Time may be a construct, but at Masters of Time (MOT) – Macao's preeminent event for haute horlogerie and fine jewellery – it's championed as a tangible celebration of precision and excellence in watchmaking and jewellery design. Currently celebrating its 14th edition, the event, under the theme "Ignite The Moment", unfolds a showcase of over 300 exclusive watch and jewellery masterpieces, handcrafted by more than 45 distinguished brands, including a refreshing addition of nine newcomers. This year's exposition also symbolises another chapter of synergistic collaboration between the DFS Group and Shoppes at Four Seasons, marking another milestone in luxury retail.

Curated by DFS – famed for carrying top luxury brands and personalised services for travellers – MOT has been held at the Shoppes at Four Seasons since its inception. This venue is home to over 150 premium retailers – a haven for duty-free luxury shopping and a natural fit for such a distinguished affair.

"Shoppes at Four Seasons, home to the most coveted luxury brands in Macao, has been the host partner of the prestigious Masters of Time since the beginning," said Timothy Jones, Senior Vice President of Retail, Sands China Ltd., speaking at the event. "This year, our support was greatly increased and we are honoured to have played such a key role in what is now one of the world’s foremost luxury timepieces and jewellery events."

The 2023 media and VIP event kicked off with a dynamic two-day schedule, including a lively dinner for press and KOLs, exclusive VIP banquet and cocktail reception, enlightening exhibition tours, and exclusive masterclasses hosted by ambassadors of the various maisons. The festivities reached their peak with a grand gala at The Venetian Theatre in The Venetian Macao, where luminaries of the horology and jewellery worlds gathered in a dazzling display.

"The MOT partnership has evolved from humble beginnings 13 years ago into a major flagship event," says Jones. "While it is a showcase for watch pieces and jewellery, featuring major brands as well as the more niche manufacturers, the event is primarily focused on unique customer experiences – something both Sands and DFS have always excelled at – through private sales salons and workshops."

Events like MOT are at the forefront of what’s known as "retailtainment" – bringing retail to life through unique, immersive experiences beyond the reach of e-commerce and creating something that is tangible, interactive and enjoyable.

Sands has long been a proponent of this approach as it strives to draw premier events, entertainment and brands to Macao, as Jones explains.

"Our unique ecosystem, which includes hotels, food and beverage, entertainment and transport, enables us to craft exclusive packages. These are tailored for customers and companies seeking extraordinary experiences that are not just memorable but also shareable across their social networks."

Johan Pretorius, DFS President for Hong Kong and Macau, agrees that the synergy between the two brands has been a driving force behind the event’s success.

"By housing MOT within the Shoppes at Four Seasons, we gain enormous exposure to their captive customer base of high-net-worth travellers to the region. The impeccable facilities and service at Four Seasons also ensure an ultra-premium environment befitting these museum-worthy masterworks."

Pretorius adds, "Our guests receive exclusive insights, akin to private atelier visits. It’s the combination of showcasing this season’s most exceptional watches and jewellery, along with personalised explorations into the artistry behind them, that positions Masters of Time as a leading event for connoisseurs of both horology and high-end jewellery."

And when it comes to leaving a lasting impression on luxury shoppers, it's hard to outshine an occasion like MOT.

At the Saturday night gala, elegantly dressed guests mingled and swanned amid an impressive array of display cases. The showcases featured stunning and ultra-rare creations from maisons such as Cartier, Hublot, Breitling, and Anderson Genève, making for an unforgettable evening.

The renowned independent clockmaker Vianney Halter revealed five of his unique works, including the extraordinary Deep Space Tourbillon, a triple-axis central tourbillon wristwatch designed to be brought into outer space. Notably, this highly advanced piece, which Halter says took between 3,500-4,000 hours to complete, was loaned to Star Trek actor William Shatner for his 2021 space journey, infusing it with an extra touch of celestial intrigue.

Meanwhile, Van Cleef & Arpels embraced the trend of unconventional time-telling by merging timepieces with jewellery. The French maison shared the Lady Arpels Heures Florales Cerisier watch, a magnificent piece that uses 12 blossoming flowers to indicate the hour, dotted amongst a delicate assembly of miniature butterflies, sparkling jewels, and yellow-gold branches spanning the dial.

H. Moser & Cie. showcased the Endeavour Tourbillon, an exquisite red gold piece featuring a dial made from Vantablack, known as the world's darkest man-made material. Meanwhile, HYT revealed the Moon Runner, a groundbreaking watch that uniquely employs fluids to indicate time.

Additionally, the world's first 3D printed watch, crafted exclusively for MOT, was unveiled by Swiss watchmaker SEVENFRIDAY, marking a notable milestone in watchmaking innovation.

Among the new exhibitors, the French jeweller Vever showcased its 200 years of artisanal expertise, having been a pioneer in the Art Nouveau movement. Meanwhile, the UK-based pearl specialist marked its 50th anniversary by skillfully blending classic and modern styles. Its exhibit redefined pearl designs, demonstrating the gem's versatile and dramatic appeal.

At the heart of this extraordinary event, according to Pretorius, lies its deep appreciation for the stories of the people, artists, and brands striving for excellence.

"What I look forward to the most is experiencing first-hand how our immersive programs ignite a passion for watchmaking and fine jewellery among participants," he says, crediting offerings like experiential workshops and sustainability-focused salons as major incentives to attendees.

By aligning with DFS on its vision for product storytelling, and providing quality, authentic and personalised shopping experience and exceptional retail environments, Pretorius believes that Sands has not only managed to successfully co-host MOT each year but helped to ensure the event's success and growth.

"The collaboration with Shoppes at Four Seasons has continuously elevated MOT to new heights over the past decade. This speaks volumes about the strength of our relationship and their commitment to the long-term success of the event."

He adds, "By providing this elevated luxury experience – brought to life by our partners at Sands – MOT customers have a behind-the-scenes look that will last a lifetime."