Aspen Summer Events 2024… And the Watches to Wear to Them

Perched among the majestic Rocky Mountains, Aspen is like no other place on earth. With the perfect combination of spectacular natural vistas and enriching arts and cultural events, this Colorado paradise attracts the best of the best when it comes to fashion, outdoor adventure, and elite events. 

If you are spending time in Aspen this summer, there are a few cannot-miss activities already speckling the calendar – let’s explore what’s happening in Aspen during the summer of 2024. Plus, we will make sure that you are equipped with the perfect watch to exemplify Aspen fashion this summer.

Aspen is well known across the globe for its exemplary balance of fashion and adventure. Top fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and more have put down roots in Aspen – and we have, too – the Avi & Co. Aspen location is open for business. Watches are a hot item on the Aspen scene, and there are plenty of luxury watch retailers in the mix here. 

This year, the inaugural Watch Week Aspen event is sure to be the talk of the town as participating brands join together to promote collaboration and camaraderie. So who is involved? Notable participants include Audemars Piguet, Panerai, Bremont, Betteridge, and many others. For any watch enthusiasts, this is an ideal event to meet other collectors and share knowledge and style while showing off your favorite pieces of wristwear. 

Countless local luxury goods and jewelry boutiques will be hosting events during Watch Week Aspen – and among them is Avi & Co. Join us on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at our Avi & Co. Aspen location (situated at 602 East Cooper Avenue) for our Wine & Watches event with our very own Bernil Barthelemy. 

Barthelemy is a watch expert and new Aspen resident who is excited to showcase the finest selection of hand-selected, hard-to-find Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex timepieces. Do not miss this must-see event to get a first-hand look at this special viewing. Now, what to wear? 

The perfect watch for Watch Week Aspen? It would be remiss not to highlight one of our favorite watches from Audemars Piguet, a Watch Week participant and heritage brand that never goes out of style. For your Watch Week Aspen look, you cannot go wrong with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Consider, for instance, this striking rose gold model with a 41mm dial and black face: 

In addition to its connections to fashion and haute couture, Aspen is widely appreciated as a hub for great music. Catch bouncy melodies dancing amidst the Aspen breeze as you enjoy the annual Jazz Aspen Festival. Join music enthusiasts from around the world to soak up a harmonious celebration of jazz, blues, and so much more. 

Whether you are a seasoned jazz veteran or you are new to the jazz scene, Jazz Aspen is the perfect place to embark on a musical discovery journey like no other. As you bask in Aspen’s natural beauty and enjoy the chords floating through the crisp mountain air, you’ll want to look the part by accenting your outfit with a premier luxury watch. 

Wondering which watch is right for the Jazz Aspen Festival? Evoke the 1940s roots of today’s modern jazz world with a horological masterpiece like the kings of jazz once wore: The Rolex Daytona. Jazz legends Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie were both noted Rolex fans, and sporting a Rolex watch to the Jazz Aspen Festival will surely indicate you know your stuff.

For instance, consider this Rolex Daytona, which offers an eye-catching green index dial, an 18K yellow gold bracelet and case, and a 40mm dial that makes it flexible for both dressy and casual wear. Make an appointment with Avi & Co. to try on this watch today. 

The Aspen Art Fair, which will take place from July 29 to August 2 this year, highlights Aspen’s world-class cultural institutions. It will take place at the renowned Hotel Jerome, a staple of the Aspen social scene, and will include traditional art fair booths as well as hotel room installations and unexpected art displays throughout the property. With thirty to forty dealers purveying luxury art, this is a can’t-miss event for any art collector in Aspen this summer.  

At an event that celebrates the rich heritage and transatlantic tradition of modern art collecting, you cannot go wrong with a watch from a prestigious Swiss craftsman like Patek Philippe. In fact, the connection between Patek Philippe and the art world is well-recorded. Even turn-of-the-century artists like Pablo Picasso favored this brand – Picasso has been photographed wearing the rare Patek Philippe Ref. 2497 with a perpetual calendar. 

Looking for a similar watch? The incredible craftsmanship and aesthetic construction of the Patek Philippe Calatrava mirrors the look and feel of Picasso’s memorable Patek Philippe watch. Consider this example, which highlights a similar brown leather strap paired with an 18K white gold face and blue dial. The 42mm size evokes early 20th century trends and pairs perfectly with a night out enjoying the Aspen Art Fair.

Anyone who is anyone in Aspen is sure to be seen shopping for fresh produce and locally made artisan goods at Colorado’s premier farmer’s market. The Saturday Market is open on (you guessed it) Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – you will find delicious Colorado-grown vegetables, fruits, bread, meats, jams, and more. Plus, get your hands on unique pieces from local artists and craftsmen. 

While the Saturday Market may seem like a casual occasion, Aspen enthusiasts know that there is never a bad time to show off your style in this hip town. While athleisure reigns supreme at the Saturday market, touches of luxury elevate any outfit. For instance, a sportier piece like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore might just be the perfect addition to a high-end workout wear ensemble. 

Even when you are dressed down, there is never a bad time to show that you have impeccable taste and style. Turn heads by subtly taking your outfit up a notch with this eye-catching Royal Oak Offshore. The steel case and white dial on this watch give it a sporty and functional flair, and the lemon-yellow rubber bracelet adds to the comfort and ergonomics of this piece.

There are a few hotspots for concerts during a summer in Aspen, but nothing quite compares to Belly Up, a 450-capacity club that has hosted countless famous acts – and continues to impress with a stellar lineup this summer. Legends like Weezer, The Killers, Jimmy Buffett, Snoop Dogg, and others have made waves at Belly Up over the years. 

Rolling Stone has consistently ranked Belly Up Aspen as one of the best clubs in the nation, making it easier for the venue to attract big-name acts to play for this 450-person space even though they could certainly sell out much larger venues. This summer, expect to see headliners like Megan Moroney, Duke Dumont, Poolside, Spoon, and others attracting Aspen summer residents into this quaint venue for a wild night of music and fun. 

Wondering what watch to wear as you enjoy your favorite artist’s set tucked amidst the mountainous scenery in Aspen, Colorado? Signal your incredible taste with a sporty-chic Richard Mille watch, a favorite of musicians like Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Ed Sheeran, Seal, and Chris Brown.

Combine the brand’s iconic tonneau shape with some non-traditional flair with the RM 67-02 “Italy” edition. The skeletonized dial highlights the brand’s commitment to transparency and flawless precision design while the textured red strap will prove comfortable and light as you enjoy a Bell Up concert in Aspen this summer. 

A staple of Aspen’s social scene, Hotel Jerome is the place to be for an afternoon cocktail and spotting the who’s who of Aspen, Colorado. Founded in 1899, the hotel is committed to a Western, historical aesthetic. With cowhide chairs and Wild West-themed artwork, Hotel Jerome is sure to transport you back to the turn of the century, when cowboys reigned in this ski town. 

Thanks to the hotel’s supreme cocktail programming, it is a hot place to go for a drink amongst gardens of wildflowers and hanging bistro lights. From the terracotta patio, you can soak up the crisp mountain air and enjoy views of Aspen’s most striking peaks. Plus, it is a surefire place to spot some of Aspen’s glitterati – and perhaps even get noticed yourself. 

Looking for the perfect watch to accompany you to Hotel Jerome? Look no further than the Patek Philippe Nautilus. These timeless watches have been coveted accessories for years, and showing one off while seated in Hotel Jerome’s courtyard is sure to turn heads. 

For example, consider this hallmark of the Nautilus collection. This rose gold Patek Philippe watch boasts a diamond-encrusted bezel, a gold opaline dial, and a petite 35mm face that makes it perfectly sized for wearers of any gender. 

In Aspen this summer and looking for the perfect watch to wear to your next event? Look no further than Avi & Co.’s Aspen location. Make an appointment today to stop by our showroom and find the watch you’ve been waiting for.