October 30, 2012, Hong Kong – 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’sCalendrierChinoisTraditionnel 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.
For more information about
Masterpieces of Time IV, please visit www.dfsgalleria.com/masterpieces.
_______________________________________________________________________________
About DFS Group
DFS Group, the world’s largest
luxury travel retailer, is majority owned by LVMH and minority owned by
companies associated with Robert Miller, one of the founders of DFS and a
long-time resident of Hong Kong. DFS Group’s worldwide headquarters are in
Central, Hong Kong. The company employs more than 7,000 people in 15 downtown
Galleria stores and more than 200 airport store around the world, predominantly
in the Asia-Pacific region.
About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
is Macao's first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous
canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features
3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and
meeting facilities as well as a 15,000- seat CotaiArena™ designed for
world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is
also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best
in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants;
MALO CLINIC Health & Wellness; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground
and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas
include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.