Baselworld 2017: Chanel, Dior, and Graff

Chanel is celebrating three decades of fine watchmaking at Baselworld this year. And one watch presented during the fair is the brand’s first watch for women from October 1987, the Première. The shape is inspired by the iconic N°5 bottle stopper and the Place Vendôme. Utterly feminine, the Première was originally sported by Ines de la Fressange, and marries fashion and function perfectly.

Dior debuted the Grand Bal Pièce Unique Galaxie last week, inspired by the legendarily superstitious Christian Dior. Believing in destiny and a lucky star, his fascination with the skies above resulted in a celestial dial and case decorated by a constellation of diamonds. In heavenly teal, blue, pink, and gold, the watch is worthy of starry-eyed worship and gaze.

Graff introduced the new Princes Butterfly Secret Watch in Basel, mimicking the art in nature with a truly fabulous high jewelry timepiece. The incredibly technical invisible setting (first invented in the 1930s) is a testament to the skill of Graff’s master watchmakers. The sculptural butterfly wings, which separate to reveal the watch hidden beneath, are available to flutter on one’s wrist in diamond, ruby, sapphire, and diamonds with sapphire detail.