Article and Photography by Boris Pjanic
Every year in January, Geneva, Switzerland becomes the hub for watch dealers, jewelers, enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. Two large fairs, SIHH is primarily organized by the Richemont Group at the Palexpo Center, and GTE presents independent watchmakers and top emerging watch brands, such as Louis Erard, RSW and Saint Honoré Paris. Many regard GTE as a creativity incubator.
| Louis Erard Mens 1931 Collection Power Reserve Regulator |
RSW Mens Consort Collection Dual Time Zone |
Saint Honore Paris Ladies Haussman Collection |
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| Click to Enlarge Image | Click to Enlarge Image | Click to Enlarge Image |
The bright red building that houses GTE can be seen from far away. It’s located not very far from both SIHH and Geneva Airport. There is parking by the entrance to the building, which is very convenient. Walking through the entrance, there’s a counter at the left where you pick up your entrance ticket.
One needs to obtain an invitation from one of the exhibiting watchmakers. I was lucky enough to have been invited by Quinting, an old watchmaking firm known for invisible movements. Many famous people including American presidents have worn Quinting. I know that President Bill Clinton wore a Quinting, as did UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and actor Gérard Depardieu.
RGM, one of the few American watchmakers, was also presenting their new timepieces. I had a long and very pleasant conversation about their watches with company founder Roland Murphy. The latest RGM watch is derived from an airplane clock, positioned behind the watch in the picture.
| GTE Exhibition – Quinting Watch | GTE Exhibition – RGM Watches | |
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Last but not least, I discovered Reuge, a Basel-based mechanical music manufacturer who is worldwide renowned, exhibited some great pieces.
I wanted to give you a brief look at this interesting watch fair, which some consider a side event of the larger SIHH fair. However, I do not think that it’s just a side event, as there are quite a number of attractive watch presentations there. I very much enjoyed my visit to GTE.
Now, I have my sights set on Baselworld 2012 coming in March. Hope to see you there!
About Gevril Group
Gevril Group, directed by company founder and long-time creative force in the watch business, Samuel Friedmann, is the exclusive US agent for select European watch brands — distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sporty timepieces at a wide range of price points. In addition, Gevril Group maintains a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers.
Gevril Group is a regular participant at Baselworld and will be available at Baselworld 2012 to familiarize you with our many watch brands that will exhibit at the show. Contact us by email or at 845-425-9882.
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