CHINA. Exciting exhibitor and programme details have emerged for the latest spectacular Watches & Wonders event, on this occasion being staged for the first time at the CDF Mall in Sanya, Hainan Island.
As reported, Watches & Wonders Sanya – a partnership between Richemont and Fondation de La Haute Horlogerie (FHH) in association with China Duty Free Group (CDFG) – will take place at the showpiece shopping mall from 29 September through to 31 October. Eleven luxury watch brands – see table below – will present their latest creations in a dedicated space at the centre of CDF Mall.
“Watches & Wonders will unequivocally become a benchmark platform not only for the duty free channel in China, but also serve as a best practice for the Hainan Free Trade Port initiative in helping to promote and upgrade the local tourism sector” – CDFG President Charles Chen
The event, which highlights the wonder and craft of Swiss watchmaking, follows hot on the heels of a successful similar show just completed at the West Bund Art Center Shanghai, which ran from 9-13 September.
“It is a true privilege to exhibit inside this magnificent location, and to show a knowledgeable audience the exceptional timepieces and expertise of our prestigious Maisons” – Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie President Emmanuel Perrin
Watches & Wonders Sanya – Exhibiting Brands
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The first three days will be reserved for media and VIP customers, before opening to a select public of watch lovers and collectors.
The varied programme will give visitors engaging opportunities to learn more about watchmaking, with full COVID-19 safety protocol measures in place.
Highlights of the programme include an introduction to watchmaking in 90-minute workshops, where participants take apart then rebuild a mechanical movement.
Meanwhile, an immersive augmented reality experience – ‘World of Watches’ – will explain the workings of a mechanical movement through four interactive games.
A series of talks will feature topics including 2020 Trends and New Models, Iconic Watches and their Story, the Different Families of Complications, Vintage Watches, and Auctions and Collector’s Watches.
China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation President Chen Guoqiang (Charles Chen) said: “We are honoured by Watches & Wonders’ decision in selecting CDFG as their partner for the event, and also grateful for the tremendous support we have received from Hainan and Sanya authorities.
“The China Duty Free Group is a reference for luxury shopping and has always maintained a strong partnership with the Richemont Group. This exclusive collaboration further exemplifies a collective vision and strength shared by the parties.”
He added: “Watches & Wonders will unequivocally become a benchmark platform not only for the duty free channel in China, but also serve as a best practice for the Hainan Free Trade Port initiative in helping to promote and upgrade the local tourism sector.”
Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie President Emmanuel Perrin said: “We are thrilled by this partnership with CDF Mall which will welcome Watches & Wonders for the first time in Sanya. It is a true privilege to exhibit inside this magnificent location, and to show a knowledgeable audience the exceptional timepieces and expertise of our prestigious Maisons.”
The watch showpiece has a highly influential showcase website watchesandwonders.com, which is designed to be a one-stop digital platform for watch professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. It features the latest releases, design trends, expert analyses, news and wider feature content.
“For everyone present, Watches & Wonders Sanya will be about taking visitors ‘behind the scenes’ of watchmaking at its most innovative and creative moments. Wherever you are, in Sanya, China or elsewhere in the world, don’t miss a minute by connecting to the watchesandwonders.com digital platform from September 29th.”
SCENES FROM SHANGHAI
