We are therefore thrilled to announce Watchmakers – The Masters of Art Horology, a special exhibition, which will present exceptional pieces of horology made by some of the world’s most important independent watchmakers. The exhibition will showcase watches from Hajime Asaoka, Christophe Claret, Ludovic Ballouard, De Bethune, Philippe Dufour, Laurent Ferrier, Romain Gauthier, Vianney Halter, Christian Klings, Jean Daniel Nicolas, Roger W. Smith and Kari Voutilainen at the MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, the first national institution devoted to contemporary creativity. Also displayed is the – Anniversary – the last piece made by the late George Daniels, who many consider to be the father of modern independent watchmaking, and who has directly influenced the work of so many of the men cited above.

The exhibition is in collaboration with Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo, the Leading Watch Auction House Dedicated to Highest Quality Timepieces.
While Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is known predominantly for finding the world’s rarest vintage watches, its team of experts are fans of all great watches, no matter when they were made. As the current market leader for vintage and contemporary watches, Phillips feels it is their duty to support these thirteen watchmakers, who represent a very important and fragile community of artisans working tirelessly to safeguard their craft, for our benefit. It is no surprise that many of their watches have been previously featured in Phillips auctions, as they are already highly sought-after. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo believes the future is bright for these watchmakers and their watches, which one-day collectors will call vintage. It is our privilege to be able to enjoy them while they are modern.

Conceived as a travelling exhibition, Watchmakers will debut in Rome before flying to New York, Hong Kong and finally London. Maxima Gallery invites Watch Enthusiasts and All Art Lovers to discover the work of these artists during their four stops. The opening and first leg of the international exhibition will be held in Rome from April 6th to 15th at the Extra MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, followed by New York from April 26th to 30th, at the Phillips NY Gallery at 450 Park Avenue, Hong Kong from May 24th to 28th at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel – finally the exhibition will fly to London in Phillips’ HQ at Berkeley Square from June 19th to 26th.

The Watchmakers – The Master of Art Horology exhibition is accompanied by a coffee table book, 252 pages, ACC Art Book edition, imagery from Guy Lucas de Peslouan, introduction by the prominent Aurel Bacs, critical note by the influential journalist Nicholas Foulkes and many others.

Check out interview with Claudio Proietti on phillipswatches.com:  http://www.phillipswatches.com/meet-the-gallery-owner-who-finds-artistry-in-horology/