah was proud to participate in the inaugural Deer Valley Watch Week, hosted at the Montage Hotel and Resort at Deer Valley in Park City. The new gathering brought collectors, enthusiasts, brands, and industry voices together through conversation, discovery, and shared appreciation for watchmaking. Set against the backdrop of Deer Valley, the week offered a uniquely Utah expression of horology: elevated, welcoming, and rooted in connection.

Covering a New Watch Destination in the Mountain West

Joshua Shapiro discusses American watchmaking

Throughout the event, the energy was palpable! From brand presentations given by industry stalwarts like Girard-Perregaux, Ulysse-Nardin, and Bovet, to unique conversations with representatives from Audemars Piguet and Philips Auction, to the passion for American watchmaking shared by Joshua Shapiro from J.N. Shapiro Watches, to the informal conversations that happen when collectors gather around the watches they love, there was literally something for everyone.

In recent years, watch events have flourished around the world, giving collectors more opportunities than ever to see new releases and connect with brands. What made Deer Valley Watch Week different was its focus on the passions beyond watches that often drive collectors in the first place: food, art, cars, jewelry, design, and craftsmanship in all its forms. Rather than relying on traditional presentations, the panels felt intentionally conversational, creating space for questions, transparency, and the kind of open dialogue that makes a community feel both informed and included.

DJ Justin Blau gets the party started

Outside of the regular programming, the revelry amongst the attendees in social settings really provided the soundtrack for the event – figuratively and quite literally given the private performance from renowned DJ Justin Blau! In a world where traditional trade shows feel exhausting and repetitive, the Deer Valley Watch Week felt fresh and intimate! The event underscored something HS-U has long believed: meaningful horological experiences are built not only around watches, but around the people, stories, and knowledge that surround them.

Dan Royer on Building Watch Communities

For the Horological Society of Utah, a highlight of the week was HS-U board member Dan Royer’s inclusion in a panel discussion focused on building watch communities, maintaining authenticity, and creating spaces where enthusiasts feel genuinely welcome. Dan shared how HS-U works to make horology approachable through education, hands-on experiences, brand events, and member-focused gatherings that encourage curiosity at every level of collecting.

"This was such a great opportunity to communicate the mission of the Horological Society of Utah and the role we play in fostering the growth of the watch community in the intermountain west. The connections we made and the potential for collaboration are really important as we seeks to provide more opportunities for our members to learn and expand their horological knowledge." - Dan Royer

At HS-U, authenticity means keeping the community centered on learning, camaraderie, and belonging. Whether someone is discovering mechanical watches for the first time or has spent years studying movements, complications, and brand history, HS-U aims to create an environment where every member can contribute, ask questions, and feel part of something larger than their own collection.

A Shared Future for Horology in Utah

Deer Valley Watch Week marked an exciting new chapter for the regional watch scene, and HS-U was honored to be part of its inaugural year. As Utah and the mountain west region continues to grow as a destination for collectors, brands, and enthusiasts, HS-U remains committed to supporting the culture of horology through education, community outreach, and a strong sense of belonging for all who share a love of timekeeping.