Salon QP 2011

Now in its third year, Salon QP has become the go-to watch event for collectors in the UK. This year the consumer show is back at a bigger, and some might say better, venue with some of the finest haute horology and watchmaking from worldwide brands including Bremont, Cartier, Harry Winston, Piaget, Speake-Marin and Maitres du Temps.

There will be several must-see highlights at the show including Bulgari’s Kaleidoscope, which allows visitors a chance to see the intricate mechanics of a complicated watch movement and an exhibition from the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie.

Expert watch service and repair experts will be on-hand to give advice, there will be chance to take part in a watchmaking masterclass with Jaeger-LeCoultre and many of the brands’ watchmakers will be at the show to offer more information about the timepieces on show.

Salon QP is emerging as an important event not just for consumer watch fans but for the watch industry in the UK. While there is no trade taking place at the show it is an important networking event and a chance to meet with brands without the pressure to place an order. And in terms of bolstering the watch knowledge of retailers or store staff it is a fantastic opportunity to do so whilst having fun.

While many brands will hold back major releases until BaselWorld or SIHH, some are endeavouring to offer exclusives for Salon QP, giving visitors the chance to view archived collections not usually made available to the public.

This year Salon QP has moved to the Saatchi Gallery in London’s Chelsea – a bigger space, a more dynamic environment and a fitting location to celebrate watch artistry.