Last week saw the world’s biggest exhibition in watchmaking and jewelry, Baselworld. Every year, the best watchmakers from around the world showcase their newest designs and trends, with over 1,500 brands in attendance. This year, we saw the introduction of “new” materials in fine watchmaking, like titanium and silicon. Blue was all the rage, with many of the biggest brands featuring shades of blue in one way or another. And retro is still in, as we saw many upgrades of vintage designs. Check out our list of ten favorites from this year’s convention.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
This design of this new model is unlike anything we’ve ever seen from Patek Philippe. The sporty design features a white gold case, a blue dial and a leather bracelet. The blue dial was inspired by US Navy fighter planes and utilized this year’s blue trend well. It also tracks two time zones with easy adjustment with patented locking push-pieces.
Rolex Day-Date 40
This revival completely revamped the bracelet, dial, case and movement of this Rolex classic. The bracelet links have ceramic inserts to make the watch more comfortable and durable. And the watch is available in gold or platinum.
Breguet Tradition Chronograph Independent 7077
While many watchmakers sought to embrace the new technology in smartwatches, Breguet decided to showcase its mechanical movement in a modern-looking, titanium skeleton design. What’s unusual about this watch is that it features two different gear trains — one for its timekeeper and one for its chronograph.
Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M Co-Axial Chronometer
This model first appeared in the ’70s, then reappeared in 2007, and again this year. This dive watch is now lighter and made of titanium with mesh-metal bracelet and ceramic bezel. The dial has also been simplified with the removal of the date.
Longines Pulsometer Chronograph
This 1920s-inspired design from Longines features a steel case, vintage dial and red pulsometer scale. The pulsometer is a scale for doctors to use when taking a pulse. The watch also features a 54-hour power reserve.
Ulysse Nardin Anchor Tourbillon
The classic look of this Ulysse Nardin design comes coupled with new technology. The watch, available in white or rose gold, features shock absorption with a new, in-house movement. The escapement, made entirely of silicium, was in development for eight years. The design features a large and clear dial, exposed tourbillon, a leather bracelet and it is available 18k white or rose gold.
Omega Globemaster
This design originated in the 1950s and is among another vintage-inspired design from the convention. However, this modern replica passes a total of eight additional quality tests in addition to the Swiss quality agency’s qualifications. True to its name, the Globemaster will be sure to stand up to any conditions.
TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01
This Carrera has introduced a new case, design and construction. The most apparent new feature is the skeleton case that gives you a look at the mechanics. The automatic chronograph has a modern appeal and it’s made from steel and titanium. No matter what this design is called, it would never be called traditional.
Tudor Pelagos Blue
With its blue bezel, blue dial and blue bracelet, Tudor incorporated the color trend beautifully in its Pelagos Blue design. The watch also includes a new in-house movement with a 70-hour power reserve. It’s water resistant to 500 meters.
Sarpaneva Korona K0 Northern Lights
The Northern Lights design was perhaps the most original at Baselworld. The designs feature lume dials in purple, blue or green. What’s more interesting, however, is that Sarpaneva didn’t just use “new” materials like titanium. That’s that’s not luminate paint. Sarpaneva collaborated with James Thompson who created actual new luminate composite materials. It also features an in-house, moonphase complication.