Beyond the Wristwatch: Modern-day clocks to be displayed at Dubai's third Salon des Grandes Complications

Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2016:  Times have changed. With a seemingly endless array of new tools and technologies, and in an era of ceaseless progression, timekeeping options are boundless. Real timekeeping however, is a passion. It is all-consuming, it is history, it is pushing engineering limits to extremes – and it is luxury. 

It is not just wristwatches that define ‘haute horology'; clocks pre-dated watches, and are ever-popular amongst timekeeping enthusiasts today, featuring in countless homes and offices around the world. No amount of ‘smart' can replace the timeless charm of watching precision-linked gears, levers, springs and pendula making time tick. 

Clocks tell more than just the time, they tell a story about their owner and completely redefine one's living space. They are a declaration of individual style, taste and sophistication; they are avant-garde and present a completely unique way of telling time - whilst making a rather bold style statement, of course.

Among those present at the upcoming Salon des Grandes Complications, clockmakers Erwin Sattler and William Wagner will showcase the best in decorative timepieces. 

Pendulum Precision 

Pendulum clocks. Big, bold, and extremely precise, these bespoke pieces of wall, table or floor art can truly transform the atmosphere in a room. Watching the balance-spring-powered seconds tick away on a mechanical wristwatch has its charm, but nothing beats the acoustic and visual time-telling art of a pendulum clock. 

Richard Müller, CEO of clockmaker Erwin Sattler, is very proud of the 12-metre pendulum clock that adorns the front façade of his firm's headquarters in Gräfelfing near Munich, Germany. “Switzerland may be known for wristwatches, but Germany is still known for its clocks,” says Müller. 

Erwin Sattler was launched in 1958 in Munich, Germany and crafts timepieces that range from those with a classical appearance to those with modern restraint, always elegant. “We have the world's most precise clocks, with deviations of one to three seconds per month, which is even better than quartz,” says Müller. 

The company has recently entered the Middle East with the opening of their first regional boutique in the Burj Al Arab, Dubai.

At the upcoming Salon des Grandes Complications, Erwin Sattler will display its AED 1 million Mosaic Sonata, an aesthetic masterpiece replete with ball bearings and jewel bearings, a gold-plated gear train and a 30-day power reserve, as well as the Atlantis Orbis, a circular cocktail table with built-in Atlantis Module, and the Tischuhr, a magnificent labour of love born through partnership with Audi Design. 

As well as pendulum clocks, Erwin Sattler makes table clocks and exceptional watch winders, some of which will also be at Salon des Grandes Complications.

Bespoke 

The appeal of a fine decorative wall or table clock goes well beyond mere time-telling or punctuality, and nothing says ‘horological luxe' quite like a bespoke piece.

Founder and CEO of William Wagner Geneva, Ramzi Charaf-Wagner says, “We design bespoke pieces, for the client, and with the client.” His grandfather William Wagner was born in 1907 in Switzerland, and carved a long and distinguished career working as a craftsman in large watchmaking companies. 

Today, Charaf-Wagner has revived his grandfather's hardworking spirit, and chosen to leverage his own lifetime passion for luxury watches and objets d'art. Working alongside a group of exceptional, independent craftsmen, each with a distinctive style, William Wagner Geneva creates bespoke timekeepers and writing instruments. 

He handpicks the artists he collaborates with, based on his personal experience and love of their craftsmanship. Among the master craftsmen creating custom-built pieces for William Wagner Geneva is Jean Kazes, the Guinness World Record-holder for the world's largest clock pendulum.

The company will be displaying four Seasons limited edition pendulums, each bespoke, at the upcoming Salon des Grandes Complications in Dubai, worth up to AED 250,000. 

The ultimate haute horology destination, the Salon des Grandes Complications exhibition is taking place at DIFC from 7-10 November 2016. The Salon will see the some of the world's best watchmakers display their creations over the four days.

Salon des Grandes Complications 2016 is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, in partnership with Maserati and Visa.