DFS

DECEMBER 9, 2014 – DFS Group (DFS), the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, today launched its sixth annual DFS Masters of Time collection in pioneering spirit. The collection comprises 400 fine watches – and for the first time, jewelry items – from 40 of the world’s most prestigious brands. Unveiled at a spectacular event in T Galleria by DFS, Macau, located at Shoppes at Four Seasons – event partner of Masters of Time – the collection will remain for public sale and viewing until February 28, 2015.

Harold Brooks, President, Global Merchandising, DFS Group, said, “As we enter our sixth year of the DFS Masters of Time in Macau, our customers remain at the heart of how we curate the collection. We review important trends and ideas, to seek out masterpieces that will satisfy the desires – and in some cases, the dreams – of our customers. This year’s collection represents the world’s largest retail exhibition of fine watches – and for the first time – fine jewelry. Visitors will discover an unparalleled range of pieces from an incredible universe of brands.”

The 2014 Masters of Time collection was unveiled initially to members of DFS’s most loyal customers at a gala event on December 6. Over 400 guests attended the event, which commenced with a series of panel discussions on the latest watch and jewelry trends led by three pioneering individuals. They included watch industry veteran Jean-Claude Biver, watch commentator and Hodinkee.com founder Benjamin Clymer, and renowned jewelry historian Vivienne Becker. The panel highlighted trends in new movements and materials, the enduring popularity of classic watches, as well as the growing sophistication of women’s watches.

Jean-Claude Biver said, “After hearing about the Master of Time over the past years and finally experiencing it for the first time, my wish is that I had come earlier! DFS has truly outdone itself with the breadth, creativity and innovation of this collection – it showcases the best in the world of watchmaking. Guests are in for a phenomenal experience.”

“I spend a lot of time traveling to watch exhibitions particularly in Europe. DFS’ Masters of Time is undoubtedly the largest and most prestigious of its kind. As a watch lover collector myself, it is an extraordinary opportunity to experience and discover new and rare watches and jewelry under one roof,” said Benjamin Clymer.

Vivienne Becker added, “For me, jewelry in all cultures and civilizations answers a very profound human impulse to adorn. It is a sublime blend of art and craftsmanship, underpinned with deep emotion, personal meaning and associations. I am delighted DFS continues to celebrate the art of jewelry in watchmaking, and is introducing high jewelry for the first time this year.”

The DFS Masters of Time at one of DFS’ flagship T Galleria stores was created in 2009 to elevate the shopping experience for travelers to the dynamic city of Macau. T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive watch and jewelry shopping spaces in Asia, featuring over 45 brands. It includes a one-of-a-kind T Timepieces concept store showcasing specially-selected offerings by independent watchmakers as well as exclusive vintage collections by prestigious brands.

“We are delighted to welcome DFS and the Masters of Time retail exhibition back to Shoppes at Four Seasons,” said David Sylvester, Senior Vice President of Retail, Las Vegas Sands Corp. “We strive to give our guests and visitors the best luxury retail experiences possible which is why, together with exhibitions like Masters of Time we think we have once again delivered on our commitment to providing our customers with the best in luxury shopping.”

2014 DFS MASTERS OF TIME COLLECTION

Among the brands that contributed to the collection were Arnold & Son, Blancpain, Breguet, Breitling, Bulgari, Chopard, Chaumet, Christophe Claret, Corum, De Beers, Franck Muller, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte Original, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie, Hermès, Hublot, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Vuitton, Manufacture Royale, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Omega, Roger Dubuis, Tiffany & Co., Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Zenith and more.

Highlights pieces among the collection’s watch range include:

• Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Tourbillon
• Jaquet Droz’s Bird Repeater Openwork
• Van Cleef & Arpels’ Midnight Planétarium Poetic Complication
• Christophe Claret’s Margot
• Vacheron Constantin’s Métiers d’Art Florilége Collection.

Standout jewelry pieces include:

• Bulgari’s illuminating Diva collection necklace, bracelet and earrings in 18kt white gold with pavé diamonds.
• Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie cinema-inspired Red Carpet collection
• Tiffany’s brilliant Marquise Diamond Cluster necklace set with 325 diamonds, and bracelet set with 135 diamonds in platinum.

The DFS Masters of Time is part of the DFS Masters Collection, a signature series of global exhibitions and collections. It demonstrates the leadership and innovation of DFS in curating and creating exceptional experiences across its four pillars of luxury: Wines and Spirits, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches and Jewelry, and Fashion and Accessories. The DFS Masters Collection includes the Masters of Time, held in Macau, Masters of Fragrances, which debuted in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, and Masters of Wines and Spirits, which takes place in Singapore in November each year.