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 featured pieces from Rolex, Hublot, and Tag Heuer.
Rolex
In celebration of the 90th anniversary of the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch in the world, Rolex debuted the Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39. The brilliant dial and bezel are paved with 749 diamonds in total, while the case and bracelet gleam with the signature warmth of Everose gold, Rolex’s unique alloy of rose gold and platinum. A cyclops lens flashes the date when viewed from overhead, with perfect legibility and sophistication. As part of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection, the Pearlmaster 39 was crafted to remain waterproof at a minimum of 100 meters in depth, and features scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a twinlock double winding crown, and a 70-hour power reserve to brave any adversity.
Big Bang Unico Sapphire All Black. Courtesy of Hublot.
Hublot
Hublot inverted an old favorite in the creation of its latest wristwatch: the Big Bang Unico Sapphire All Black. The matte black case and clear dial of Hublot’s decade-old Big Bang All Black were swapped in this cutting edge timepiece, which features a 45mm case cut from blocks of black smoked sapphire crystal enclosed around a black resin skeleton dial. Layers of machinery and engineering are exposed through the transparent case, creating a stygian labyrinth of bridges and cogwheels. Other perks include water resistance at up to 50 meters and a 72-hour power reserve. Set on a smoky transparent ribbed strap, this celebratory masterwork is limited to 500 pieces.
Tag Heuer
Durability and efficiency were at the heart of the newest design by Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer. Evolved from the company’s 2015 design, the Carrera Heuer-02 T introduces a flying tourbillon into the original design of the Carrera Heuer-01, already jam-packed with a self-winding mechanism, single barrel 65-hour power reserve, and automatic chronograph functions. Satin-finished SuperLuminova hands match baton indexes lining the bezel, and a skeleton dial flaunts carbon and titanium movements, all encased in a 45mm black titanium case that resists water at up to 100 meters. Set on a black alligator and rubber strap, this high-end chronometer also comes in a Black Phantom edition, limited to 250 pieces.
Baselworld 2016 takes place from March 17—24.
Carrera Heuer-02 T. Courtesy of Tag Heuer.
