SimplyAbuDhabi XV

1 2 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I A t this year’s BaselWorld, the horological world’s leading show, as well as amazing the crowds by unveiling the ‘Hallucination’ – the most valuable object ever displayed in the event’s 97- year history – Graff’s debut also created a lasting impression with its chandelier-bedecked, 500sqm, 7m- high stand. However, it was the objects inside the showcases that most impressed the horophiles attending the show: a succinct and beautifully curated array of timepieces highlighting Graff’s mastery of the pinnacles of the watchmaking art, from the ultra-flat movement to the flying tourbillon and the skeleton dial to the three- dimensional moon phase. ‘Participating at BaselWorld in our own particular style was extremely important for us,’ says Graff Luxury Watches CEOMichel Pitteloud, who first approached Laurence Graff with the idea of creating a range of timepieces that reflected the standards of quality, luxury and exclusivity for which its diamond jewellery was already renowned. ‘We have brought something new, and often revolutionary, to the market every year since we started to make watches. Now I can’t think of any other jewellery house with such a diverse collection of haute horology pieces. From an industry point of view, it was time to share our achievements with the world for the first time, and we felt real enthusiasm from the 500 or so people we met. ‘We impressed many people with the range of complications we have mastered, particularly in terms of the minute repeater and double-axis tourbillon. These are specialities that are usually associated with long-established watch manufacturers, but we have been able to create them, thanks to investment in research and development and a dedication to continual innovation.