Manufacture
SJX provides an exclusive look into Cartier's 2011 Fine Watchmaking dinner in Singapore, an annual event showcasing the brand's haute horlogerie collections. His report captures the ambiance, culinary excellence, and the rare opportunity for collectors to experience Cartier's latest innovations firsthand, including the Astroregulateur and Astrotourbillon.
Last year saw the first Cartier Fine Watchmaking event in Singapore (click here for photos of the 2010 dinner). It was a success and Cartier once again hosted a dinner to show the 2011 Fine Watchmaking collection, at the same venue as last year.
This year's dinner featured a international selection of guests, some of whom had flown between one and 18 hours to be here.
Unfortunately for the guests who had endured a long flight, attendees had to endure a lengthy talk by a Cartier forum moderator, just like in 2010, explaining the excruciating details of watches like the Astroregulateur and Astrotourbillon. Fortunately the 1998 Krug Vintage Brut served before dinner and the 1999 Château Margaux helped alleviate the situation slightly.
The food was outstanding. Les Amis set a very high bar last year, and everyone agreed they did not disappoint in 2011.
The main of char-grilled wagyu (from Blackmore Farms down under) was especially good. It was created for this event; in watch parlance that would mean it was a limited edition boutique exclusive. And because each was hand-prepared by the chef, each plate was a piece unique.
Because of the excellent wine and food, everyone was happy.
But some were happier than others, because they were wearing the same watch.
There were lots of Cartier watches circulating around, both from the wrists of guests as well as from the collection of prototypes brought in for the event.
Above: Christopher Kilaniotis, Managing Director of Cartier SE Asia and Australia (left)
\
The favourites of the night were the Calibre de Cartier Astrotourbillon and the Santos Dumont Skeleton Titanium ADLC. In fact the titanium Santos Dumont had already been ordered in Singapore, in a customised, unique execution, prior to the dinner. That will be revealed on this forum once it's delivered.
Kudos to the team at Cartier for the wonderful evening and everyone looks forward to the 2012 dinner.
- SJX
This message has been edited by SJX on 2011-04-01 22:21:08 This message has been edited by SJX on 2011-04-01 23:13:02of excellent taste. I understand the wine (both red and white) was fantastic but paled in comparison to the Astroregulateur. And that Calibre case... one of the best designed cases to me both from an aesthetic and ergonomical point of view. It would be good if Cartier could shrink some of their high complication to fit into this case. Cartier continue to impress and surprise in the area of high horology, an area which many clearly don;t give Cartier enough credit for.,, much to their loss I will
.. the more I want to visit Singapore just to attend one of these events... Send me invitation, SJX, and I might fly there over the weekend Nice event, indeed. Thank you for the report. Ken
and what a beautiful dinner party. Good to see Christopher Kilaniotis again! GEO
Hope all is well. - SJX
even if not a formal event it can be an informal GTG. - SJX
What an event! WOW!! And I assume the beautiful gloves on everybody's hands were kept by the guests as a gift from Cartier. This message has been edited by marcelo on 2011-04-02 08:07:33
This thread is active on the Cartier forum with 20 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
