In the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 30th to October 3rd 2015, just a few days after the lunar eclipse that captured global attention, the Roger Dubuis star(s) glowed more brightly than ever in the Haute Horlogerie constellation during its third appearance at Watches&Wonders, Asia’s foremost exhibition dedicated to this stellar field. Throughout the event, all eyes were on the fascinating Roger Dubuis World with its fantasy universe evoking the skeleton-work theme of the year, and quite literally on the unique Astral Skeleton Experience made available by slipping on a pair of Oculus glasses. Every aspect of this year’s performance cemented its status as the pioneer of contemporary skeleton calibres and specialist in architectural and technical mechanics.
Alongside a chance to get a close-up look at the stunning line-up of Technical, Automatic and Creative Skeleton models launched earlier in the year and vividly illustrating the Astral Skeleton concept, visitors were also treated to three brand-new releases. Connoisseurs were naturally instantly drawn to the Excalibur Spider Pocket Time Instrument. This edgy take on the pocket watch – designed to hang from a dedicated contemporary chain or swing from an original and attractive purpose-built base – embodies a potent combination of the four sprung-
balance Quatuor principle and the tentacular new Spider skeleton-work concept.
For all those fascinated by the Roger Dubuis talent for using gemsetting to exalt the magic of mechanical intricacies, the Excalibur Star of Infinity lit up by 312 baguette-cut diamonds – adorning the case, flange as well as the skeleton double flying tourbillon ‘star’ itself – proved a source of endless admiration. Devotees of jewellery creativity and horological sophistication were also entranced by the sight of the second chapter in the Excalibur Brocéliande trilogy, evoking the legendary enchanted forest. The rhodiumed pink gold version with matching pink strap provides an exquisite new showcase for subtle gem-setting of ivy leaves on vines that are symbolically interlaced with the skeleton-worked movement to create an incredible 3D effect. Last but not least among the new stars twinkling at Watches&Wonders 2015, the Excalibur 42 mm appeared with a finely hand-engraved stone dial honouring the fabled stone of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
An exclusive dining experience and an inspirational muse. The Astral theme was extended in the evenings by exclusive Astral Dinners organised in a spectacular setting of the Asia Society located in Hong Kong’s Admiralty district and which has become a cultural, artistic and intellectual hub. From the cocktail on the terrace overlooking the city skyline and jungle, to the dinner in the Event Hall served on specially designed ‘hybrid’ tableware visually celebrating the encounter between Swiss and Asian traditions and highlighted by movie screenings and a dance performance, VIP guests were immersed in the Astral theme and emerged from the experience with stars in their eyes. And speaking of luminaries, one of Korea’s most glittering actresses, Ms. Kim Hee-Seon, sparkled her way through the Roger Dubuis galaxy on October 2nd, wearing the iconic Velvet Haute Joaillerie white gold timepiece and also gracing that evening’s Astral Dinner. The well-respected icon of the silver screen was entirely at home in the world of sensual, compelling glamour and ultimate elegance characterising the Roger Dubuis Diva.
Commenting on these thrilling few days and nights in Hong Kong, CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué emphasised the positive reactions among media, retailers and the public: “We are delighted that Watches&Wonders has once again lived up to its premier billing as an ideal venue for up-close-and-personal presentations of our latest creations to a discerning and passionate Asian audience.”
