MACAU, CHINA. DFS Group’s 14th edition of its flagship Masters of Time event has brought together an unprecedented collection of rare and luxury timepieces and fine jewellery.
Themed ‘Ignite The Moment’, the event is being hosted in partnership with Shoppes at Four Seasons and Express Company, American Express’s joint venture in China.
As reported, it runs from 24 November 2023 to 29 February 2024 at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons.
[The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie attended an extraordinary preview of the event on Saturday 2 December, preceded by a media and influencer dinner the night before. His full coverage will feature in the next edition of The Moodie Davitt China Travel Retail Report eZine, out later this month.]
The annual event has set a new benchmark for curating the most exclusive and largest portfolio of timepieces and fine jewellery to date ever displayed in Macau in a single location. It features over 300 masterpieces including limited-edition items from more than 45 prestigious houses, and nine new partners.
Up close with the Masters of Time and landing a big Hennessy scoop Oh dear, I don’t think Bovet 1822 will be calling for my CV just yet… |
Since its inception in 2008, Masters of Time has become one of the most anticipated haute Horlogerie and fine jewellery events in the world. It brings together distinguished industry experts, enthusiasts, VIP customers and high-end consumers.
Gaining insight into artistry through masterclasses
Guests were treated to exclusive, in-person masterclasses led by esteemed Brand Ambassadors from Girard Perregaux, Bovet, Messika, Panerai, Hublot, Ulysse Nardin, Damiani, Garrard and Vianney Halter.
They could also attend private workshops unveiling the intricate details of watchmaking techniques and experience whiskies from different distilleries in Scotland.
Additional salons spotlighted sustainability initiatives through bespoke demonstrations and personalised journeys amid curated private displays. Through a range of conversations and illuminating presentations, attendees gained a higher appreciation of the meticulous artistry behind the treasured creations presented.
Continuing a legacy of luxury showcases
At Masters of Time 2023, leaders from DFS Group, Sands China Ltd and Express Company, American Express’s Joint Venture in China, spoke about the continued success and growth of this flagship luxury event through their collaborative partnerships.
“It is my great honour to represent DFS and be a part of the continued success of this flagship event in its 14th edition of legacy,” said DFS President, Hong Kong and Macau Johan Pretorius.
“DFS is thrilled to have the supportive partnerships of Shoppes at Four Seasons and Express Company to jointly present this momentous showcase of gleaming and extremely precious timepieces and jewellery to our most distinguished guests.
“DFS is dedicated to being the unrivalled luxury travel retailer who prides ourself in having the indisputable authority and pull when it comes to curating one of the most desirable collections of fine watches and jewellery. With exclusive high-end events like Masters of Time, there’s no doubt that we are confident in providing the best luxury retail experiences to our customers in Macau.”
Sands China Senior Vice President of Retail Timothy Jones commented: “Shoppes at Four Seasons, home to the most coveted luxury brands in Macao, has been the host partner of the prestigious Masters of Time since the beginning.
“This year, our support was greatly increased and we are honoured to have played such a key role in what is now one of the world’s foremost luxury timepieces and jewellery events. We look forward to creating more bespoke experiences as well as premium privileges for luxury shopping for our customers.”
Express Company CEO Yamin Zhu said: “American Express Cardmembers always look for extraordinary experiences. We are dedicated to be creating new values and providing money-cannot-buy experiences to our Cardmembers in China through partnering with leading brands in a variety of industries.
“The signature Masters of Time event is part of our extensive partnership with DFS, which can provide our mutual customers with superior products, services and experience.”
Revealing rare creations
This year’s Masters of Time presented some of the most exclusive works from luxury watchmaking’s renowned independent artists.
Master independent watchmaker Vianney Halter personally unveiled five of his singular timepieces, each a testament to his avant-garde ingenuity and mastery of mechanics {look our for our interview with Halter in The Moodie Davitt China Travel Retail Report}.
Moser & Cie also displayed its latest innovations, incorporating the blackest material for a mystical illusion on the wrist.
Guests were further treated to some of Switzerland’s finest mechanised rarities as Andersen Geneve shared its most intricate automata.
Created alongside fellow inventor Konstantin Chaykin, a miniscule series of 20 pieces reimagined watchmaking’s boundaries through a singular 18k technical tour de force.
HYT showcased its latest liquid timekeeping novelty, the Moon Runner, implementing its revolutionary approach where “time’s flow and context is captured as opposed to an isolated moment”.
Girard Perregaux also presented the Neo Constant Escapement, a mechanism delivering remarkable rate stability irrespective of available energy.
SevenFriday unveiled a capsule of three unique 3D-printed watches, specifically designed for Masters of Time.
Rarities also emerged from Graff’s collection of the earth’s most exclusive gemstones.
Additionally, works from venerable French jeweller Vever and London-based pearl specialists Yoko London were featured.
Vever showcased its 200 years of artisanal knowledge in pioneering the Art Nouveau movement. Yoko London celebrated its 50th anniversary by demonstrating how pearl designs can be both classical and modern through dramatic redefinitions of the gem.
“The showcase brought together innovations so distinctive, attendees witnessed the illustrious future of luxury watchmaking and fine jewellery’s most-restricted masterworks,” DFS said.
The 14th Masters of Time collection is exhibited for public viewing and available for purchase until 29 February 2024 at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons. ✈
