It is 11 pm in a hotel near Geneva Airport. The WorldTempus team is complete, after enjoying pizza and ice cream (the situation demands it). The activity of the moment? Suitcase juggling. How much does Marine's weigh? Bets are on and range from 15 to 30 kg (sic!). The verdict? 23.5kg! The main objective remains to check the luggage on the flight. Amaury distributes tripods, cases, and cameras depending on the available space. Bertie, Marine, and myself try to fit our numerous outfits—one per shoot, totaling nearly 20 over 5 days—into a bag that weighs less than our ambitions. Mission impossible? Mission accomplished with a touch of superpowers.
We can count on the moral support of "magical" accessories, the cases from Kross Studio, including a Superwoman and a Superman, watching over our precious watches—a selection from Bulgari, Hamilton, Doxa, Kross Studio, Omega, and a personalized WorldTempus case. We love it! To polish the timepieces, we can rely on the premium microfiber cloths from Keller Trading.
No need for superpowers to try and win a Doxa SUB 200!
All the details here.
Heading to Cefalú
The next morning, at dawn and even before since the meeting is set for 3:20 am, we head to the airport. And the sleepy joy of meeting Aude from Club Med, our accomplice for this trip. A perfect partner who will be delighted to engage in the team test exercise. Understandable given the superb watch selection we're carrying.
A short hop later, we land in Palermo. In the blink of an eye, a Club Med shuttle picks us up, heading to Cefalù. And there... love at first sight.
The 1001 pleasures of Club Med
At the entrance, the Palazzo welcomes us, proud and majestic, emblematic of the place (for more information, read our dedicated article on Club Med). Right next door is the reception—the experience is exclusive from the get-go, just like the "Exclusive Collection" to which the resort belongs. Everything invites relaxation, whispering for us to forget our schedule. But there are still a few details to finalize: rent a Fiat 500 (convertible, of course), a Vespa (red, naturally), optimize shooting locations... All while resisting the call of the pool.
Easier said than done.
For Club Med Cefalù is a symphony of temptations: wooden villas facing the sea, a large pool open to the horizon, SPA, a dedicated water sports area, yoga, tennis, archery in abundance, gourmet buffets, the legendary all-white party... But watchmaking waits for no one and is eager to test its affinities with this delightfully timeless and dynamic environment!
(Very) Early Filming and Cult Scenes
Another early rise (when you love, you don't count). The sky turns red, the sea murmurs, birds awake: Amaury pilots the drone, capturing the first lights. Splendid. We proceed. Zen pool, tennis—with not always very orthodox moves, but which will be enhanced by the magic of cinema.
The most epic shoot? Bertie bravely diving into the cold waves, pursued by Amaury, camera in hand. Two braves coming out of the water, chilled but triumphant—happy with the images captured for the sole passion of watchmaking. On the shore, Marine and I, safe and dry, immortalize them in turn (but don't really consider swapping roles).
Another moment of anthology, for Club Med novices like us: the Friday white party, an institution. DJ, choreographies, enthusiastic GOs, enchanted vacationers... We are won over by this friendly atmosphere.
Between takes, we dive into the nearby town of Cefalù, its alleys, its culture, its Mount Rocca with an unobstructed view of the city and its Duomo. And for the needs of the shoot (obviously), we taste caramelized nuts and other local delights.
This Is Not Goodbye
On the last day, it is finally time to briefly enjoy the pool, watch secure on the wrist—any occasion to photograph remains welcome.
In five days, we shot, photographed, narrated, tasted, dove, laughed. We brought sublime watches to life, in settings that enhance them. And above all, we shared time, among us, with you, to bring exceptional timepieces to life.
End of shooting. But the story continues. Because this trip offered us a unique immersion. In the beauty of nature and culture, in watchmaking, in the spirit of Club Med—which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Happy anniversary! And see you soon for the next stop.
More information about Club Med here.
