China Duty Free Group (CDFG) is to host the Watches & Wonders event in Sanya, Hainan Island at its CDF Mall.

A partnership between Richemont, CDFG and Fondation de La Horlogerie, the event, which is taking place in Sanya for the first time, will run 29 September to 31 October. Each partner will showcase their latest releases.

Eleven watch brands will showcase collections at the event. These are A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Hermès, Montblanc, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin.

Each brand will present their products in a dedicated space at the centre of the CDF Mall. The first three days will be reserved for the media and VIP customers, before opening to a wider public of watch lovers and collectors.

A varied programme of product presentations, workshops, talks and virtual reality experiences will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about watchmaking. Full safety measures will be in place.

VARIED EVENT PROGRAMME

The programme includes 90-minute Introduction to Watchmaking workshops, where participants can rebuild a mechanical movement.

Visitors can also enjoy the ‘World of Watches’ immersive augmented reality experience, which explains the function of a mechanical movement through four interactive games.

A series of talks will also take place on topics including 2020 trends and new models, iconic watches and their story, the different families of complications, vintage watches and auctions and collector’s watches.

Charles Chen, President, China Tourism Group Duty Free Cooperation Limited said: “We are honoured by Watches & Wonders’ decision to select CDFG as their partner for the event and are also grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the Hainan and Sanya authorities.

“China Duty Free Group is a reference for luxury shopping and has always maintained a strong partnership with the Richemont Group. This exclusive collaboration further exemplifies a collective vision and strength shared by the parties.

“Watches & Wonders will unequivocally become a benchmark platform, not only for the duty free channel in China, but also serve as a best practice for the Hainan Free Trade Port initiative in helping to promote and upgrade the local tourism sector.”

Emmanuel Perrin, President, Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie added: “We are thrilled by this partnership with CDF Mall which will welcome Watches & Wonders for the first time in Sanya. It is a true privilege to exhibit inside this magnificent location and to show a knowledgeable audience the exceptional timepieces and expertise of our prestigious Maisons.”