Baselworld 2016 kicks off this week, taking place 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 splashy debuts from Fendi, Gucci, and Dior.
Fendi
Italian fashion house Fendi reintroduced innovative feminine sophistication with the release of its Crazy Carats Black Edition. Originally launched in 2013, the Crazy Carats collection features rotating gems in place of traditional numerals, with a twist of the crown flipping the topaz stones from white to pink to rainbow. The reimagination in black accentuates the color of the gemstones while also adding an edge to the edition, demanding attention and asserting power. With a 38mm black stainless steel case rimmed in diamonds, the wristwatch features a total of 92 precious stones, sitting on a black python strap for the ultimate luxurious touch.
Crazy Carats Black Edition. Courtesy of Fendi.
Gucci
As part of its new “eclectic, poetic” marketing campaign, Italian luxury brand Gucci released its new, vibrant collection: Le Marché des Merveilles Timepieces. Featuring bumblebee motifs in keeping with Gucci’s spring/summer 2016 runway collection and line of women’s eveningwear, this colorful series of wristwatches flaunts textured dials popping in green malachite, blue turquoise, and red coral tones. The seconds hand features the company logo in slender yellow gold, matching the bee marker at 12 o’clock and the polished 38mm case. Finishing flourishes include sapphire glass with an antireflective interior coating, water resistance at up to 50 meters, and a black calf leather strap.
Dior
Parisian fashion house Dior drew inspiration from its founder’s elaborate, colorful embroideries, reimagined through the lens of a kaleidoscope, to create its most recent timepieces. Part of the “Grand Soir” series, focusing on Dior’s heritage, the Dior Grand Soir Kaleidiorscope collection features eight unique watches, incorporating mother of pearl, gold petals, and precious stones, including opals, sapphires, and sugilites, into ornately symmetric dials. Baguette-cut tsavorites and diamonds embellish the bezels, while cases incorporate yellow, white, and rose gold to attractively compliment each one-of-a-kind design. Openwork sapphire crystal casebacks show off the elegant movements of the Kaleidiorscopes, while a blue denim strap adds modern flair to these exceptional pieces.
Dior Grand Soir Kaleidiorscope No. 3. Courtesy of Dior.
Baselworld 2016 takes place from March 17—24.
