Marcus Hanke
[PuristSPro Moderator]
11295
Grand opening event of UN boutique and dinner with Rolf Schnyder in Hong Kong (pics)
Inofficially opened already in November, the new UN boutique in Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal (remember my post here: http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=201110&messageid=1069282147 ) has now been formally opened on December 12th, by UN's president, Rolf W. Schnyder, together with Marc Rogivue, UN sales executive for HK, in presence of the Swiss consul, Mr. Fran?ois Barras. Nearly a hundred watch enthusiasts came and celebrated the opening, during which Rolf Schnyder also presented the marvelous "Sonata" alarm watch.
Mr. Gino Yu, a true Purist, organized a dinner with Rolf Schnyder and his UN team, as well as 12 enthusiasts, which took place after the opening event. During that dinner, Mr. Schnyder showed some very interesting things ... but it is the best to let Gino tell you that.
But before, some pics of the opening event, all made by Marc Rogivue:
Marc Rogivue delivers a brief speech
... followed by Rolf W. Schnyder
The Sonata is unveiled
A dancing lion promises luck for the shop
Cut ! -- It's open!
Now read Gino Yu's report of the event and the following dinner (the following pics are by him):
"Was a great day for Hong Kong Ulysse Nardin fans yesterday with the opening of Ulysse Nardin's first showroom in Asia (and hopefully not the last!).
Rolf Schnyder and the entire Asia Headquarter UN team was on hand at the opening ceremony with special guest the Consul General of Switzerland.
In true Hong Kong tradition, the opening included a lion dance, ribbon cutting ceremony, food, and drinks. The opening also marked the Hong Kong premiere of the Sonata. There was also a Freak and Genghis Kahn on hand as well!
If you are in Hong Kong, don't miss a chance to visit the new shop (the wood/port-hole motif is similar to the design of their headquarter office and the pictures I've seen of their booth at the Basel fair).
Would have taken pictures of the watches, but I didn't bring a macro lens.
After the opening, several watch and UN fans had the pleasure of dining with Rolf at the Kowloon Pacific Club (including Asia's Master Watchmaker Kiu Tai Yu!). It was a sort of homecoming for Rolf as he lived in Hong Kong for two years during the "hippy days" of the 60's.
He shared his stories of being detained in China by the red guard (nothing too serious), and it turns out he is as skilled in using a telescope as he is at using a loupe (he'll have to explain that one). Was a great dinner with good food, good wine, good company, and great watches!
Over dinner, we were able to see and hear the Genghis Khan and Sonata (both really works of art). Rolf also showed us the base-plate for the Sonata which was entirely developed in house. He also shared with us many recent developments including the new factory, the growth of the R&D team to four teams, and their most recent innovation.... The Diamond Hairspring!
He actually had one on hand to show in a Freak movement. Really incredible as the entire spring is cut from a single thin diamond crystal. The advantage of diamond is that it has excellent thermal properties (does not expand like most metals).
They also made the silicon gears of the Freak out of diamond as well. No word as to when these new innovations will make it into UN watches as the processes are still very expensive. Rolf also said that with their techniques that theoretically, it would be possible to make a watch and movement entirely out of diamond. Talk about getting into the woman's market in a very big way!
It was very amazing to see the diamond hairspring and gearwheels in motion.
Hardest substance on earth. Wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it with my own eyes!
I inquired about the possibility of UN selling a display back for the 1846 and Marine Diver (they make them for the Christopher Columbus and Blue Max sets) for existing owners and Rolf said he'd consider it if there was demand (for those interested, time to make some noise!). With four watch teams, they are already working on their new products for 2008!
Overall a great event. Big thanks to Marc Rogivue for helping to organize the event and for providing the images.