DFS reveals Masters of Time 2023
At the Masters of Time welcome dinner for invited media representatives and KOLs (from left to right): Yamin Zhu, Chief Executive Officer of Express Company, American Express’ joint venture in China, Johan Pretorius, President, Hong Kong and Macau, DFS Group and Timothy Jones, Senior Vice President of Retail, Sands China Ltd
Leading luxury travel retailer DFS Group has launched the 14th edition of its flagship Masters of Time event.
Themed “Ignite The Moment”, the 2023 event is in partnership with Shoppes at Four Seasons and Express Company, American Express’ joint venture in China, from November 24 to February 29, 2024, at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons.
Horological pioneer Vianney Halter presents one of the exclusive timepieces from his collection, Deep Space Tourbillon unveiled at this year's Masters of Time showcase
According to DFS Group, the annual event “sets the benchmark for curating the most exclusive and largest portfolio of timepieces and fine jewelry to date ever displayed in Macau in a single location”. It offers over 300 masterpieces including limited edition pieces from more than 45 prestigious houses, and nine new partners.
Since its inception in 2008, Masters of Time has become one of the most anticipated haute horlogerie and fine jewelry events in the world. It brings together distinguished industry experts, enthusiasts, VIP customers and high-end consumers at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons.
Guests were treated to exclusive, in-person masterclasses led by brand ambassadors from Girard Perregaux, Bovet, Messika, Panerai, Hublot, Ulysse Nardin, Damiani, Garrard and Vianney Halter. Guests also had an opportunity to attend private workshops unveiling the intricate details of watchmaking techniques and to experience whiskies from different distilleries in Scotland. Additional salons spotlighted sustainability initiatives through bespoke demonstrations and personalized journeys amid curated private displays. Through the lively conversations and illuminating presentations, DFS said attendees gained a higher appreciation of the meticulous artistry behind the treasured creations presented.
A closer look at Vianney Halter’s Deep Space Tourbillon, showcased at this year's Masters of Time
At Masters of Time 2023, leaders from DFS Group, Sands China Ltd, and Express Company, American Express’ Joint Venture in China spoke about the continued success and growth of this flagship luxury event through their collaborative partnerships.
A close-up view of Automaton JOKER, one of the limited 20-piece series created by Andersen Geneve and Konstantin Chaykin, blending fine watchmaking traditions with technical invention
“It is my great honor to represent DFS and be a part of the continued success of this flagship event in its 14th edition of legacy,” said Johan Pretorius, President, Hong Kong and Macau, DFS. “DFS is thrilled to have the supportive partnerships of Shoppes at Four Seasons and Express Company to jointly present this momentous showcase of gleaming and extremely precious timepieces and jewelry to our most distinguished guests.
“DFS is dedicated to being the unrivaled luxury travel retailer who prides ourselves in having the indisputable authority and pull when it comes to curating one of the most desirable collections of fine watches and jewelries. With exclusive high-end events like Masters of Time, there’s no doubt that we are confident in providing the best luxury retail experiences to our customers in Macau.”
Timothy Jones, Senior Vice President of Retail, Sands China Ltd, commented, “Shoppes at Four Seasons, home to the most coveted luxury brands in Macao, has been the host partner of the prestigious Masters of Time since the beginning. This year, our support was greatly increased and we are honoured to have played such a key role in what is now one of the world’s foremost luxury timepieces and jewelry events. We look forward to creating more bespoke experiences as well as premium privileges for luxury shopping for our customers.”
Yamin Zhu, CEO of Express Company, American Express’ joint venture in China, added, “American Express Cardmembers always look for extraordinary experiences. We are dedicated to creating new values and providing money-cannot-buy experiences to our Cardmembers in China through partnering with leading brands in a variety of industries. The signature Masters of Time event is part of our extensive partnership with DFS which can provide our mutual customers with superior products, services and experience.”
Centered “Shine to unveil your igniting moments”: The Master of Time pop-up
This year's Masters of Time presented some of the most exclusive works from luxury watchmaking's most renowned independent artists. Vianney Halter personally unveiled five of his singular timepieces, each a testament to his avant-garde ingenuity and mastery of mechanics. H. Moser & Cie also displayed their latest innovations, incorporating the blackest material for a mystical illusion on the wrist.
Guests were further treated to some of Switzerland's finest mechanized rarities as Andersen Geneve shared their most intricate automata. Created alongside fellow inventor Konstantin Chaykin, a miniscule series of 20 pieces reimagined watchmaking's boundaries through a singular 18k technical tour de force. HYT showcased its latest liquid timekeeping novelty, the Moon Runner, implementing its revolutionary approach where "time's flow and context is captured as opposed to an isolated moment". Girard Perregaux also presented the Neo Constant Escapement, a mechanism delivering remarkable rate stability irrespective of available energy. SevenFriday unveiled a capsule of three unique 3D printed watches, specifically designed for the prestigious Masters of Time event.
Rarities also emerged from Graff's collection of the earth's most exclusive gemstones, imbued with generations of discernment in every unique selection. Additionally, works from venerable French jeweler Vever and London-based pearl specialists Yoko London were featured. Vever brought its 200 years of artisanal knowledge in pioneering the Art Nouveau movement. Yoko London celebrated its 50th anniversary by demonstrating how pearl designs can be both classical and modern through dramatic redefinitions of the gem. The showcase brought together innovations so distinctive, attendees witnessed the illustrious future of luxury watchmaking and fine jewelry's most restricted masterworks.
Centered around “shine to unveil your igniting moments”, the Masters of Time exhibition space ignites instant moments with energy and enthusiasm. The installation features an S-shaped water-flow design in alluring blue and silver hues to symbolize the dynamic flow of time. It diligently manifests a great variety of sophisticated masterpieces to unveil attendees’ passion for watches and jewelries as they shine along their journey through an array of interactive, intimate and exclusive surprising moments and engaging experiences.
