DFS

DECEMBER 13, 2012 - Following the opening this past weekend of its highly-acclaimed annual exhibition, Masterpieces of Time, DFS Group (DFS) is now presenting the watch collectors and connoisseurs of Asia with its expertly curated selection of the world’s finest timepieces. Considered the most prestigious Haute Horlogerie gathering throughout Asia, Masterpieces of Time IV will remind all guests of an essential truth: A fine timepiece becomes a companion to our treasured events – marking the Pinnacle Moments of our journey through life. Highlighting this concept, DFS’ remarkable collection of 400 exquisite watches by 32 of the world’s preeminent watchmakers offers passage into the extraordinary world of watchmaker masterpieces — a journey which all DFS customers will have the opportunity to enjoy until February 28, 2013.

 “Masterpieces of Time IV is an achievement that directly results from our over half century of expertise as the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, and we are extremely proud to be able to share this exceptional collection with all of our distinguished guests,” said Philippe Schaus, Chief Executive Officer of DFS Group.

 “It is our honor, once again, to collaborate with DFS on this prestigious event, at Macao’s preeminent luxury destination,” said David Sylvester, Senior Vice President of Retail Development for Las Vegas Sands Corp. “We will continue to bring unique and exciting exhibitions like this to Macao, contributing to its development as a world center of tourism and leisure.”

 On December 7, DFS previewed the exhibition before members of the media, offering them an in-depth introduction to the Masterpieces of Time IV collection through a forum, exhibition viewings, and an intimate dinner. The forum, led by Harold Brooks, DFS Group President of Merchandising, hosted guest speakers Carson Chan, Chang Wei and Eric Ku — all prominent watch collectors and connoisseurs — and Zhao Yinyin, the internationally-acclaimed classical pianist, in two sessions that considered Haute Horlogerie from two standpoints: collections and lifestyles. The panel also explored contemporary trends in watchmaking and collecting, ranging from the increasing prevalence of Chinese elements in luxury watches to the participants’ stories of Pinnacle Moments highlighted by fine timepieces in their own lives. Later, Benjamin Vuchot, DFS Group Region President, Asia North, led them through a tour of the grand new addition to the DFS Galleria Macao: The Luxury & Watchmaker Boutique Halls, which house one of the largest and most extensive collections of luxury watches in all of Asia. 

 Following the tour of the new boutique, guests witnessed the exhibition itself and its assortment of the rare timepieces that masterfully combine artistry with technical innovation and complexity. The distinctive complications of the Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar, for example, enable it to keep time so flawlessly that it requires no correction until 2100.  The Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Ceramica by Officine Panerai — made of a complex combination of synthetic ceramic based zirconium powder and able to withstand extensive scratching, corrosive agents, and high temperatures — is a groundbreaking example of innovation in both design and use of materials, as is the H. Moser & Cie Moser Perpetual Golden Edition, which boasts a perpetual calendar thoroughly enhanced by solid gold components. Another stunning example of a new height in the art of watchmaking is the 051 Phoenix Tourbillon by Richard Mille. The result of a partnership between the brand and actress Michelle Yeoh, the watch is encapsulated with a highly complex placement of diamonds and sports a base-plate made of black onyx. Its face, which resembles a phoenix, pays homage to the actress’s Chinese heritage. Similarly, the IWC Portuguese Dragon Year Edition also testifies to the rich influence today of Chinese culture in the design of fine timepieces. Created in commemoration of the Year of the Dragon with a dragon engraving its rotor, it captures the dynamism and good fortune of this mythical creature of the Chinese zodiac.

 Mr. Brooks said: “The collection for this year’s Masterpieces of Time represents some of the highest achievements in Haute Horlogerie complications, design and use of innovative materials and jewelry. We are very excited to welcome our guests from across Asia as they come to the DFS Galleria Macao to witness the magnificence of these exceptional timepieces.” 

 Even before arriving in Macao, however, customers everywhere can already have the opportunity to discover the inspiration for the collection by viewing the specially created Masterpieces of Time Pinnacle Moments film on Youtube or Youku. Shown for the first time to guests of the media program during a Gala Dinner on December 7, it is a moving series of micro film interviews with four individuals, each leaders in their own fields, as they explore the concept of Pinnacle Moments and the role they play in defining lives. Featured are 2012 London Olympics Men’s Individual Foil Champion Lei Sheng, China’s premier portrait photographer Xiao Quan; Guo Pei, China’s first and leading creator of Haute Couture; and world-class concert pianist Zhao Yinyin. 

 Closing the dynamic opening weekend, DFS Group hosted a final Gala Event on December 8 at The Venetian Macao. As they inspected the dazzling timepieces for the first time, guests had the chance to meet other connoisseurs, brand ambassadors, special guests and even some of the masters behind the timepieces themselves.

 For the duration of its exposition, the Masterpieces of Time IV showcase will remain at the DFS Galleria Macao, the largest DFS Galleria in the world with the most extensive selection of luxury watches in Asia.