It has been 5 years since I was last at Baselworld.
Given that I am following the vintage market more closely than the modern watches – you could argue that I am not the best source to spot trends at Baselworld. With that being said – here is what I noticed. I have kept it rather brief.
First several brands are playing the heritage game.
Brands with a strong history are bringing back models that were icons in the past. And since the world is very open to vintage inspired modern watches – it makes sense for brands to be doing this. It is one of the advantages of having a strong history and heritage.
The first brand I noticed to be doing this was Tissot. Tissot brought out a few new models based on their vintage pieces and heritage. Rather than show you the modern pieces allow me to show the original pieces they took inspiration from.
Below a fine two tone dial Tissot from the 1930s. I think this shape of watch is incredibly elegant.
Another nice Tissot from probably the 1930s with so called explosion numerals.
Did you know that Tissot in the 1950s was the first brand to come up with the so called driving leather strap?
They called it a driving leather strap as the strap has holes in it and reminds us of a steering wheel. They had patented this idea before anyone else. An advert from Tissot driving style strap – this time out of steel (at least it looks like it on the advert).
A Tissot with the leather driving strap below. This is the original – all other brands who copied this strap came after.
The next brand that was displaying their heritage was Breitling. As you know Breitling has long been associated with Aviation. My best guess its that is a cockpit instrument from the 1950s.
Omega with their recently re-issue of the Seamaster was also taking inspiration from their history.
Next a quick stop by Patek. They are also famous for their Dome table clocks out of cloisonné Enamel. The color of Enamel are always striking.
Window shopping at Patek.
The most impressive house of any brand at Baselworld in terms of interior decoration and materials used was by far Graff.
Graff is known to sell the largest, most important and most beautiful diamonds in the world. They represent the pinnacle in jewellery in terms of quality, price and rarity. Their house reflected it. Visiting Graff was like entering an entirely different world. It was impressive. Notice the crystal hanging lamps.
Their entire floor was made out of fine marble. Entering Graff was like entering a day spa at Baselworld. You just didn’t want to leave.
Their bar (which I wanted to photograph but security didn’t allow it) looked liked a sitting area of the Ritz hotel in Paris. Super chic and elegant. Other watch brands should take notice and up their game in my view. Buying watches is about dreaming and telling a story and no-one did it better than Graff in my view.
Wondering around the halls of Baselworld I met a German gentlemen who was wearing this exquisite Patek ref 3417 Amagnetic with large sub seconds.
Naturally I had to try it on. I have to say it is completely my taste and perfect in size. I need this. Very badly. And in Gold.
Baselworld also had a section dedicated to independent watch makers who are much smaller than the big brands which dominate Baselworld like Patek, Omega and Rolex. For example, I stopped by Voutilainen, intrigued by an article I had just read about him in the NYT.
A humble watchmaker, he only produces very few pieces a year (less than 50) and does so entirely by hand. The case, crown, dial all manufactured in his little workshop. That obviously has its price – the time only watch below is more than CHF 70’000.
I found the light blue guilloche dial very attractive. The design of the lugs and hands take some getting used too (but am already finding them charming too). The case was white gold.
I enjoyed Baselworld, and might just make it an annual trip from now on. Happy Easter to all of you.
