CHINA (MACAU). DFS Group will launch the 13th edition of its Masters of Time exhibition at Macau Shoppes at Four Seasons from 15 November. The event is an annual celebration of artistry, craftsmanship and innovation in the worlds of watchmaking and fine jewellery.
It features a pop-up exhibition at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons, starting on 15 November, with a Masters Awards gala event on 3 December. The full collection will be open to the public and available for purchase in Macau from 15 November until 28 February. The event also marks 13 years of partnership with leading integrated resort destination Shoppes at Four Seasons at the Sands Resorts Macao.
Created by DFS in 2008 to bring the best brands in the world of watchmaking, and their ambassadors, together with enthusiasts and collectors, Masters of Time is a signature event in DFS’ Masters Series. It aims to showcase the retailer’s leadership and innovation in curating exceptional experiences across its five pillars of luxury: wines & spirits, beauty & fragrances, watches & jewellery, fashion & accessories, and food & gifts.
The exhibition will showcase over 330 watch and jewellery pieces from more than 40 houses, including an additional 12 brands joining for the first time. DFS said it will ‘Elevate the Moment’ by presenting some of these creations within its own virtual luxury playground, DFS World.
This year marks the inauguration of DFS World – the first luxury travel retail metaverse – within Masters of Time, with the launch of 15 digital art pieces in collaboration with artists Pixsims and Didu Didu. By converting digital art to NFTs, DFS said it “aims to create an immersive and digitally-driven experience, transforming the virtual world with the best curated luxury items that the retailer has to offer”. Visitors also have the chance to win digital collectibles along their interactive journey within DFS World.
A digitally-driven experience: Virtual art from Didu Didu (above)
DFS’ Masters Awards will be held for the second year since its inauguration in 2021. These celebrate excellence in watchmaking and fine jewellery. This year’s awards programme features an independent panel of industry experts, designers and social media influencers who will evaluate the pieces from finalists including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Bovet, Bell and Rose, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and more, for their timelessness, technical excellence, craftsmanship, innovation and artistry.
They will then vote for the winners in six categories: Master of Watches, Master of Jewelry, Petit Hero, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Craftsmanship and Excellence in Jewelry Design.
The panellists of experts, connoisseurs and entrepreneurs will be led by Carson Chan, head of the Greater China mission for the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, and include Vianney Halter, the master of chronometers known for his own technical patents and trademarked designs; watch collector Lung Lung Thun; watch expert Sean Li; Maggie Henriquez, CEO of Baccarat; jewellery connoisseur and fashion stylist Faye Tsui; and Charlene Lau, Head of Department Jewels, Hong Kong, for Phillips auction house.
In addition to the six award categories, a further People’s Choice award honours the most popular timepiece or jewellery piece as voted by the public. Customers can vote in DFS World for their favourite pieces from the 18 shortlisted Masters Awards nominees.
The 13th edition of Masters of Time will also feature a number of exclusive Masterclasses in partnership with international Maisons including Bulgari, Qeelin and Guerlain.
