The UK's largest fine watchmaking exhibition is returning to the Saatchi Gallery between 6th and 8th November. SalonQP will play host to over 60 luxury watch brands in an effort to display the very finest in luxury horology.
From Cartier to Raymond Weil, the exhibition highlights the watch industry’s artistry and complex, intricate creations. Not only will you be able to view some of the most beautifully-crafted timepieces, SalonQP visitors will be treated to piano recitals, wine tasting and various seminars. It’s a self-confessed watch enthusiast’s dream.
Key speakers include world-renowned Rolex collector James Dowling, who will be discussing the phenomenon of vintage Rolex pieces and watch historian Gregory Gardinetti, who will be taking attendees on a journey through watchmaking and astrology. There’s a whole variety of seminars for visitors to attend, to brush up on their luxury watch knowledge and venture deeper into what makes the industry tick.
Breaking down the barriers between watch collectors and makers, visitors gain a unique insight into both sides of the industry. As a notoriously exclusive landscape, it is rare that the two will cross paths, yet SalonQP removes the veil that separates them for one weekend only, to fuel the undying passion of makers and collectors alike.
A particularly interesting highlight of the event is the high jewellery exhibit, which blurs the lines between horology and luxury fashion. Showcasing watches in a variety of styles, some of them are almost unrecognisable to the classic models we see today. From the glittering mosaic watch faces of SICIS to Jaeger-LeCoultre's selection of 101 diamond designs; each stunning piece displays both technical advances and undeniable glamour.
Despite the intriguing offerings of their high fashion watches, there’s one timepiece that’s been tipped as this year’s must see - the Tag Heuer V4 Tourbillon. Tag have created the world’s first belt-driven mechanism as a testament to their pursuit of watch making excellence. Coming a long way from its initial concept 10 years ago, the Tag Heuer V4 has surpassed all of our expectations and is set to become this year’s statement to haute horology.
Capturing the lifestyle and culture surrounding the world of luxury watchmakers and collectors, founder of SalonQP, James Gurney, has curated some of the most influential watchmakers, stylists and thought leaders under one roof. It may only be 6 years old, but SalonQP has drawn in some huge names from across the industry and is now a prominent feature on the calendar of any watch aficionado.
Delving deeper into the industry than many previous fashion-orientated events, visitors almost feel as if they’re attending some sort of religious gathering - which goes some way to explain the enthusiasm and passion displayed at SalonQP.
Yes, you’ll no doubt be shown the stylistic versatilities of each piece, and of course they will all no doubt look fantastic with your professional attire, but the event is much more than this. It’s more than a Fashion Week for timepieces, it’s an in-depth look into the culture and continual innovation of the industry. Only die-hard watch fans need apply.
