foversta shares a captivating photo gallery from Salon QP 2012 in London, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the watchmakers and personalities who define the independent horology scene. This post captures the relaxed yet professional atmosphere of the event, emphasizing the unique connection between collectors and the creators of their cherished timepieces. It provides a valuable snapshot of the industry's key figures and the burgeoning English watchmaking revival.
I'm just back after 4 days in London! And I can tell you that i really enjoyed my stay there!
It was the second edition of Salon QP at the Saatchi Gallery and this location is perfect to host such kind of event. I remember the first editions at Marylebone and we can't compare them. The Saatchi Gallery is classy, elegant and luminous.
Of course, the location is not enough to succeed. James Gurney organised perfectly the event. The exhibitors list was a very balanced combo between "big" brands like JLC, GP, Vacheron, independant watchmakers or less-known brands and of course a focus on the current english brands. I will come back to the revival of the english watchmaking activity which can be felt thanks to several projects launched during the last years.
In the meantime, I propose you my traditional gallery of portraits done during the 3 days of the Salon. These pictures will give you an idea of the relaxed and professional atmosphere during the 3 days!
A very classy Stepan:
But... well... under the sleeve... we discover this great tattoo created by our friend Mo!
Andreas Strehler was presenting his Cocon:
Philippe Dubois (Badollet): Ivresse was one of my fav watches at Basel.
Benoît Mintiens (Ressence):
It was the first visit for Urwerk, Felix Baumgartner and Dominique Busser at the Saatchi Gallery:
Emmanuel Bouchet (Centagora, the watchmaker of Harry Winston Opus 12) with Benoît Mintiens:
Supachai, the master of the guillochage at Vacheron!
Celine and Alex Ghotbi from Vacheron. Alex, is the colour of your jacket an homage to the PT Vacheron Les Historiques chronograph?
The Vacheron Constantin team:
Carlos Rosillo (Bell&Ross):
Olivier Müller 5laurent Ferrier) and Xavier Dietlin. Xavier did a special showcase which highlights the beauty of the movement of Laurent Ferrier watches. As you can see it on the picture, the magnifying glass moves closer and away to observe the details of the movement.
Max Büsser:
Eleonor Picciotto and Charris Yadigaroglou (MB&F):
At least at the Salon Belles Montres, the Grönefeld brothers could bring their beer machine! Hopefully champagne was served during the cocktail!
Let's imagine a partnership between Stepan and the Grönefeld brothers...
Steven Holtzman (Maîtres du Temps) and Kari Voutilainen:
M.N. Hopwood et Giles Ellis (Schofield). It was the second participation for the young english brand Schofield at the Salon. The watch is inspired by the atmosphere of the old english lighthouses.
Of course, Peter Speake-Marin couldn't miss such event! During the Salon he unveiled a new version of the Spirit Pioneer.
Robert Loomes was presenting a watch entirely made in England. Of course, I will come back to it.
Harry Winston without glamous is not Harry Winston! Orla is wearing the Ultimate Adornment timepiece.
The perfect tray for such context!
And my usual picture with Kadidja Valy (De Bethune):
I would like to thank a lot all the exhibitors for the warm welcome, the time they spent with me and of course James Gurney for the perfect organisation. He managed to put the Salon QP on the top of the watches event in Western Europe.
Fx
