A Look Back At Baselworld 2017!
We are now just weeks away from one of the most highly prestigious watch and jewelry fairs of the year, Baselworld 2018. Following the remarkable success of watch brands like Audemars Piguet and Cartier at last months SIHH, the entire watch industry are on the edge of their seats waiting in anticipation to see whether Baselworld will exceed expectations or fall short of SIHH’s success. Last year watchmakers stunned audiences with some truly incredible pieces including the beautiful collection from Jaquet Droz, which proved just how intricate watch artistry can be.
With Rolex celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Submariner release this year, a number of watch enthusiasts have made various predictions, including some foreseeing a new submariner with an improved movement and rubber strap. So will Rolex live up to all its hype and expectations? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, we thought we’d recap last year’s Baselworld and list some of our favourite pieces!
Rolex Cellini Moonphase ref. 50535
Merging contemporary watchmaking with traditional style, Rolex presented its newest edition to the elegant Cellini collection, the Cellini Moonphase. The sophisticated timepiece features a 39mm 18ct rose gold case and exhibits a lunar cycle display and date indication around the dial edge. This polished wristwatch is the definition of a tasteful dress watch!
Credit: Monochrome
Jaquet Droz ‘Petite Heure Minute’ Collection
Last year Jaquet Droz stunned the world by introducing more beautiful and painstakingly detailed pieces to its ‘Petite Heure Minute’ collection. The Swiss brand has been influencing the world with its exceptional designs for over 280 years, and last year they did not disappoint.
Each piece was uniquely handcrafted using engraved ornamentation, enameling, painting or natural minerals like crystal. Some of our favourite wristwatches from last year include the miniature hand painted ‘lion’ (below left) and the beautifully detailed ‘relief seasons’ (bottom right). Last years Baselworld pieces perfectly flaunted the exceptional talent of Jaquet Droz watch artisans!
Credit: Jaquet Droz
Rolex Sea-Dweller “50th Anniversary” ref. 126600
The Sea-Dweller ‘50th anniversary’ features only minor differences to its predecessors (ref. 16600). The newer model exhibits a larger 43mm stainless steel case and houses a new and improved caliber (c. 3235). One of the more obvious differences is the red text above the 6 o’clock marker, a feature frequently visible on vintage submariners.
Other enhancements include the use of a Cyclops lens over the date indicator. Although most Rolexes feature a Cyclops lens, ref. 126600 is the first example of one being used on a Sea-Dweller. Last year, Rolex watch makers decided to add Chromalight hour markers and hands, allowing for a longer and more intense glow. These new and improved features ensures that this watch makes for the perfect diving buddy!
Credit: Hodinkee
Patek Philippe “20th Anniversary” Millennials’ Nautilus in white gold ref. 5168G
In celebration of the Aquanaut’s 20th anniversary, Patek Philippe released a new “Jumbo” version of the gent’s Aquanaut model. The sporty wristwatch features a 42.2 mm white gold brushed finish case, a blue embossed dial, and white gold applied numerals and hands both coated in luminescent material. The white gold model emits a stylish and understated appeal, and was a refreshing addition to a collection otherwise ruled by black and brown tones!
Credit: Watchcentre
Stay tuned for coverage on this years Baselworld – launching March 22nd 2018.
To view the Baselworld 2018 countdown and event details, please click here.