With a shared passion for precision engineering and style, the automotive industry has enjoyed a long and close association with the finest watchmakers – especially in the world of motorsport, where every fraction of a second counts and accurate timekeeping is essential.
In 2021, Salon Privé will be celebrating that relationship from 1-5 September, bringing together the world’s leading horological maisons for a very special showcase – Salon Privé TIME.
They will be displaying their latest releases in a pavilion on the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace, where they will line up next to some of the greatest automotive and luxury brands. Guests will have the opportunity to browse, try on and purchase all the magnificent pieces on display.
Blenheim Palace is a fitting home for Salon Privé TIME. The fourth Duke of Marlborough, George Spencer, was fascinated by astrology and all things mechanical.
During the 17th century, using a sundial and the specific latitude of the Palace, he established ‘Blenheim time’ to be five and a half minutes slower than Greenwich Mean Time.
Today, its 30 antique clocks are maintained by official timekeeper Julian Newman, and the timepiece that looks over the East Courtyard has done so since 1710.
The new Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 – a tribute to the original.
The new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” includes a carbon fibre dial.
Panerai will be exhibiting is its new Luminor Chrono Goldtech Blu Notte PAM01111 priced at £23,800.
Piaget will also be bringing its new Polo Skeleton launched earlier this year.
Salon Privé TIME will welcome some of the most revered watchmaking brands, many of which have forged close partnerships with the automotive sector. For example, IWC Schaffhausen has been the Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team since 2013, and the following year it introduced the first of its special editions dedicated to brand ambassador Sir Lewis Hamilton.
With its signature design characteristics of boldness and extravagance, Roger Dubuis was a natural partner for Lamborghini Squadra Corse, while Florence-based Officine Panerai combines Italian style, Swiss technology and a passion for the sea in its elegant designs.
They will be joined at Salon Privé TIME by Piaget, whose master craftsmen have a long and illustrious history of blending watchmaking and jewellery, and Montblanc, which has been making timepieces in the Swiss Jura mountains for more than 150 years.
Completing the collection of brands is Vacheron Constantin – the oldest watch manufacturer to be in continuous operation. It has created iconic timepieces for the likes of King Farouk and Marlon Brando, and in 2015 created the world’s most complex watch as a special commission for its 260th anniversary.
“There is a natural synergy between motor cars and watches,” said Christophe Ramel, UK Brand Director from Vacheron Constantin, “and Salon Privé TIME is an exciting way to celebrate that. Salon Privé is known across the world for its quality, style and exclusivity – and those values perfectly align with what we do as luxury watchmakers. Anyone with a passion for cars will appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each and every timepiece.’
There is a natural synergy between motor cars and watches
Salon Privé TIME represents a combination of elegance, history and cutting-edge technology that will be at the heart of Salon Privé Week, which last year confirmed its standing among leading automotive brands by hosting no fewer than 21 UK, European and global debuts.
The Concours d’Elégance will welcome more than 100 of the world’s finest cars to Blenheim Palace, while Ladies’ Day presented by Boodles offers the ultimate in style and fashion, and fine dining in the Glass House will return after its successful debut in 2020.
“Salon Privé TIME will not only offer something unique in its own right,” said Salon Privé Director David Bagley, “it will perfectly complement the great cars, elegant surroundings and everything else that goes into making this such a prestigious week in the motoring calendar.”
Now in its 16th year, Salon Privé Week is a must-attend series of events for any car enthusiast or aficionado. A Partner Concours to the Peninsula Classics’ Best of the Best Award, Salon Privé is now recognised as one of the top events in the world alongside Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Held annually within the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is firmly established as the UK’s most exclusive automotive event.
For further information, tickets and hospitality, please visit salonpriveconcours.com
