THE HOUR GLASS SINGAPORE UNVEILS ITS FIRST POP-UP STORE. 'SUPER MACHINES AND HOROLOGICA​L HEROES' ON 18 - 30 SEPTEMBER

Press Release:

The Hour Glass will unveil another ground breaking project in the form of a pop-up store situated at the heart of Orchard Road at leading shopping centre, Paragon from 18th to 30th September.  Themed “Super Machines and Horological Heroes”, this pop-up will stage some of the most iconic and avant-garde timepieces, paying homage to a collective of individuals who revolutionised watchmaking and watch design at the turn of the millennium. Coinciding with the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix Race weekend, “Super Machines and Horological Heroes” will offer a unique cultural experience to both locals and out-of-town guests during the 13-day showcase at the Main Atrium of Paragon shopping centre.   
 

A ‘Playground’ where Inspiration Meets Manifestation

“Super Machines and Horological Heroes” seeks to play out the virtuosity of visionary watchmakers and profiling their technically innovative masterpieces.  Since the dawn of the new millennium heralding the birth of contemporary watchmaking: a period where visionaries sought to define a new path for horology with a respect for patrimony whilst shaking design conventions of what is considered high watchmaking. 

Hailed by pundits as ‘Superheroes’ in the world of horology, these trailblazing brands and individuals harnessed the dexterity and technological advancement in artistic watchmaking; giving rise to these spectacular ‘super machines’.

The Hour Glass Limited Editions and Novelties

There will be an inauguration of 21 inimitable timepieces of which 7 limited-editions are exclusively available through The Hour Glass. These exclusives editions are Ferrari Big Bang by Hublot, Experiment ZR012 by C3H5N3O9 (an exclusive collaboration between two creative houses - MB&F and Urwerk), Bugatti Super Sport by Parmigiani Fleurier, Freak by Ulysse Nardin, Imperial Fountain by De Bethune, Poison Dart Frog by MB&F and Galet Micro-Rotor by Laurent Ferrier.

Hall of Fame

Akin to the oscars, The Hour Glass will showcase  a selection of masterpieces that had garnered awards at the renowned Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Geneve (GPHG) held in Switzerland from 2006.

A Convergence of Legendary Independent Watchmakers and Artisans

In a world of mass production, it is laudable that true artisans still exist.  Legendary independent grand watchmasters are the exemplars of highly skilled craftsmen honoring ancient traditions to produce only limited numbers of exquisite eponymous timepieces where every piece is painstakingly put together. The exhibition showcases some of these claim-to-fame masterpieces by luminaries such as Philippe Dufour, Vianney Halter, Kari Voutilainen, Roger Smith and Laurent Ferrier.

Expect a plenary session where these watch masters convene on:

Date:                                     Thursday, 26 September 2013
Time:                                    7.00pm – 9.00pm
By:                                          Mr Kevin Tan, Moderator, International Watch Forum

Artisanal Showcase – “Metiers de la Maine”

Witness some of the specialist artisans and master watchmakers on-hand demonstrating the finesse and intricate craftsmanship of their masterpieces:

Reuge                                   The Craft of Mechanical Symphony       18 to 30

Parmigiani Fleurier         The Art of Restoration                             18 to 21

Hublot                                  The Intricacies of A Chronograph            22 to 25

Ulysse Nardin                   The Mastery of the Freak Dual Escapement   26 to 30

 

In short, “Super Machines and Horological Heroes” sets the stage for a celebration of watchmaking culture in all its glory - with everything from brand showcases, to panel discussions by watchmaking luminaries, and a unique many -firsts among others.