1. TRAVELS THROUGH TIME
28th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie
January 15-19, Geneva, Switzerland
The 28th edition of the world’s most esteemed fine watch fair kicks off in Geneva this month, bringing together some of the most renowned names in haute horology. With the addition this year of Hermès and five other newcomers, 35 maisons will showcase their luxury timepieces to horology professionals and members of the public throughout the five-day event, which sets the trends for the year ahead in the world of high time. Three virtual reality areas will allow visitors to use some of watchmaking’s precision tools like marine chronometer and flyback chronograph in their intended environments, and a new hardback book, The Beauty of Time, showcases some of the world’s rarest timepieces – available from the bookstore.
2. VINTAGE AMERICAN TREASURES
Winter Antiques Show
January 19-28, Park Avenue Armory, New York, US
The treasure troves of antiques stores from Manhattan and beyond are emptied for the annual Winter Antiques Show, which takes place in the Park Avenue Armory this month. The world’s foremost experts in fine and decorative arts come together to assess the rich collection, which bring together rare items dating from ancient times up to the present day. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is loaning a special exhibition Collecting for the Commonwealth/Preserving for the Nation: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts featuring works by Tiffany, Lalique and Fabergé for the duration, and proceeds from admissions and the opening night party go to East Side House Settlement, a community organisation that provides education to parts of the Bronx and Northern Manhattan.
3. HIGH STAKES RACING
86th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo
January 22-28, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Monaco’s love of motorsport is no secret: from the daily parade of Bentleys and Ferraris that can be seen prowling outside the Opera de Monte-Carlo, to the Monaco Grand Prix which takes over the entire principality every May, the city is obsessed with all things auto. And it’s no new fad: the Rallye Monte-Carlo – the inaugural race of the FIA World Rally Championships – is in its 86th year, spanning 395 kilometres of challenging course. The events starts a week later than in previous years, in the hope more snow will fall, providing a more challenging route for drivers and a more scenic race for spectators. At the end of the weekend, the champion will be crowned outside the Prince’s Palace; a truly regal finale to a magnificent race.
4. DON’T CRY FOR ME
Evita at Dubai Opera
January 22 - February 9, Dubai, UAE
West End producer Ben Kenwright is bringing his smash hit musical Evita to Dubai Opera this month, for a 12-night show starring Madalena Alberto and Gian Marco Schiaretti. Originally penned by Andrew Lloyd-Webber, with lyrics by Tim Rice, Evita is the musical tale of Eva “Evita” Peron, wife of former Argentine president Juan Peron, who rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. Evita’s charity work and enduring fight for social reform made her a controversial figure at home, and her death at the age of 33 resulted in days of mourning and the streets of Buenos Aires being filled with flowers.