SalonQP, Europe’s premier public watch exhibition, returns to London this November. Hetty Chidwick tells you what to look out for this year.
The watch world is buzzing in anticipation of the 7th SalonQP, London’s renowned public exhibition of luxury timepieces. Having launched its first three-day event in 2009, the exhibition returns to The Saatchi Gallery for the fifth consecutive year to showcase over 80 watch brands to collectors, enthusiasts and key industry players.
Not only can you ogle some jaw dropping watches, you can also develop your horological knowledge of how movements are crafted. This year you can learn about the history of the chronograph movement with Inside a Second – a curated exhibition on the second floor of the Saatchi gallery, produced in association with Switzerland’s Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie.
Put together by founder of QP James Gurney, it will feature mechanical creations including the 1820’s inking timer invented by Nicholas Rieussec for timing race horses, plus some modern wristwatches like the newly unveiled Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition, Zenith’s El Primero and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.
Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition has a wonderful vintage feel
Following last year’s success the ground floor of the gallery will host another showcase of the finest jewellery watch pieces in Gems of Time. These are set to include eye-popping bling from Bugari, Harry Winston and Piaget.
Premier Precious Butterfly automatic 36mm by Harry Winston will be showcased at the Gems of Time exhibition
The sponsors this year are an intelligent mix and tend to share a love for fine craftsmanship. For instance, Bros & Rudd will be showcasing their first English sparkling wine at their bar at SalonQP. This is a Chardonnay Blanc de Blanc from the Gusbourne’s Appledore vineyards in Kent.
Gusbourne sparkling wine from Kent has been winning awards for excellence since 2010, £37.95 per bottle
Harrods, the official retail sponsor will host a specially curated collection of watches available in their Fine Watch Room: look out for Vacheron Constantin’s Harmony collection – for which they designed their own in-house chronograph movement – which launched this year at SIHH in Janurary.
Vacheron Constantin designed their own in-house chronograph movement for the Harmony collection
James Gurney, SalonQP’s founder and director, said: “2015 is shaping up to be the best and most comprehensive SalonQP yet. Our intention has always been to entertain and inform and I feel the mix of brands, exhibitions and partners we have brought together will create a truly memorable and enjoyable event.”
SalonQP runs from November 12-14. Tickets from £20.
