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Beaumonde • Exhibition
Haute ticket The UK’s premier fine-watch show, SalonQP, showcases an array of faces old and new at the Saatchi Gallery this month
Chances are, as a reader of this magazine, you will already be familiar with this most anticipated of events on the horological calendar: from 12 to 14 November, SalonQP will be welcoming to the Saatchi Gallery everyone from the most expert collectors to those just bitten by the watchmaking bug. An annual affair, it is the only event in the UK where the Swiss industry’s big hitters – Jaeger-LeCoultre, Chopard, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget et al – rub shoulders with the smaller, independent brands under one roof. It is a testament to SalonQP’s success that, in its seventh year (and the second since it was acquired by the Telegraph Media Group), it continues to grow – this edition sees more than 80 houses taking part. It has also extended its remit: this year, alongside an ever-increasing roster of curated exhibitions and seminars guaranteed to satiate your inner watch nerd, there will be plenty to distract even the most ardent enthusiast. Think luxury cars, boys’ toys, cocktails and music. Diversions aside, SalonQP can always be relied on to represent the breadth of watchmaking and techniques. The Gems of Time series offers a unique insight into the world of jewellery watches. It had its inaugural showing last year and makes a welcome return in 2015. An exhibition within an exhibition, held in partnership with ethical gemstone supplier Gemfields, its Art of Colour theme is explored through a showcase curated by the contributing watch editor of The Telegraph Magazine, Caragh McKay, with set design by Wallpaper editor-at-large Leila Latchin and drawings by fashion illustrator Nuno da Costa. A treasure trove of haute-joaillerie watches from leading names such as Harry Winston, Backes & Strauss and Bulgari will also be on show, and visitors will be able to sit in on insightful talks, including an ‘in-conversation-with’ session in which McKay debates the continued relevance of jewelled watches with Sasha Slater, deputy editor of Harper’s Bazaar. ‘Last year, for the first time, we explored a little-known part of the world’s most renowned high-jewellery houses: the jewelled watch,’ explains McKay. ‘This year, we will be building on that, revealing further intricacies of the fascinating collaboration between the jeweller, setter and watchmaker. Together, they create awe-inspiring jewels rooted in a craft tradition, but make them brilliantly modern by taking creative risks with artisanal techniques.’
From top Objectif Horlogerie is offering a masterclass in watchmaking; The Gems of Time exhibition returns; and the likes of Junghans will be showing off their wares
On the seminar timetable, a lesson on design from Giles Ellis, charismatic founder of Sussex’s Schofield Watch Company, is one not to miss. British horology will also be celebrated with the debut UK screening of The Watchmaker’s Apprentice, which tells the captivating story of Dr George Daniels, one of the finest exponents of the craft in the modern era. It will be followed by a Q&A session with his accomplished protégé, the eponymous apprentice Roger W Smith. Elsewhere, Switzerland’s Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie will be presenting the special exhibition Inside a Second, which explores the history and importance of the chronograph. SalonQP also offers the rare chance to see at first hand the winning timepieces from the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – the ‘Oscars’ of the watchmaking industry. With such a plethora of brands exhibiting, there will be no shortage of show-stopping examples. The tour de force that is Montblanc’s Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama, for instance – an impressive combination of a cylindrical tourbillon and triple-time-zone indication – will be on display on the brand’s stand for those wishing to take a closer look. The independent watchmakers never fail to impress with the breadth of their design and skill. Must-sees at this year’s event include Grönefeld’s Parallax Tourbillon – an exercise in ultra-precise timekeeping by two Dutch brothers – and the Voutilainen GMR, by Finnish master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, who will be revealing a new creation at the exhibition. While the array of brands and new launches in the line-up speaks for itself, it is the opportunity to personally meet the makers and discover the passion behind the product that makes SalonQP such a one-of-a-kind event. It’s enough to leave even the most seasoned horology devotee with a renewed appreciation for the innovation and expertise of watchmaking in 2015. ● salonqp.com
Stéphane Adam; Ben Lister
Words: Eleanor Pryor