Innovation, artistry and flair: DFS celebrates 12th Masters of Time in Macau

DFS celebrates some of the world’s finest watches and jewellery pieces in Macau 

CHINA (MACAU). DFS Group this weekend celebrated the 12th edition of its Masters of Time watches and jewellery exhibition at a gala event in the company of more than 400 guests and VIP customers at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons.

As reported, the 2021 edition of the world’s premier retail exhibition of luxury timepieces and jewellery introduced several firsts for the luxury retailer. These included the inaugural Masters Awards as well as a strategic partnership with storied auction house Phillips.

Masters of Time is a signature event in DFS’ Masters Series, which highlights the retailer’s leadership and creativity in curating exceptional experiences across its five pillars of luxury: Wines & Spirits, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches & Jewellery, Fashion & Accessories, and Food & Gifts.

(Above and below) Guests mingle at the invitation-only event in a suitably chic and upscale setting

Masters of Time, created by DFS in 2008 to draw the best brands in the world of watchmaking – and their ambassadors – together with enthusiasts and collectors alike, is traditionally hosted each year in the travel shopping heartland of Macau.

For the first time, DFS partnered with Four Seasons Hotel Macau to kick off Masters of Time with an exclusive preview for select VIP clients at Grand Atelier at the Grand Suites at Four Seasons on November 12-14. Guests were invited to view a curated selection of watches and jewellery while sampling afternoon tea and Champagne with DFS’ most knowledgeable personal shoppers.

Grand Atelier was then transformed into an exclusive, invite-only shopping suite throughout November, with VIPs able to view the prime pieces from this year’s Masters of Time collection.

Recognising and rewarding masterly creations

The inaugural DFS Masters Awards was a recognition of innovation, artistry and flair in the watch and jewellery categories. A panel of independent experts judged pieces for their timelessness, technical excellence, craftsmanship, innovation and exceptional use of a variety of artistic techniques.

Decision time nears for the DFS Masters Awards to be revealed

The panellists, led by Chair Carson Chan, the Head of the Greater China mission for the Fondation de la Haute Horologerie, represented a diverse background of industry experts, designers, tastemakers and entrepreneurs. They included Laura Lan, Nik Wang, Vianney Halter, Emmanuel Gueit, Penny Chiang, Samuel Chan and Lung Lung Thun.

Click on the image to view The Moodie Davitt Report’s WeChat story on the DFS Masters Awards

In a highlight of the weekend, DFS’ VIP guests in Macau were treated to a multi-sensorial reveal of the DFS Masters Awards winners across seven categories. The announcement was also livestreamed across WeChat and Instagram for guests outside Macau. This year’s winners are listed below:

 

[Click on the icon to view the full results of the DFS Masters Awards]

DFS also partnered with celebrated whisky distiller Glenmorangie in activating Greater China’s first Signet Bar. This exclusive concept, developed to celebrate the single malt Glenmorangie Signet Scotch whisky, was adapted specifically for Masters of Time and offered special cocktails and masterclasses to attendees. The Signet Bar will be pouring drinks on weekends until 19 December.

In another first, DFS partnered this year with auction house Phillips to display prized, collectable or heirloom timepieces for purchase. Attendees, including VIP guests, notable influencers and the media, also had the chance to attend a series of Masterclasses with Andy Zhang, Director of Watches, China who shared his knowledge of the watch industry and how to build a timepiece collection.

Other Masterclasses curated by DFS included a virtual tour of IWC’s manufacturing process conducted directly from the brand’s Swiss headquarters; a guided tasting of Champagne house Piper Heidsieck’s premier vintage, Rare Champagne 2006, with a caviar pairing; as well as an exclusive beauty workshop by La Mer, featuring the skincare brand’s limited premium serum essence line, Genaissance.

A comprehensive virtual showroom showcasing the Masters of Time exhibition went live on 5 December and will be available for all to browse until February. Virtual visitors are able to view the entire Masters collection as well as peruse exclusive content, videos and experiences.

Each Masters of Time collection is the result of over a year of meticulous and rigorous selection by DFS, with pieces chosen for their exclusivity, uniqueness and technical mastery. The twelfth Masters of Time collection proudly showcases global premieres, unique editions and worldwide limited pieces from over 40 brands including Buccellati, De Beers, Fabergé, Hublot, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Van Cleef & Arpels.

This year’s Masters of Time exhibition space T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons evokes a cave of discovery, where a kaleidoscope of iridescent hues reflects and refracts light as though from a flawless diamond.

The interactive installation features an immersive tunnel that encourages guests to touch, feel and explore the various elements within the exhibition – from the curated collectables on display to behind-the-scenes footage on screen.

The twelfth Masters of Time collection is available for viewing and purchase in Macau until 28 February 2022, featuring special activations including a dedicated virtual showroom.

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