SalonQP 2015 report

[geoffbot]

SalonQP 2015 was held this year, as always, at the Saatchi Gallery in Sloan Square. I've been for the past 3 or 4 years running I think. It runs Thursday night to Sunday - daytime or evening drinks tickets are available. I bought a ticket for Friday daytime but Bradjhomes offered me a free evening ticket that he won from watchfinder and I gave away my daytime ticket. I can't turn down free booze.

There was a lot of the same stuff that's been there for the past few years (watch development takes time) so I wasn't quite as excited about the watches per se as I'd seen most of them before, but the atmosphere was awesome, and I met some old friends who I didn't know were WIS which was great! Needless to say I didn't cover a lot of it because I'd done so in the past years, and also because there's not enough time, and I spent too long propping up the bar.


Nice venue




Some serious Haute-horology...most of which doesn't appeal to me perhaps becasue I can't afford it and perhaps because I think a lot of it is plain fugly.




This, however, I can afford!! Last year (or the one before) I told Frederique Constant that if they made their 42mm moonphase as a 39mm I'd buy it. Well, they have.



But they also made this!!! I'll take it in steel thanks.



Hunter caseback!! I'm sold. Just a bit short of cash atm.



FC and Alpina are sister companies. They also have a high end brand called Demonaco - this tourbillon is housed in a case made of 47 pieces, IIRC. It also costs £35k. Or maybe it's 35 pieces and costs £47k, but you get the idea.



Quite a caseback



Lotus had a stand there- I didn't know they still made cars tbh. The new Exige and Evora are cracking cars - google for better pics .



TBC...

[geoffbot]

H Moser & Cie - now these guys make seriously smart watches. I saw them last year at salonqp but was still blown away by their perpetual calendar movement - wish I'd taken a video. It's basically perfect. And that blue fumee dial

The tiny hand point to 1 o clock if it's January, 2 for Feb etc. How simple is that?! 12 months, 12 hours. And it flicks from Feb 28th (or 29th on a leap year) to March 1st instantly. And you can go back.




Christopher ward with their moonphase and tools out.



Zenith with this...interesting el primero



Ahh Nomos. I could definitely get another. Not that I'm in the market for a new watch...this place makes you wanna buy them badly. As does the free champagne...



Yep - no duplication here at all


Muhle Glashutte 29er big. So nice. Wasn't out on display (why?!) - they had to get it out of the back which was good of them.



Now this is a cool watch. Christopher Ward Trident - I love the black and white contrast, that shiny ceramic #bezel, oh and it has a 5 day power reserve!! And costs a bit over a grand (£). Good value I say. I'd just brush out those centre links and bingo.



That's pretty much it! Great event.

[geoffbot]

Oh yeah - I didn't go mad on the swag as I've had lots of it before and had to carry it on the tube, but there were a few goodies - especially this Nomos encyclopaedia and mechanical pencil!

[geoffbot]

And they had a Ducati scrambler there (tie in with Tudor fastrider, I later found out - the bikes somewhat overshadowed the watches, much to Tudor's chagrin, I'm sure. Now I need one. Greenscreen for photo pose - my mate has mine - I'll ask him to send me a pic.

[FuzzyB]

Excellent! I wish we had similar events in the U.S. WatchTime puts on a show in New York, but it is more limited in the range of brands on display.

The Nomos Encyclopaedia is a great bit of swag. I have been tempted to buy a copy on many occasions.

I had a chance to handle the Harry Winston History of the Tourbillon shown in your first picture a couple months ago. I cannot comprehend how anyone could wear something like that on their wrist. Or why they would want to for that matter.

[geoffbot]

So much to see. Too much really - you need days. Www.Instagram.com/bradwatch covered some different watches when he went so check out his instagram for others.

[meijlinder]

Thanks for the write up. Seems to be a great event.

The more I see of the 29er, the more I think that will be my sporty white watch.

[is that my watch]

looks like a fun day was had by all great pics

[Steppy]

How was the general size/thickness of the 42mm Chris Ward 5 Day diver?

[geoffbot]

How was the general size/thickness of the 42mm Chris Ward 5 Day diver?

It was pretty good actually. Wears small with the dark bezel. Was kinda thick but it's not a small watch. Big bracelet helped.