Launched at the Monaco Yacht Show on September 25th 2013, the first issue of GMT XXL World has set off on its journey towards high net worth individuals and watch collectors worldwide. Offered to clients of Christie’s, Julius Baer, Kempinski, Lamborghini and Prestige Yachts in 80 countries, this large-size annual special edition is the only magazine circulated at the majority of watch shows : in chronological order, Salón Internacional Alta Relojería México, Munichtime, Salon QP, ViennaTime, Zurich Watch & Jewellery Exhibition, Belles Montres, SIHH, Baselworld et Timecrafters. Big is beautiful.
10th SalonQP
Almost 70 exhibitors showed up for the 10th edition of the SalonQP held in the Saatchi Gallery from November 7th to 9th. Its founder James Gurney, editor of QP magazine, sold the luxury magazine and event business to the Daily Telegraph, but remains in place to supervise the new entity. A larger team has been put in place to handle the show and Tim Barber has been appointed editor of the magazine, reporting to director James Gurney. The London show is famed for the quality of its private and professional visitors, considered a definite plus by niche brands as well as big names such as Hermès and TAG Heuer. The opening quality drew 1,500 guests from England as well as more widely from Europe, New York and Singapore.
Super-active SIAR
The first of the autumn and the biggest in Latin America, the show held in Mexico is renowned for the quality of its excellent organisation that detracts nothing from its convivial atmosphere, as well as for its strategic location on this booming new market. Reflecting its attractiveness, the CEOs of 21 watch brands (pictured here) out of the 40 brands present once again travelled to this 7th edition in the Four Seasons Hotel in Mexico City from October 1st to 3rd. It was for example at the SIAR that Antonio Calce announced Corum’s partnership with local star Rebecca de Alba. The closing gala dinner saw several distinctions awarded to brands, including “la marca en ascenso” (rising brand) prize honouring De Bethune for its DB28T Black Gold, presented to its CEO Pierre Jacques.
BELLES MONTRES in a transition phase
At the opening press conference for the 7th Salon Belles Montres held in the Carrousel du Louvre from November 28th to December 1st, its new director Jean-Philippe Barberot spoke of a transition period for the must-see Parisian event, which was sold by Alain and Catherine Faust to Le Point magazine before the summer of 2013. 40 brands of all sizes displayed their creations there to a public essentially composed of Parisian watch enthusiasts. Over 1,500 VIPs flocked to the preview showing of the exhibitors’ new launches at the cocktail buffet held on the Thursday evening, served like a well-oiled mechanism within an extremely elegant setting providing a perfect backdrop for the brands and their booths.
