SalonQP Returns To London, Bigger And Better Than Ever

By Arthur Touchot | November 16, 2015

It keeps getting bigger, and better. SalonQP was back in town this weekend, taking over the Saatchi Gallery for the seventh time.

Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain Vision Watch Front SIHH 2015 — The Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain Vision Watch, winner of the GPHG 2015 “Aiguille d’Or”

Collectors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts flew in from all over the world to get the chance to see the ten best watches of the year, as voted by the jury of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2015, or be the first to witness some last-minute new releases before the Christmas season.

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Chronograph

Once again, SalonQP had a British focus, with brands such as Schofield, Roger Smith and Bremont drawing local collectors. However, there was a continental flavor to the fair this year, with established Maisons such as Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Sohne, Montblanc, Tudor and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Adventurer and TV presenter Charley Boorman (L) with Bremont co-founder Nick English (R)

While guests were able to marvel at their latest creations, they could also catch a glimpse of their past, through a special preview of the November auction from Watches Of Knightsbridge Auctioneers, including an extremely rare stainless steel Rolex Tudor submariner and a 1965 Memovox Polaris Alarm Divers Watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre.

1965 Jager-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris — A rare 1965 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris

SalonQP also presented “The Art of Colour” an exhibition dedicated to the dazzling creations past and present from the likes of Piaget, Bulgari, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Backes & Strauss, as well as “Inside A Second,” a tribute to the glorious history of the chronograph, one of horology’s most alluring and enduring complications.

Guests marveling at this year's most wonderful creations — Guests marveling at this year’s most wonderful creations.

A selection of key pieces from the Harrods Fine Watch Room was presented on the ground floor lounge, including one-off pieces and watches from Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Jason Broderick, Fashion Director of Menswear, Sports and Fine Watches, said he was, “delighted to be partnering with SalonQP for the fourth consecutive year. The exhibition is the perfect showcase for our most exclusive and innovative pieces and an ideal environment in which to share our passion for fine watches.”