“ICONS OF TIME”
PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR, CENTRE COURT
31st of October 2019 TO 10th of November 2019
Swiss Watch Gallery launched its signature timepiece event, Art of Time 2019, at the city’s premier retail landmark, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. This stunning and immersive showcase of some of the world’s beloved watchmakers runs till Nov 10, and is headlined by Arnold & Son, Bell & Ross, Girard-Perregaux, Graham, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaquet Droz, Oris, Parmigiani Fleurier, TAG Heuer, Tudor, Ulysse Nardin and Zenith.
Now in its sixth edition, it is Malaysia’s most unique showcase offering the experience of Switzerland’s prestigious watch fairs and an insider’s glimpse into watchmaking, a special combination that appeals to long-time watch aficionados and draws the interest of new fans.
In a homage to the homeland of watchmaking greats, the Centre Court of Pavilion KL has been transformed into a formation of elegant booths invoking the look and feel of Swiss chalets with elements of wood and greenery. Luxurious and private, each specially designed booth housing individual brands invite shoppers to peruse the precious watches within at leisure.
More than 200 guests comprising entrepreneurs, corporate captains, retail partners, watch enthusiasts as well as celebrities, socialites and key media figures attended the launch party.
The evening was kicked with an opening speech by Ashvin Valiram, Executive Director of Kuala Lumpur-based luxury retail group Valiram, which owns and operates Swiss Watch Gallery.
“The idea behind Art of Time is to bring to the Malaysian market the experience of the amazing and exclusive watchmaking showcases of Basel and Geneva. We feel it is the best way to inculcate the love for horological instruments, and the craftsmanship and innovation that go into their creation,” said Ashvin Valiram,
“We have been doing this for almost a decade now. With every edition, we at Swiss Watch Gallery take it upon ourselves to make it even bigger and better.
This year is our best by far, with new brands joining our showcase for the first time. We look at ourselves not just as a retailer but also an advocate of fine watchmaking and through Art of Time, we’re looking to evolve the customers’ interest in watches and fuel the passion.”
Visitors were transported to the Swiss Alps with the immersive décor inspired by the traditional chalets. Amid the privacy and warmth of wood panelling and soft downlights, the luxurious interior pays tribute to watchmaking with exquisite designs, revolutionary mechanisms and breakthrough technology from 12 illustrious brands that have stood the test of time. Highlighting their 2019 key novelties, the showcase of watches is nothing short of magnificent with noteworthy pieces such as the Jaquet Droz Tropical Bird Repeater, Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Tourbillon in red gold, Girard-Perregaux Bridges Cosmos, IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Tourbillon Rétrograde, Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Tourbillon, to name a few. This is the first time Girard-Perregaux, Arnold & Sons, Parmigiani Fleurier and Ulysse Nardin have joined the exhibition.
Guests at the launch party perused the timepiece collections with much interest and took advantage of the shopping privileges offered including exclusive gits with purchase and discounts. While sipping on G.H Mumm champagne and Glenlivet and Monkey 47 cocktails, they savoured the canapes and desserts prepared by Quivo, and were entertained by local singing sensation Evelyn Feroza & The Band.
This year Art of Time collaborated with TUMI, America’s leading business and travel essential brand. A specially designed TUMI pop-up was showcased during the exhibition, highlighting the ultra-exclusive TUMI x Chris Pratt collection, which is inspired by the Hollywood actor’s personal packing style.
To further add on to the fair-like atmosphere, there were demonstration by Jaquet Droz master enameller, a virtual reality experience by Oris, a watch masterclass by Girard-Perregaux and an Italian coffee experience by illycaffe. There was also be a special booth featuring state-of-the-art watch winders from Orient Crown, a Singapore-based luxury timepiece accessories company.
During the exhibition, visitors enjoyed shopping privileges including exclusive gifts with purchase from participating brands and Tumi x Chris Pratt carry-on luggage, special discounts and 12-month interest free payment plan from leading banks.
Art of Time debuted in 2011 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Swiss Watch Gallery, an emporium of a most comprehensive collection of the world’s foremost watchmakers. This year, Swiss Watch Gallery celebrated its 18th anniversary. “When we opened our first watch boutique in Penang in 2001, we never expected to be become a preeminent watch retailer in the country. Swiss Watch Gallery is indeed a young adult now and we look forward to further strengthening the business beyond the shores of Southeast Asia,” said Ashvin in his opening remarks.
Art of Time is presented by Swiss Watch Gallery in partnership with TUMI, G.H Mumm, The Edge and The Star. It runs until Nov 10, 2019 at the Centre Court, Concourse Level, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. For more information, visit the website #SWGArtofTime
