Masterpieces of Time IV to Take Travelers on a Journey Through Life's Pinnacle Moments with a Magnificent Collection of Haute Horlogerie

OCTOBER 31, 2012 - Life is defined by pinnacle moments, and fine timepieces are companions for those treasured events. In honor of this essential truth in both life and horology, starting this December, DFS Group (DFS) will present the watch connoisseurs and collectors of Asia with its expertly curated selection of the world’s finest examples of such timepieces in the return of its highly-acclaimed annual event, Masterpieces of Time IV, held at the DFS Galleria Macao within the Shoppes Venetian at The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel. Considered the most prestigious Haute Horlogerie gathering in Asia, the affair will begin at the DFS Galleria Macao on December 8, inviting guests to embark upon a journey into the rarefied world of watchmaker masterpieces. They, and the many other visitors traveling after them, will enjoy the unique opportunity to revel in a grand series of exhibitions showcasing the most exclusive watches by 32 of the world’s preeminent luxury and watchmaker watch brands.

“You never forget an encounter with a truly magnificent timepiece — its sophisticated form and function, its powerful presence,” said Philippe Schaus, Chief Executive Officer of DFS Group. “So for this year’s Masterpieces of Time event, we are building a platform for our customers and all collectors to relive and even create anew pinnacle moments such as these. I am confident that the resulting experience at Masterpieces of Time IV will be exceptional — and exceed each of its predecessors.”

He added: “We are proud that our over half century of expertise as the world’s leading luxury travel retailer has equipped us to bring together, all under one roof, this exceptional collection of watches.”

“We are also proud to collaborate with DFS for the fourth consecutive year to bring the exquisite Masterpieces of Time exhibition to Macao,” said David Sylvester, Senior Vice President of Retail Development for Las Vegas Sands Corp.

“As a fully integrated resort city with Macao’s most comprehensive offering of premier entertainment, leisure and dining, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is the ideal partner for bringing DFS customers the extraordinary assortment of timepieces on display in this one-of-a-kind Masterpieces of Time exhibition. It perfectly demonstrates our continuing efforts to bring the most unique and exciting exhibitions to Macao, contributing to its development as a world centre of tourism and leisure. This is a must-see event at Macao’s premier must-see destination.”

Harold Brooks, DFS Group President of Merchandising, said: “The ensemble of limited and rare timepieces that we have selected for this singular occasion is extraordinary, and we could not have collected it without the long-standing partnerships we are so fortunate to enjoy with the world’s most sought-after brands. For this year’s Masterpieces of Time event, we have gathered together more than 400 exquisite watches that represent some of the highest achievements in Haute Horlogerie complications, design and use of innovative materials and jewelry. Some are so rare they are available only in the single digits, and several others already have been recognized internationally for their fine craftsmanship.”

A distinguishing feature among the watches showcased at Masterpieces of Time IV is their masterful combination of artistry with technical innovation and complexity. The Marine Tourbillon 5839 by Breguet, for example, brilliantly integrates a dazzling array of jewels into the timepiece that was originally recognized as the first tourbillon watch with a silicon escapement. It now boasts a breathtaking adornment of 376 diamonds set in its bezel, caseband, lugs, push-pieces, crown set and 18-carat white gold dial and clasp. Others, like the Jaeger-LeCoultre: Rendez-Vous and the X-TREM-1 by Christophe Claret, stand out for breaking with convention in both design and use of materials. The Jaeger-LeCoultre: Rendez-Vous, inspired by renowned actress Diane Kruger, exudes femininity through its setting of a bezel diamond in the background of a perfectly matched case and dial. The X-TREM-1, on the other hand, features a tourbillon timepiece and uses magnetic fields to create a daring illusion of hour and minute indicators floating through the air. Still others shine for their astonishing achievements in horological complications. Blancpain’s Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel breaks boundaries across culture and time as the first wristwatch ever to incorporate a traditional Chinese calendar. On its dial, the hours, minutes and Gregorian calendar — combined with the watchmaker’s emblematic moon phase integration — are placed right alongside the main indications of the Chinese calendar: double-hour indication, the zodiac, the five elements and the ten celestial stems. Several other watches at Masterpieces of Time IV are also inspired by the rich influence of Chinese culture. The unique Laurent Ferrier Galet Secret Tourbillon Double Spiral was designed with significant Chinese reference: Its dial, a marvel of hand-made Grand Feu enamel, rotates the hour to reveal an imperial dragon, the fabled creature of Chinese astrology.

On December 8, Masterpieces of Time IV will officially begin with private viewings and a gala event at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, the official hotel partner for this year’s exhibition. There, guests will have the opportunity to meet other connoisseurs, brand ambassadors, special guests and even some of the masters behind the timepieces themselves. Afterward, the exhibition will open to the public, offering customers and travelers the opportunity to indulge in the inimitable experience of discovering the world’s finest timepieces. Lasting until the end of February 2013, the exhibition will remain within the DFS Galleria Macao for the entirety of its showing.

“We are honored that the DFS Galleria Macao has been chosen to host this incomparable gathering of so many remarkable timepieces,” said Benjamin Vuchot, DFS Group Region President, Asia North. “As the largest DFS Galleria in the world with the most extensive selection of luxury watches, it is distinctly prepared for the charge, and I am confident it will deliver the unforgettable experience our guests deserve.

"Masterpieces of Time IV in Macao is the fourth annual run of the event and the final stop in 2012 for DFS Group’s Master Series, a signature DFS program of exhibitions that also includes the highly-celebrated “Master of Spirits” events. The Master Series was created to offer customers and collectors a gateway into authentic experiences that transcend single product categories for a world of luxury without limits.