CHINA. Watches & Wonders Sanya — a partnership between Richemont and Foundation de La Haute Horlogerie (FHH) in association with China Duty Free Group (CDFG) — officially opened today at the Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex.
The spectacular event is open to the public and will run from 29 September to 31 October.
The global concept highlights the wonders of Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship, showcasing 11 of the world’s most prestigious watch brands. It follows a successful similar show which was recently held at the West Bund Art Centre in Shanghai (9-13 September).
Visitors at the CDF Mall in Haitang Bay can now view collections from exhibiting brands which include A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Hermès, Montblanc, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin.
Watches & Wonders Sanya offers product presentations, workshops, talks and virtual reality experiences through a series of pop-up booths and an additional three brand boutiques at the CDF Mall.
It embraces 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. The exhibition also boosts the ambitious Hainan Free Trade Port construction plan and will further promote the development of tourism to Hainan Island.
As reported, online retailers Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter have partnered to deliver a series of digital and offline events at Watches & Wonders. The Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter event online calendar includes EIP (Extremely Important Person) virtual events and small-scale appointment-based activity, virtual one-to-one appointments and interactive Instagram Live conversations hosted by Net-A-Porter and Porter Editor in Chief, Sarah Bailey, and Mr Porter Senior Watch Editor, Chris Hall.
CDFG President Charles Chen commented, “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.”
