Five cosmopolitan members of the Académie Horlogère Des Créateurs Indépendants, better known as the AHCI, will exhibit in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in October 2011. To say that China is an important market is an understatement so this is not unexpected, though it’s an unusual combination of watchmakers exhibiting. Taking part in the exhibition are Hungarian watchmaker Aaron Becsei of Bexei Watches, Konstantin Chaykin who hails from Russia, German independent Lang & Heyne, Aniceto Jiménez Pita of Spain and the sole Swiss watchmaker in the group Marc Jenni.

These are the dates and locations of the exhibition: 10月18日 / October 18th 北京 / Beijing 北京香格里拉嘉里中心大酒店 下午3点—9点 Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, 3pm-9pm 10月22日—23日 / October 22nd to 23rd 上海 / Shanghai 上海国际顶级私人物品展 展位 BA3-BA5 Top Marques Luxury fair Booth BA3-BA5 10月24日 / October 24th 香港 / Hong Kong 港岛香格里拉大酒店 下午3点—9点 Island Shangri-La 3pm-9pm Registration can be done online the AHCI Facebook page. – SJX

German safemaker Döttling just unveiled the GrandCircle, a two meter high, EUR195,000 safe to show watches and other expensive objects. This is certainly more beautiful than most of the competition which is angular and boxy. In fact this might even be a beautiful piece of furniture, in terms of design and not just expensive materials. That being said the GrandCircle is clad in expensive materials, including galuchat, Alcantara and wood veneer. It is not just a ultra-luxe storage closet though. In addition to the 52 watch winders, it has a clock made by independent clockmaker Mattias Naeschke. The pendulum clock indicates the full calendar and has a 30 day power reserve. The base of the GrandCircle includes a small hifi set as well as a fire-resistant safe. This is a limited edition of 20 pieces. Of course for those who want more Döttling can outfit an entire room. – SJX