After last weekend’s America’s Cup World Series races in Manhattan harbour, some of the world’s biggest watch brands once again converge on the Big Apple this weekend to showcase traditional Swiss mechanical watchmaking know-how at TimeCrafters 2016, which runs from 13th until 15th May.
The TimeCrafters exhibition, which is held at the Park Avenue Armory close to Central Park, showcases to the public 18 different brands across various price segments of the Swiss watch industry, from the ultra-competitive sub-9,000 Swiss francs perpetual calendar of Frédérique Constant to the highly exclusive pieces from A. Lange & Söhne, via avant-garde watches from the likes of HYT and MCT.
Highlights will include a flying visit by TAG Heuer brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey, doctor “McDreamy” from the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy, who will present a new timepiece dedicated to the legendary Indy 500 race, which TAG Heuer has added to its growing lists of timekeeping sponsorships. TAG Heuer is also bringing along an Indy 500 show car, while sister brand Hublot will have a Ferrari F1 simulator. Visitors to the Roger Dubuis stand will be able to plunge into “The Astral Skeleton Experience”, an immersive 3D, virtual reality presentation based on the star-shaped design of the brand’s skeleton movements.” This is an exceptional chance for us to present our incredible creations in New York city at TimeCrafters,” says CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué, who will be attending the show.
A full programme of events includes panel discussions ranging from the art of dial manufacture to pilot watches, the chronograph and a guide to starting a watch collection, presented by Christie’s (who are also offering complimentary valuations of vintage watches). Visitors can also follow guided tours organized by media partner iW magazine. As the ultimate treat for watch geeks, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is offering visitors the chance to step in the shoes of a watchmaker in a workshop to disassemble and reassemble a UNITAS 6497-1 movement.
“Our objective is to educate newcomers to the watch world, while attracting watch enthusiasts and passionate collectors with a range of ultra complex timepieces,” explains Isabelle Boudringhin, co-founder of TimeCrafters.
On its home turf, Tiffany & Co. will present an exhibit entitled “The Making of the New York Minute: Timepieces from the Tiffany & Co. Archives”, which includes the original Tiffany & Co. gold wristwatch gifted to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his birthday.
TimeCrafters 2016 is open from 11am to 6pm from Friday 13th May to Sunday 15th May at the Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, New York City.
