Our Top picks from Baselworld 2019

Baselworld is one of the largest and most prestigious watch and jewellery fairs in the world. This year the fair saw a major downsizing in the number of exhibitors, 1500 down to 500, this is something that the organisers of Baselworld are referring to as a new beginning for the show. Most notably was the absence of the Swatch Group. Despite this, there were many exhibitions on show to excite and keep us entertained with new watch releases. Brands such as Rolex and Tudor showed us how they breathed new life into some of their more classic models. In this article, we shall look at some of the top pick's from our favourite brands.

Patek Philippe

Grandmaster Chime

As expected from a brand such as Patek Philippe, they brought some exquisite new models to Basel. The new Grandmaster Chime, originally added to the regular collection in 2016, after being created as one of the brand's 175th commemorative pieces in 2014. The latest addition of the watch is now in a white gold version with two elegant blue opaline dials, which are reversible. Patek Philippe boasts that this is the most complicated wristwatch that they have in regular production. With 20 complications this watch has five different chiming modes.

The case of this watch, decorated with a hand-guilloched hobnail pattern, rotates using a patented mechanism. This watch has a manually wound movement made up of 1,366 parts. The front dial decorated with the same hobnail pattern as the case which displays: acoustic functions, civil time, a second-time-zone, the moon phase, date and power indicators. Whereas the second dial has a perpetual calendar.

Aquanaut

Originally introduced in 1997 the Aquanaut has gone on to be one of the most desired watches in the collection. After the addition of a midnight blue Aquanaut, the newest colour on the block is this trendsetting khaki. 18k white gold isn't usually a metal we'd associate with sports watches. However , we feel this complements this watch perfectly. At 42mm this dial is a 'Jumbo' version in terms of the Aquanaut family. The movement in this watch is impressively thin, with a watch height of only 3.3mm.

Rolex

Rolex brought many new luxury watch designs to some of their most loved families of watches.

The Sea-Dweller

Rolex introduced a 18k yellow gold model to their Sea-Dweller collection for the first time. This is the first time that Rolex included gold in their Sea-Dweller collection. A watch that maintains waterproofing for up to 4,000 feet, coveted around the world by divers and non-divers alike it also boasts a power reserve of up to 70 hours. Similarly to its oystersteel predecessor, this watch contains a 3235 Calibre. However, Rolex enhanced this for further protection against magnetic interference.

The GMT-Master II

The new GMT Master II reintroduced by Rolex with new features bringing a fresh look to the much loved GMT-Master II. This new GMT sports a new jubilee bracelet with a folding clasp which is said to be more seamless than ever before. This creates the ultimate comfort for the wearer. On the inside, the new GMT is equipped with a new calibre 3285 movement. Much like the much sought after 'Pepsi' GMT, this new 'Batman' GMT is an updated version on a much-loved classic from Rolex.

Hublot

Scuderia Ferrari 90th Anniversary Collection

In celebration of Scuderia Ferarri's 90th anniversary, Hublot has released a special collection of Big Bang Ferrari Watches. The watch comes in three different variants. The three variants incorporate materials used in the making of the cars. Furthermore, this keeps in line with the belief that Hublot holds in the Art of Fusion. With each piece made in collaboration with Ferarri Design Centre. These are a limited edition watch with only 90 of each produced along with 10 Collectors sets which include one of each watch.

The platinum version represents the earlier classic models of the Scuderia Ferrari's. Features such as the visible metal, the peccary leather and the dial all reference to integral parts of the classic racing vehicle. All of the three watches have their bezels cut from ceramic carbon, which is the same as the break discs in the cars.

The 3D Carbon version of the 90th-anniversary edition is a representation of the current race car. In competition driving today, new composite materials and high technology are researched for their potential uses. The strap is made of Nomex, the same synthetic fibre which is used in racing drivers suits.

The sapphire edition showcases a more futuristic style when compared to the previous two watches. The strap, made of Black Rubber and Kevlar Pattern fabric with light grey stitching. Its case features polished sapphire with a Carbon Ceramic bezel. The unique attention to detail is somewhat a trademark of Hublot watches when we look at the materials that they use. Through the Art Of Fusion, Hublot continue to impress with the materials they build their watches with.

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