LAS VEGAS – World Watch Market and Luxury Suisse launched their inaugural shows, June 4-5, at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas during National Watch and Jewelry Week. The first of its kind concurrent shows enabled both the public and specialty retailers from all over the world to interact with independent watch and pen brand owners, designers, and craftsmen in a luxurious intimate setting overlooking the Las Vegas skyline on the 64th floor of the hotel.
Actor and avid watch collector Aldis Hodge was spotted at World Watch Market both Saturday and Sunday interacting with exhibiting watch brands to learn more about their timepieces.
The 23 exhibitors represented some of the most innovative and creative timepieces and writing instruments from Switzerland, Italy, Australia and the US. Attendees were treated to a dazzling display of watches that included advanced mechanical complications and functions and bold avant-garde designs utilizing a unique mix of materials. Show highlights included a minute repeater with gongs that pass through the movement to produce a melodic chime, a watch dial decorated with butterfly wings, a one-of-a-kind “x-trem-1” tourbillon and a $64,000 solid gold pen engraved with wild cats and accented with a diamond clip.
Particpating watch brands—some seen in the US for the first time—included Armand Nicolet, ArtyA, Bausele Australia, Briston, Christophe Claret, Cvstos, DeWitt, Dietrich, Dubey & Schaldenbrand, Kerbedanz, Klokers, March LA.B, MCT, Pierre DeRoche, Ralf Tech, Ritmo Mundo, Romain Vollet, Sablier, Snyper, Vortic Watch, Zinvo and Tree Ring. Presenting their collection of distinctive pens were David Oscarson, Urso Luxury of Italy and Tree Ring. (See link below to press kit with information on each exhibitor)
In addition, show sponsors Karma Automotive, DG Amazing Experiences, Northrop & Johnson Yacht Charters and the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors [NAWCC] had a strong presence at the show.
To celebrate the unique occasion of the show launch, World Watch Market and Luxury Suisse welcomed exhibitors, industry personalities, and friends to a cocktail party celebration Saturday evening at DJT East, where guests observed an artist creating a live horologically-themed painting on a human canvas. The painted model blended seamlessly into a striking background visual depicting the Christophe Claret Poker watch. Guests were dazzled by the resulting optical illusion symbolizing the one-of-a-kind art piece. The final treat of the evening was an amazing acrobatic dance performed by finalists from America’s Got Talent: Duo Resonance.
The show ended on a high note with exhibitors gathering in one of the penthouses for a champagne celebration with promises to stay in touch and for reuniting again next year for the second edition of World Watch Market and Luxury Suisse.