There is a particular kind of electricity, both static and palpable, that fills a room when hundreds of perfectly groomed dogs gather under one roof. Part pageantry, part competition, part unabashed devotion, at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held annually in New York City, that energy is distilled into a spectacle of discipline, fluff, and barely contained excitement. For many, the gateway into this world was Christopher Guest’s Best in Show, a pitch-perfect satire of elite canine culture.
Attending the main Westminster event in person is largely a spectator experience. Within Madison Square Garden, stadium seating keeps viewers above the show floor, admiring the handlers’ choreography and the dogs’ composure from a distance.
For those who prefer a more hands-on encounter, the weekend following the main event offers something better: the American Kennel Club’s Meet the Breeds. “Designed to educate the public on responsible pet ownership,” according to the AKC, attendees of Meet the Breed have an up-close opportunity to engage with many of the canines represented in competition. Owners and handlers are onsite and chatty, and many of the dogs demonstrate tricks and agility in a dedicated demonstration ring. It feels less like a championship and more like a celebration.
Over the second weekend in February, I attended wearing the Ingenieur Automatic 35 from IWC, a more compact take on the brand’s classic Ingenieur design. My version featured the silver-plated dial with the familiar grid pattern that defines the modern Ingenieur family, offered in either white or black for the steel models. I chose the white dial, reasoning it would coordinate well with fluffy white fur — a rather abundant material at a multi-breed dog event.
The AKC Meet the Breeds floor at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (across town from Madison Square Garden) is arranged somewhere between a trade show and a school fair. Each breed has a designated booth, often decorated with photos and literature, and staffed by passionate owners eager to answer questions. The environment is approachable and welcoming, particularly for children. The highlight, of course, is that you can interact with the dogs — with permission. (Every single owner I asked responded with an enthusiastic “of course!” Your experience may vary.)
As I made my rounds, assuring each dog that they were indeed the very best dog, I found myself thinking about how well suited the Ingenieur is for a dog owner. The integrated bracelet sits comfortably on the wrist, its polished center links smooth enough to minimize snagging, whether on a pup’s fuzzy head or your own sleeve. It offers 100 meters of water resistance, more than sufficient for real-life scenarios like bathing a muddy dog or supervising a swimming lesson. The crystal features antireflective coating on both sides for maximum legibility; useful when determining whether it is truly dinner time or simply a persuasive campaign for second (or third) breakfast. And though 35mm may sound modest on paper, the watch wears larger thanks to its lug geometry and integrated bracelet, feeling visually closer to 36 or 37mm and accommodating a wide range of wrist sizes.
When I walked up to this majestic Pekingese, perched regally on a purple embroidered pillow, I looked down to see his little tongue sticking out at me. I asked him, “Excuse me, sir, are you royalty?” His owner chuckled, replied in the affirmative, and gave a brief explanation on the history of the breed, which was favored by royalty in the Chinese Imperial Court as a companion dog. He sniffed my hand, gave me an approving snuffle, and graciously allowed me to pet his aristocratic yet fluffy head.
Beyond the dogs themselves, Meet the Breeds offers a full program. The demonstration ring hosts dog sports exhibitions, obstacle courses, and trick performances (rewarded with treats, naturally). Vendors line the floor offering pet insurance, dog gear, and the all-important toys. There is even a Kids’ Zone with games, photo opportunities, and a scaled agility course. For the record, I did not attempt the agility course.
While every dog and owner I encountered was friendly and generous with attention and snacks, it felt mildly inappropriate to ask a stranger’s dog to try on my watch. Instead, I enlisted the help of my friend’s dog, Islay, a West Highland White Terrier with prior modeling credentials.
I’ve known Islay since she was an 8-week-old puppy; when I came to greet her, she returned the favor with full-body enthusiasm and an impressive amount of wiggle. Her breed, the West Highland White Terrier, more commonly, the Westie, carries many of the hallmarks of terriers: stubborn streak included, and a remarkable concentration of personality in a very small frame. She is fearless when approaching new people or other dogs, operating with the confidence of an animal twice her size. She is also deeply, unwaveringly food-motivated, which makes her an ideal model so long as a treat remains within sightlines.
Islay has attended watch meetups, assisted her owner in watch acquisitions, and, most critically, possesses fur that perfectly matches the dial of the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35. She can be found on Instagram at @dappered_dog, should you wish to follow her professional endeavors. After her photo session concluded, she executed her signature zoomies around the room, making deliberate rounds to each human present and ensuring no opportunity for attention went unclaimed.
Whether attending the formal Westminster competition or the more interactive AKC Meet the Breeds, a dog show makes for a genuinely joyful, family-friendly outing. And the next time you are selecting a watch for the day, consider coordinating not with your outfit, but with your most loyal companion.
