SalonQP, the UK’s only event devoted to fine watchmaking, returns to the Saatchi Gallery, very close to
The Mandarin Oriental and
The Lanesborough, this November for its fourth edition. Every year SalonQP showcases the very finest in contemporary horology, and 2012 will be no exception – renowned grandes maisons such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget will appear alongside a wealth of independent watchmakers including MB&F, Urwerk and Speake-Marin. Watch collectors, enthusiasts, commentators and industry insiders alike will gather to handle, consider and discuss nearly 1,000 pieces from the world’s leading brands.
As in previous years, the event will introduce the newest watches and brands to the UK, as well as featuring a programme of demonstrations and discussions from the brightest and best in the world of watchmaking. This year SalonQP will host a number of intimate roundtable talks, with Maria Doulton, of The Jewellery Editor, running two discussions highlighting women’s watches.
What’s more, there will be a preview screening of The Watchmaker’s Apprentice, a film about the late Dr George Daniels CBE MBE – one of the greatest watchmakers of the past 200 years – and his only apprentice, Roger W Smith. The film includes the last ever interview with Daniels himself. Special tickets have just been released to view the film on the afternoon of Friday 9 November, featuring an exclusive introduction by Roger Smith.
As for the watches themselves, SalonQP is a unique event providing a relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s best timepieces with no sales pressure. To give you a taste of what to expect at the event, we have listed below a small sample of this year’s highlights:
•Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Sphérotourbillon. Widely considered best in show at SIHH, this watch is sure to draw crowds at SalonQP. Part of the brand’s Duomètre line, it employs a ‘dual-wing’ design using two separate power sources – one for timekeeping and one for regulation/complications.
•TAG Heuer’s MikrotourbillonS. Seen for the first time in the UK, the world’s fastest ever tourbillon will be presented at SalonQP.
•Urwerk’s UR-210. In another exclusive, SalonQP will present the first opportunity for fans of the eternally forward-looking Urwerk to experience their jaw-dropping new watch ‘in the metal’.
•Harry Winston’s Opus 12. Continuing the Opus tradition of working with only the most extraordinary craftsmen, this piece was designed in collaboration with Emmanuel Bouchet. Daring to be different, this masterpiece features no hour or minute hand.
Opening its doors on Thursday 8 November with a VIP reception, the exhibition continues throughout Friday 9 and Saturday 10, including the Legend of Kremlin Vodka Cocktail Reception on the Friday evening.