TimeCrafters, an event created for the public, will take place May 13-15, 2011 at The Times Center (242 West 41st Street, New York).Organised by the leading European publisher of supplements in the international watch sector, the event will showcase 19 of the world’s finest watchmakers.

Chopard watch

“We developed TimeCrafters because there really isn’t anything like it in America,” stated Isabelle Boudringhin, General Manager, ETI. “Our goal is to gather the world’s best watchmakers under one roof and create an exciting, upscale event that will provide visitors with not only access to the best brands but also inspiration and a look inside this secret world. The objective is to educate the public about fine watchmaking, its knowhow and its long and rich history dating back to the 16th century.

The companies participating in the show are A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Bvlgari, Cartier, Chopard, Girard Perregaux, Harry Winston, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, JeanRichard, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels and Zenith. The brands will exhibit their best timepieces.

In addition, a special historical exhibit will be on view in America for the first time, provided by Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, which promotes technical and precious fine watches all over the world. The exhibit will feature 60 exquisite timepieces to illustrate the creation and the development of this craft art.Furthermore, three leading craftsmen will work live inside the exhibition to give visitors a peek inside the world of watchmaking.

The event will kick-off on Thursday, May 12, with a private cocktail reception followed by a press and invitation-only day on Friday, May 13, from 9am to 6pm. The doors will open to the general public on Saturday, May 14, from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, May 15, from 10am to 5pm.

TimeCrafters has the promotional support of The New York Times. Sponsors include Hugo Boss, Mandarin Oriental hotel, Sotheby’s and Swiss airlines.