SalonQP 2014: Independent Watchmaker Highlights

As I told you previously, the SalonQP 2014 was an impressive gathering of known and less known brands. The set was so large that I had to be very busy during two full days to see the main part (and not all of them) of the exhibitors!

I propose you to browse my selection of wristshots... almost all these watches are novelty except a few ones I wished to put in my selection because it was the first time I saw them or because... I love them!

Let's start without any particular order.

I was very happy to meet the Grönefeld brothers in the corridors of the Salon with their freshly awarded Parallax Tourbillon!





Stepan Sarpaneva introduced a re-edition of the Paroni watch in his other brand, SUF:




One of the main watches of the Salon was obviously the Complication One from Emmanuel Bouchet. First of all, I've always been a fan of his work and I didn't forget the Opus 12 which was for me, one of the most impressive Opus. The Complication One highlights the escapement wheel by giving it a role more important than its usual one. Of course, I will come back with more details!




One of the surprises around the Salon was the unveiling of the latest edition of the UR-110: the Eastwood is created in partnership with Timothy Everest! Tweed straps lovers, this one is for you! The watch comes in two versions... the meeting point between two worlds!




Akrivia was presenting this interesting prototype featuring a Tourbillon, the speciality of the brand and a jumping hours display:




Step by step, Pinion is enlarging its collection with this chronograph in a LE powered by a Valjoux 7734:




And this handwind watch powered by an Unitas:




Arnold & Son was playing at home... and so was one of the main exhibitors!




During the Salon, I could see and handle the new HSM1:




What a pleasure to put again the HM6 on the wrist!




Stepan again, with the K0 Moonphase! When the Moonphase finds a new contect with the 46mm case:




Not a novelty... but the Andreas Strehler's Sauterelle Lune Perpetuelle is a watch with a lot of charm without forgetting the horological contents:




Deep Space... shall I add more? This watch is one of the most fascinating ones of the last years!




This light dial of the Voutilainen GMT is very seducing. Not easy to use this kind of colour but it works great!




I would like to give my full support to Marc Jenni in the incredible situation he is currently. A Marc Jenni watch is more than a name on the dial, it is also the clever setting system.




Konstantin Chaykin unveiled this superb piece unique of the Decalogue created for a client. What an impressive dial!




Like a Rolling Stone !




De Bethune always manages to combine artistic approach with strong horological contents. This enamel dial is stunning.




The fumé dial becomes the speciality of Moser. And when you add the mesmerizing Tourbillon of this Venturer GMT, you get the best the brand can offer.




For me, it was my first encounter with the Geophysic! So I couldn't miss this opportunity thanks to the JLC team.




The mandatory watch of the Salon was the Chopard LUC 1963 Chronograph, Purists edition! If I missed it, Melvyn wouldn't have been very happy!




One of the key watches of the Salon was the Metamorphosis II by Montblanc. The transformation process is pure feast for the eyes. The speed of this dial transformation is perfect.




New H1 from HYT: the Velvet seduced me thanks to the case colour and atmosphere.




New line for ArminStrom! The Skeleton Pure is a good proof of the know-how from the brand.




Only Nomos could imagine a yellow canary dressed watch! And even if I don't like this colour, I have to confess it works well. And good news: the case becomes smaller which is a wise idea due to its shape.




The most intriguing watch of the Salon was the Bonhoff IP3.0! The trick? It offers a time display on demand! With the rotating bezel, you make the two large circles match: minutes are displayed. Turn again the bezel and make the two small circles match: the hours are displayed. It is 2 o'clock something on the picture. 

54mm! The Valour is an homage to the Sopwith camel Aircraft! At the end, the watch creates a stempunk atmosphere.

The Wright Flyer is my fav Bremont watch:

Bell&Ross took advantage of the Salon to present to the English visitors its most ambitious watch, the BR-X1:

The Histoire de Tourbillon 5 is exactly in the same spirit than the previous ones: excessive, with a daring design. And like a miracle, something works. The 3-axis Tourbillon is a true eye-catcher and even the large bubble finds its right place in the overall design of the watch.

Sicis is a famous italian brand dedicated to Mosaic. It was a surprise for me to discover their watchmaking offer, especially the male's watches. And frankly speaking, the memento mori dials are created with a lot of care to details:

This selection is over but of course, I will have the opportunity to come back to some of these watches during the next months.

I would like to thank a lot the SalonQP organization for this impressive and versatile gathering.

Fr.Xavier


This message has been edited by foversta on 2014-11-19 14:41:38