Legendary Masters of time

4 minutes read
DFS Group launches 12th edition of Legendary Masters of time with over 40 world-renowned brands

DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, is launching the twelfth edition of its Masters of Time exhibition this November – an annual celebration of craftsmanship, design and innovation in timepieces and high jewelry. 

This year’s exhibition gives guests a rare glimpse into a treasure trove of pieces that embody the captivating allure of rare gems, jewels and stones. Hosted at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons, Masters of Time will unveil over 250 timepieces and fine jewelry items from over 40 world-renowned houses, including exclusive bespoke pieces created especially for the event. 

Masters of Time is recognized as the world’s premier retail exhibition of luxury timepieces and jewelry. It is a signature event in DFS’ Masters Series, which showcases DFS’ leadership and creativity in curating exceptional experiences across its five pillars of luxury: Wines and Spirits, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches and Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories, and Food and Gifts. Created by DFS in 2008 to bring the very best brands in the world of watchmaking–and their ambassadors–together with enthusiasts and collectors alike, Masters of Time is traditionally hosted each year in the dynamic shopping enclave of Macau. 

This edition of Masters of Time also features the inaugural DFS Masters Awards, a recognition of innovation, artistry and flair in the watch and jewelry categories. A panel of specially-selected, independent experts will judge pieces for their timelessness, technical excellence, craftsmanship, innovation and exceptional use of a variety of artistic techniques. The panelists, led by chair Carson Chan, the head of the Greater China mission for the Fondation de la Haute Horologerie, come from a diverse background of industry experts, designers, tastemakers and entrepreneurs and includes Laura Lan, Nik Wang, Vianney Halter, Emmanuel Gueit, Penny Chiang, Samuel Chan and Lung Lung Thun. Commemorating his partnership with DFS Group, Vianney Halter, the master of chronometers who is renowned for his unique style as well as for his own technical patents and trademarked designs, has constructed a handful of first edition timepieces launching at Masters of Time, notably the ‘Deep Space Resonance’ – a one-of-a-kind masterpiece which is globally launching only at DFS.

Legendary Masters of time

The twelfth edition of Masters of Time also celebrates the beginning of a partnership between DFS Group and Phillips Auctioneers, where–for the first time– fine and rare time pieces will be available in Macau outside of the traditional auction setting. In addition, Andy Zhang, Director of Watches, China and Wenjia Zhang, Regional Director, China, Phillips, will attend the event in Macau and host a masterclass titled “The Art of Collecting”, sharing tips on starting a collection and other insider knowledge on market trends.

Finally, a dedicated WeChat mini program has been developed specifically for the DFS customer with an affinity for high jewelry and watches, leading them through an interactive and entertaining Masters of Time online exhibition. Within this mini program, and in store, customers will have a chance to make their voices heard through the People’s Choice Award – encouraging luxury lovers to vote for their favorite piece from the Masters Awards nominees. 

“Each edition of Masters of Time is different, featuring new pieces and concepts that evolve alongside the tastes and desires of our discerning customers. For the twelfth edition, drawing on the strength of our relationships with some of the world’s best-known brands, we have curated a selection of unique and bespoke pieces for the delight of collectors and first-time buyers alike. We are also thrilled to introduce the first Masters Awards, reflecting DFS’ expertise in curation across the categories of exceptional timepieces and jewelry,” said Christophe Marque, President Merchandising, DFS Group.

Legendary Masters of time

“We are honored to participate in Masters of Time 2021 in partnership with DFS Group for the first time and bring our watch collecting expertise to this wonderful annual event in Macau. As a leading auction house with a history of breaking records, Phillips Watches saw our most successful year in 2020 and continues to see substantial growth this year, with Asian buyers contributing significantly to sales. We see China as the largest luxury market in the next few years, and Macau is playing a significant role in welcoming visitors and customers from mainland China and around the world. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and passion for watch collecting through well-curated programs, including a professional masterclass hosted by our specialists,” jointly said Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches, Asia, Phillips and Andy Zhang, Director of Watches, China, Phillips. 

Each Masters of Time collection is the result of more than a year of meticulous and rigorous selection by DFS’ merchant team, 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.

Housed at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons, this year’s Masters of Time exhibition space 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 will be unveiled on November 15 through a special pop-up exhibition open to the public, and then celebrated during a two-day gala weekend on December 3 and 4 at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons. The collection will be available for viewing and purchase in Macau from November 15, 2021 until February 6, 2022. 

 

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