Just over a month has passed since the third annual SalonQP exhibition, and watch enthusiasts are still reflecting on its incredible success.
As the only event of its kind in the UK, SalonQP has firmly established itself as an unmissable showcase for fans and collectors of luxury watches. The Prodigal Guide described it as “charming, accessible and unpretentious”; just one example of the high praise recorded across newspapers, blogs and social networks following the November event.
And if statistics speak louder than praise, SalonQP still has much to celebrate. The 2011 event more than tripled its number of visitors, with 5,000 people in attendance across the three-day event - significantly more than the 1,600 visitors in 2010.
It has been suggested that the increased interest was due to the change in venue. This year saw a move to the Saatchi Gallery; an impressive setting much larger than that of the two previous events. It allowed 42 brands to showcase their collections (11 more than last year) so visitors could view more of their favourite timepieces up close.
Watch blogger Watch Nerd wrote: “In my opinion, it was phenomenally successful, capturing the spirit of QP in an environment (the Saatchi Gallery in London’s Chelsea) that seemed to breathe life into everything on display.”
The extra space at the Saatchi Gallery was also used for a number of ‘interactive features’, including the chance to take part in a watchmaking masterclass with Jaeger-LeCoultre, and the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie exhibition on the history of watchmaking.
Many luxury brands used SalonQP as an opportunity to unveil new models: Graham revealed its Swordfish Iris, while Bell & Ross presented the WW1 timepiece. Most notably, however, was Ronnie Wood’s announcement of his collaboration with Bremont, revealing the first in his collection of bespoke hand-painted clocks.
SalonQP gives watch lovers a chance to view rare timepieces, preview latest models and meet the people behind the luxury brands, without any pressure to purchase. Professional Jeweller reported that many of the exhibitors are already confirming their participation for next year, and a number of new brands interested in joining them - suggesting the popularity of SalonQP will continue to grow in 2012.
