May 13, 2011, New York, NY – TimeCrafters, New York’s first luxury watchmaking fair, opens today for the press and VIPs. TimeCrafters is open to the public May 14 from 9am to 6pm and May 15 from 9am to 5pm, at The TimesCenter (242 West 41st Street, New York). The event showcases 19 of the world’s finest watchmakers. TimeCrafters is organized by Editions Temps International (ETI), the leading European publisher of supplements in the international watch sector. “We developed TimeCrafters because there really isn’t anything like it in America,” declared Isabelle Boudringhin, Managing Director, ETI. “Our goal is to gather the world’s foremost watchmakers under one roof and create an exciting, upscale event that will give visitors with not only access to the best brands but also inspiration and insight into this little-known world. The objective is to educate the public about fine watchmaking, its know-how and its long and rich history dating back to the 13th century. The companies taking part in the fair – A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Bulgari, 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 – will present their finest timepieces. In addition, a special historical exhibit will be on view in America for the first time, curated by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), which promotes technical and precious fine watches all over the world. The exhibit will feature over 50 exquisite timepieces to illustrate the origins and development of this art and science. In addition, three skilled craftsmen will work live at benches within the exhibition to give visitors a glimpse of the expertise inside the world of fine watchmaking. TimeCrafters has promotional support of The New York Times. Sponsors include Hugo Boss, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Piper Heidsieck, Sotheby’s and Swiss Airlines. For more information and to register to attend TimeCrafters, please visit www.timecrafters.us.

Baume & Mercier

Founded in 1830, the Swiss Maison d’Horlogerie, Baume & Mercier, has had a proud track record of producing watches that consistently embody an ideal of excellence and affordable luxury for everyday living. Today, the brand’s four key collections include the classically feminine Linea for women, the sport-elegant Capeland for men, the timeless Hampton for both men and women, and the Classima, perfect for all occasions and enhanced with new 2011 additions. The dawn of 2011, marks the start of a new chapter in Baume & Mercier’s history. The brand’s new universe is now represented by Seaside Living in the Hamptons, which corresponds to the genuine values of sharing, authenticity, and relaxed elegance. The Hamptons have inspired Baume & Mercier’s new claim: Life is about moments. Baume & Mercier’s mission is to be the natural companion of life’s celebrated moments such as a birthday or anniversary, a graduation, a first job or a family reunion, the kind that warms our hearts in any culture and on every continent. Contact: Marianna Friedman, 212 909 4340, Marianna.Friedman@baume-et-mercier.com.