Baselworld 2016 kicks off this week, in Switzerland from March 17—24. All this week and next Whitewall will be showcasing highlights from watchmakers and their newest and most novel timepieces. Next up are brilliant appearances by Chanel, Boucheron, Graff, and Jaquet Droz.
Chanel released two sparkling new editions of its Les Éternelles de Chanel collection this week at Baselworld. In honor of the company’s classic quilted handbags, the Signature Diamant Secret and Signature Morganite Secret join the pop-out collection, flashing hidden timepieces on dazzling white gold cuffs paved with rounded diamonds. Both editions feature square quilted patterns of gemstones and round bedazzled dials, combining feminine palettes with sophisticated styles. A large briolette diamond or a pink morganite pyramid conceals the time, exposing the dial when pressed lightly. These elegant, graphic pieces are one-of-a-kind, each handcrafted at Chanel’s high jewelry studio.
GW5960 Celestial Watch. Courtesy of Graff Diamonds.
Following its Bleu de Jodhpur High Jewellery Collection, Parisian jeweller Boucheron debuted Reflet Bleu de Jodhpur, a pair of sleek, limited-edition versions of its classic Reflet model. Inspired by the “Blue City” at the heart of Rajasthan, the wristwatches honor Boucheron’s past relationships with Indian royalty. The blue version of Reflet highlights the azure houses surrounding Mehrangarh Fort with sparkling sapphires and an aventurine dial, while the white version incorporates marble into the dial, honoring the ivory walls of the Taj Mahal. Each with a 29mm gadrooned steel case set on a blue or white alligator strap, these editions are limited to 88 pieces each: one for every constellation in the sky.
British jeweller Graff Diamonds revealed an exquisite, one-of-a-kind timepiece: the Celestial. Stringing together diamonds with a myriad of sizes and cuts, the Celestial captures the brilliance of stars with every gemstone, arranged in unusual angles to compose the stunning bracelet. Halos of diamonds encircle occasional gems, mirroring the pavé settings in Graff’s signature bridal collection, Constellation, while the radiant dial gleams with concentric diamond circles, like the paths of circumpolar stars. Over 29 karats of diamonds combine to create this astral fantasy, showcasing Graff’s absolute mastery over exceptional gems.
Reflet Bleu de Jodhpur. Courtesy of Boucheron.
Swiss watch manufacturer Jaquet Droz perfectly balanced simplicity and elegance with its latest model: the Grande Seconde Off-Centered Onyx. A streamlined version of its traditional Grande Seconde model, first invented by Pierre Jaquet-Droz in the 18th century, the Grande Seconde Off-Centered features two interlocked white gold circles set against an onyx disc, meticulously polished to silky black perfection. An extra-fine hand glides with liquid finesse to indicate seconds, aligned with the other superimposed dial to mirror the twin stars in the company’s logo. Locked in a 43mm opaline steel case set on a handmade black alligator strap, this minimalist masterpiece also boasts durability, featuring a 68-hour power reserve and water resistance at up to 30 meters in depth.
Les Éternelles Signature Diamant Secret Watch. Courtesy of Chanel.
Baselworld 2016 takes place from March 17—24.
