Celebrating Artistry in Time

The return of Art of Time.

Renowned purveyor of luxury timepieces Swiss Watch Gallery launched the fifth edition of its signature event, Art of Time, with an elegant and exclusive cocktail soiree at the city’s premier retail landmark, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Heralding the congregation of 14 of the world’s beloved watch brands in a single destination in Kuala Lumpur, the campaign serves as an open invitation to visitors of all walks of life to come and explore the fascinating world of watchmaking. The event also marks Swiss Watch Gallery’s milestone anniversary – 15 years of success as a home-grown authority of fine watches.

20161013_201013 — The Executive Directors of Valiram officially opening the annual event.

In commemoration of the milestone anniversary, Swiss Watch Gallery elevated the Art of Time experience with a collaboration with the local arts scene, by commissioning an ensemble of artists to render their individual interpretations of Time through their respective crafts. The result is an inspiring collection of artworks dedicated to the idea of time – from poignant reflections to whimsical illustrations – integrated into the Art of Time showcase alongside 14 renowned heritage manufactures, some of whom were unveiled in Malaysia for the first time.

Hosted by Sharan, Ashvin and Mukesh Valiram, executive directors of Valiram Group, the celebration of horological art by Swiss Watch Gallery transformed Pavilion KL’s concourse area into a 4,600 sq ft gallery of masterpieces.

Art of Time 2016 was held at the concourse area of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

In his welcoming address, Ashvin Valiram said, “Each time we present Art of Time, we try to make it even bigger and better than the last. While we are flexing our muscle as a specialist retailer, we also believe in further igniting passion for a unique industry that revolves around one of life’s most precious commodity – time. We want to celebrate the creative spirit that goes into the creation of each watch as much as we want to continue to enable and facilitate that joy that comes with owning mechanical art on your wrist.”

Balletbase Dance Company and Aswara Dance Company’s award-winning choreographer Fauzi Amirudin break into Clockwork: Present, Past and Future, a contemporary ballet movement.

Watchmaking and art certainly came alive at the launch as the evening kicked off with a performance by the Balletbase Dance Company and Aswara Dance Company’s award-winning choreographer Fauzi Amirudin. Donning fine timepieces, the dancers interacted with the crowd as watch models before breaking into Clockwork: Present, Past and Future, an explosive contemporary ballet movement created specifically for Art of Time. This served as a prelude to the opening ceremony by Sharan, Ashvin and Mukesh Valiram, who put the finishing touches on the Art of Time 2016 key visual with paint and palette to declare the exhibition officially opened.

Guests were in full swing marvelling the exquisite timepieces on display. — Guests were in full swing marvelling at the exquisite timepieces on display.

Guests freely explored this curated spectacular, taking in the specially commissioned pieces by fine artists Yusof Gajah, Mohd Yusof Wahid, Emila Yusof, Zaki Hadri, Zarina Abdullah and Tham Siew Moi, designer-illustrator Lisette Scheers and digital illustrator Ellie Yong, which have all been integrated into Art of Time’s structure and space. In fact, prints of Yusof Gajah’s Bulat Series run along the exterior walls of the exhibition.

One of the artworks that was commissioned especially for Art of Time 2016.

As they mingled with watch company executives and fellow watch aficionados, invitees also enjoyed trying on the various gorgeous highlight pieces and limited editions from Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Bremont, Frederique Constant, Graham, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-leCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Maurice Lacroix, Oris, TAG Heuer, Tissot, Tudor and Zenith, and took full opportunity of the shopping privileges extended to all customers for the duration of Art of Time – including triple reward points and up to 18 months interest-free payment plan for RHB credit card users.