21 April 2004
While Kent was attending BaselWorld ( http://www.baselworld.com ) I attended a training in San Antonio, Texas.
Both are beautiful places with much to offer.
Just a few random highlights from Kent's description of the annual unveiling of the World's Finest Watch and Jewelry innovations:
He attended as a guest of Patek Philippe.
Five buildings were required to house the displays.
Each designer has his own freestanding structure within the PolyExpo. And this is probably the world's most expensive real estate at Twenty Million Swiss Francs rent for ONE WEEK.
Regarding Patek Philippe, I'll just quote Kent on this one: " As expected, lush but tasteful were his quarters, with a full staircase ascending to what only a select few could view. I was given a Patek bag with general catalog, publication regarding their museum and pamphlet on the brand new model, Gondolo Calendario. I then stepped inside and asked if any videos or dvd's were available. There I was given a larger Patek bag with a press release including two dvd's. "
Later Kent described the Patek experience to other WOSTEP students who beelined straight to Patek and heard "No, this is not for you." So Kent replied, "Sorry fellas, I think you should have maybe dressed a bit nicer".
Kent continues, "Around the outside of Patek's quarters we were treated to close up views of the new Gondolo, many repeaters and perpetual calendars and a Star 2000 collection. (Last heard that these are available only in sets of three and go for about US$3 million.)"
"Next up was Ulysse Nardin. Their quarters were in the shape of a ship and dock. I was astounded by close up views of the Freak--their completely new design which includes a hairspring and two escape wheels formed of diamond! Also a set of three astronomical wristwatches were quite interesting.
"Rolex has very large quarters including twin staircases leading to their theatre where one could watch a promotional film. As I had already seen it, I did not invest the thirty minutes to see it again.
"Next I just walked past a few dealers. Breitling's large building sported two huge fans formed in the shape of an antique plane's cowling and propeller.
"Oris had a genuine formula 1 race car.
"Bvlgari had a very posh set up.
"The highlight scheduled for the morning was a presentation hosted by Omega regarding all of their watches which have been sent into space and an introduction of a new model chronograph with Snoopy on the dial. This was followed by a speaker and film from NASA on the latest explorer to Mars. The man himself, Nicolas Hayec, head of Swatch group, was also on hand. Later I saw him ascend upstairs to Breguet, his most current project. I acquired a catalog, but was told their dvd was not ready but to look for it next year. I asked about copies of the latest book on Breguet written by his great grandson. (Emmanuel Breguet) So they called the author down to see me. The last time I met him (three years ago) he was the company's historian. He is now the head of teh company. I guess Nicolas Hayek wanted a Breguet in the lead.....Missr Breguet did not have copies with him.
"After this I headed to the most important destination, at least for me, to the display area for the AHCI...'Academie Horologerie Creatuers Independenc' (Linda's note: Independent Watchmakers). This is where the most innovative and creative find refuge from the manufacturers and the ability to display and take new orders for their individually built pieces.
"Originator Svend Anderson did not appear, but he did display a number of unusual pieces including one with a very naughty automata (end of sentence deleted by Linda)...Co-founder Antoine Preziuso has moved to a larger quarter just next to the AHCI booth, as have members of Phillip Dufour, Marin Braun and Vienny Halter. I noticed Preziuso looking over the AHCI booth a couple of times however.
Also at the AHCI booth, "I first met Marco Lang who, working with Mirko Heyne, produces hand made watches in Dresden. (Linda's note: Germany) With a bit of help from an interpreter, Marco described that each piece was produced by hand and invited me to visit his workshop in Dresden. I shall certainly take the time to do so when I am back settled in Heidelberg. ....Oh, I was surprised to see an escapement model on hand made by marco's grandmother, Martha Lang."
As the experience at BaselWorld 2004 is very detailed, we shall continue the description on a later post, lest the reader tire of the intricate horological details with each entry.
Bis Morgan, then!