Manufacture
MTF offers a unique, independent perspective on Watches & Wonders 2013 in Hong Kong, highlighting Piaget's presence and the event's evolving target audience. His personal observations provide valuable insights into the luxury watch exhibition experience, distinct from official media narratives. This report helps readers understand the nuances of major watch events and Piaget's strategy in the Asian market a decade ago.
I would like to declare that my recent visit to Watches & Wonders 2013 in Hong Kong was NOT paid by Piaget nor any brand.
My observations and notes are purely personal and not as part of the mass media trip.
The target audience for the show changed depending on whom and when you asked, during the planning and execution since 2006.
Eventually..... it became an invitation-only event primarily for the Asian mass media who did not usually go to SIHH in Geneva.
At the same time, it could not leave out the mass media that already went to SIHH and ultimately, the brands and retailers could not leave out their VIP customers. We had VIPs from Japan, China, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand flying in.
In the end, everyone who wanted to, could attend; except the general public from China who really needed the education about watches or wonders.
Piaget brought all the novelties from SIHH 2013 and showcased representatives from all the Collections.
We really got immersed in PIAGET Watches and we had Wonders.
There were demonstrations of their specialised crafts that I have already highlighted in three previous posts:
Piaget: Watches & Wonders 2013 Hot Post 1 [CLICK following URL link]
piaget.watchprosite.com
Piaget: Watches & Wonders 2013 Hot Post 2 [CLICK following URL link]
piaget.watchprosite.com
Piaget: Watches & Wonders 2013 Hot Post 3 [CLICK following URL link]
piaget.watchprosite.com
It was difficult for the artisans in all the booths because the floors squeaked and bounced like trampolines. The worse was, ironically, at the huge Cartier booth. The oscillation made for animated displays with pocket watches and jewellery pieces swinging evocatively. The watchmakers and enamellers had a worse experience.
The artisans found difficulty making tiny paint-strokes or gem-setting, whenever people walked around their benches.
CONCLUSION:
Would I attend again a future Watches & Wonders show in Shanghai or Hong Kong?
Will it be every year or 2-year cycles? These are the scenarios under discussion.
To protect my sources, I "speculate" that this will be a Hong Kong event every 2 years.
My answer is Yes - I would attend - but they need to get the organisation, Press appointments and construction glitches solved.
Watches & Wonders 2013 was an eventual "success" despite those organiser/contractor/communication management shortfalls.....probably by the sheer willpower of the attending CEOs and the brand personnel at the frontline.
Many attendees probably did not even see the frantic but successful efforts to get the right people to the right place at the right time.
Many special pieces were sold although that was not the declared prime objective.
People, Process and Products: 2 out of 3 success isn't bad!
Regards,
MTF
Melvyn, I have to walk very slowly in the booth to avoid squeaky floor. The effect is more noticeable when some visitors (big size and loud voice, I presume, with deep pocket) marched into the booth which caused the stand-alone display cabinets wobbled. This whole sub-standard flooring projected cheap image. The quality of the F & B are fine except that your order will never come based on the valid reason that the food has finished. I am not sure it was due to press appointment glitches or o
is only surpassed by the images of the Piagets. An obvious favourite is the Piaget Emperador Coussin XL Minute Repeater, not only for he is a coveted complication, but also - as I understand - a very successful entry for Piaget in this realm (in terms of musicality, as you note, but also in terms of finishing (as I was told)). Thanks for taking the time! Best, Magnus
were bottom of the ranking visitors. ;) But your opinion and observations are important because you flew in from Malaysia just for the show....as a real buyer. Depending on whether you were the external PR contractors or brand PR or brand marketing or retailers or customers, the ranking of visitors varied. Therein lies the problem as each faction has a favoured 'visitor' type. Regards, MTF
...both metaphorical and literal. The movement finishing is in their top grade category and the diamonds were 'naked eye' flawless or VVSI under magnification. Even without the diamonds, the unique ray-burst dial is captivating and preferred by many. I cannot believe how thin the movement and case are for a minute repeater.
Melvyn, thanks fror your report. Now, I am more and more intrigued about Piaget Minute Repeaters... Will have to have an indpeth biew on them. Best, Nicolas
I'm always glad to see the movement of the MR... Fx
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