The About Time Watch Weekend in Melbourne showcased an array of innovative and unique wristwatches, capturing the attention of luxury watch enthusiasts. Among the standout pieces were a wristwatch that functions as a sundial and another that indicates the optimal moments to add ingredients for a traditional Japanese Sukiyaki hotpot. These creations were part of an exhibition organized by the Financial Review and presented by Seiko.
Shin-ichiro Kubo, the design director for Seiko and Grand Seiko, explained the initiative behind these watch concepts. “It’s a project created to encourage in-house designers to deeply explore the essence of watches in a style different from their regular work, and to generate innovative outputs,” he stated. Attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favorite designs among seven concepts, including a popular ambidextrous model that features a dial changing between black and white based on which wrist it is worn.
The event, now in its third year, attracted several hundred subscribers of the Financial Review. Attendee Xi Wang expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “They brought out the good stuff,” particularly highlighting high-complication pieces from Bulgari. The Serpenti Misteriosi High Jewellery watch, which wraps around the wrist and houses a diminutive “piccolissimo” mechanical movement measuring just 12mm, drew considerable interest.
At the newly opened Grand Seiko boutique, participants engaged in a hands-on experience, applying indices to watch dials. This intricate task involved positioning microscopic pins with precision. Grand Seiko also unveiled its latest Ultra Fine Accuracy model, renowned for its exceptional performance, losing no more than 20 seconds annually. This achievement sets a new benchmark in spring drive mechanical watches.
Cartier’s display added to the weekend’s allure, allowing guests to observe a watchmaker from Geneva demonstrate the inner workings of a Santos watch. Attendees also had the chance to try on the new Tank à Guichet, originally designed in 1928, which features an innovative jumping hour mechanism encased in solid gold.
The event’s social atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of renowned designer Stefano Canturi, who showcased his vision for the brand’s Cubism watch collection. One attendee remarked, “We just love to see Australian watchmakers,” while enjoying complimentary canapés and wine at Lillian Brasserie, the Melbourne headquarters for the Watch Weekend. The excitement was palpable as attendees expressed appreciation for both local and Asian watchmakers, with a particular fondness for Grand Seiko.
A notable highlight was Kubo’s attendance, the designer behind Grand Seiko’s iconic “snowflake” dial, which debuted 20 years ago. Attendee Marshall Grosby, wearing a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual, commented, “That is one of the most famous watches in the world. And there was its designer, standing in front of me. He’s like a watch deity.”
The About Time Watch Weekend will continue in Sydney on September 20-21, 2023. Bookings remain available at afr.com/about-time, offering more opportunities for enthusiasts to explore the latest in luxury timepieces.
