From a watch that can predict the weather (Breva) to a range powered solely by water (HYT Watches), SalonQP – the UK’s premier fine watch exhibition – demonstrated innovation and craftsmanship beyond compare last weekend.
Taking place at London’s Saatchi Gallery, over 60 timepiece brands – both new and established – showcased their latest models to the enchantment of watch enthusiasts and luxury accessory fans from around the world.
In the ladies’ corner, Hermès unveiled the world premiere of the elegant Pendentif Boule, a new diamond-set pendant watch worn around the neck. The stunning timepiece hangs in a ball that rolls and rotates, with the back hemisphere cased in leather.
Meanwhile Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin showcased his glorious, ultra retro Cinema watch – the first ever mechanical watch in the world with a built-in movie.
Paying homage to the early movie projectors of the late 19th century, the first in a brand new series of 12 pieces features an animation of a galloping horse and rider, in tribute to moving image pioneer Eadweard Muybridge. The company also accepts individual orders for animated movies to play on the watch.
Also among the weekend’s many highlights was the presence of A. Lange & Söhne – one of any watch aficionado’s most coveted brands.
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The Glashütte-based precision watchmakers showcased two extraordinary creations in the 
form of the limited edition Grand Lange 1 Lumen and the 1815 Ratrappante Perpetual Calendar.
The Grand Lange 1 Lumen – similar to its parent watch – has an outsize date which is visible in the dark, as are its time and power reserve features.
Only 200 of the model, in platinum cases, will be made available. From the latin for ‘light’, the name gives the game away: part of the dial of the special edition consists of semi-transparent sapphire crystal, revealing its spectacular disc mechanism.
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Meanwhile, Lange & Söhne’s 1815 Ratrappante Perpetual Calendar (pictured) was also on show. With more horological complications than suggested at first glance, this elegant wristwatch is an exceptionally fine piece.
Of the 636 individual calibre parts, more than 200 components make up the impressive perpetual calendar mechanism, which indicates all leap years until the year 2100. Like so many watches at SalonQP, the new calibre L101.1 is set to become a true collector’s item and a family heirloom for many a timepiece enthusiast.
Just one of SalonQP’s most elegant and impressive highlights in a weekend dedicated to celebrating the wonders of horology and mechanical art.
