Words: Charlie Thomas
Each and every spring, the city of Basel is transformed into a watch-haven, as BaselWorld 2015, the major horological fair, descends upon the biggest exhibition centre in Switzerland, Messe Basel.
For 2015, BaselWorld is set to be bigger and better than ever as nearly 150,000sqm of show space will welcome over 150,000 visitors throughout the eight-day extravaganza. Not only is BaselWorld the largest event of its kind anywhere in the world, it is also the most unique. The world’s most renowned brands all reveal their latest collections here and, as is so often the case, the trends really come into their own.
What makes it extra special, though, is the fact that attendees can get up close and personal with not only the watches, but the owners, CEOs and industry experts themselves. BaselWorld is a truly unique event and one that we look forward to every year.
As mentioned, Basel is where the watch trends truly reveal themselves. The many hundreds of brands present mean that there is plenty to look at – too much in fact – meaning that you really have to plan your day(s) if you want to be efficient. It also means that competition is rife, and no matter how big or small brands are, they will want to make a lasting impression.
In terms of skeletonisation, a trend we have previously covered, few do it better than Linde Werdelin. Their new SpidoLite models are set to be unveiled in Switzerland, and the pictures already have us salivating.
Featuring the most advanced skeletonisation from the brand to date, this fourth iteration to the SpidoLite family is the lightest ever, featuring a heavily-stripped back case in both polished and brushed finishing. The inner dial is a complex array of layers and precious metals, perfectly arranged to form a visually stunning yet highly legible watch face. In short, it represents everything we love about the trend, and we can’t wait to see it up close.
Linde Werdelin SpidoLite Gold, CHF27,000. For more info, visit Linde Werdelin
Elsewhere, the heritage trend is as strong as ever, and Bremont have capitalised, producing two Jaguar-inspired watches. Executed with a meticulous attention to detail, the watch is directly influenced by the Lightweight E-Type of 1964; its dial referencing the dashboard of the iconic automobile. The racer strap and tyre-pattern crown take it to another level and is bound to please motoring fans to no end.
Bremont Jaguar Mk1, £POA. For more info, visit Bremont
Jaguar Lightweight E-Type, 1964
Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic dress watch, and there are set to be a number of exciting new releases at BaselWorld. Rolex are expected to unveil a couple of new pieces, but, as usual, they have kept their cards very close to their chest. Blancpain, on the other hand, have struck first with the Villeret Grande Date, an 18k gold, brown alligator-strapped beauty complete with Roman numerals and a large date window at 6 o’clock. We approve.
Blancpain Villeret Grande Date, £POA. For more info, visit Blancpain
At SIHH we saw a number of emblematic pieces, featuring extreme designs and high-end complications. Watches such as the Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Grand Complication and the Richard Mille RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur. Continuing this opulent trend is this, the equally long-named Breguet Tradition Automatique Second Retrograde, with its retrograde complication and deep, open-worked dial.
Breguet Tradition Automatique Second Retrograde 7097, £POA. For more info, visit Breguet
This year BaselWorld has been somewhat overshadowed by Apple’s big unveiling of its smartwatch last week. Many feared that smartwatches would damage the Swiss watchmaking world, but we are starting to see the traditional brands join the party. Frederique Constant are set to unveil their very own, as are Mondaine, and now Breitling are getting in on the act. The B55 Connected allows wearers to pair their timepiece to their smartphone, allowing for the uploading of various measurements (flight times, etc) from the chronograph to the smartphone so as to be able to read them more easily, store them or pass them on via wireless connectivity. It all sounds very impressive indeed.
Breitling B55 Connected, £POA. For more info, visit Breitling
BaselWorld takes place from 9am until 6pm, March 19 – 26, at the Messe Basel in Switzerland. For more information, visit BaselWorld.
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