An Affair to remember

The 18th edition of the salon international de la haute horlogerie (SIHH) once again reinforced its position as the setting for prestige watchmaking. Time ’n Style spotlights the trends and special moments that marked this truly elite affair
TIME ’N STYLE TEAM AT SIHH, GENEVA — ANITA KHATRI, VEYOLEEN MEHROTRA, RANVIJAYSINH JHALA AND ASHOK S. KHEMLANI

The latest creations from some of the brands at SIHH (Presented in alphabetical order)
Dates: April 7-12, 2008 Venue: Geneva, Switzerland

The 18th edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), which concluded on April 12, 2008, was deemed an unequivocal success as it registered a record 14,000 visitors (eight per cent more than in 2007). Occupying the exhibition space at Hall 6 of Palexpo, the ‘Cité de la Haute Horlogerie’ was spread over a generous 24,000 square metres.

A. Lange & Söhne
Model: The Cabaret Tourbillon, featuring for the first time, a stop-seconds feature implemented in a tourbillon calibre

A. Lange & Söhne, Alfred Dunhill, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, JeanRichard, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels — sixteen of some of the most outstanding names in fine watchmaking showcased their most recent additions in haute horlogerie and joaillerie.

The elite nature of the invitation-only exhibition lends a truly unique atmosphere to this trendsetting event. Organised by the Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) — an institution that promotes the principles of ‘fine watchmaking’ — the plush environs invite one to truly enjoy the technical and aesthetic display at a luxurious pace.

Over the course of six days, the SIHH played host to the unveiling of new designs and trends by some of the most prestigious names in watchmaking. Feats of technical brilliance, combined with artistic skill, were made possible by the métiers d’art.

Audemars Piguet
Model: Millenary Pianoforte, a watch displaying a unique piano key motif

Heralding the onset of a variety of trends was the array of products on display. From understated aesthetics and unrestrained creativity to mechanical brilliance, this year’s SIHH reflected the prolific skills of the industry.

In its effort to promote the cultural facet of haute horlogerie, the SIHH also hosted its 14th thematic exhibition. Guided by the theme — ‘Fine Watchmaking Celebrates Sport’, the assorted timepieces on display ranged from pocket watches to wristwatches. Of the chosen 74 timepieces, some were taken from the brands’ own heritage collection, while others were on loan from leading Swiss watch museums.

Baume & Mercier
Model: Iléa, a gently rounded watch that embodies enigmatic femininity