As you prepare for the upcoming Baselworld Watch and Jewellery show, you might be wondering what new additions you can look forward to. With over 2,000 exhibitors of fine watches and precious gems, whether you’re interested in what’s new with your favorite brands or you’re just planning to browse, it’s important to know which pieces not to miss. Whitewall has compiled the following must-see timepieces for eager watch enthusiasts looking for some pre-Basel inspiration.
Arnold & Son
British fine watchmakers Arnold & Son will reveal an exclusive Time Pyramid watch that features a skeletonized mechanical movement. At the heart of the piece is a completely new and innovative watch movement with a one-of-a-kind structure. The timepiece was heavily inspired by the regulators created by John and Roger Arnold over two hundred years ago. While yet another source of inspiration for the Arnold & Sons watchmakers was the highly intricate inner-workings of antique British skeleton clocks. Despite the timepieces antique inspiration, the addition of an 18k red gold and see-through water-resistant sapphire face adds an understated and wholly modern touch of luxury. However, the watches’ most innovative detail is undoubtedly its A&S1615 movement, which is completely exclusive to the brand and was designed in-house at the La Chaux-de-Fonds workshops in Switzerland. A seductively modern movement incorporating the Arnold & Sons proud British history through the use of elements found in antique British clockmaking, it is hand wound, features 27 jewels, a 37mm diameter and a power reserve of up to 80 hours. Skeletonized nickel-silver and manually chamfered bridges with highly polished edges as well as satin-finished wheels and eye-catching blue screws are among the movement decorations that have been thoughtfully added to this stunning timepiece.
Blancpain
Women watch enthusiasts have something truly magnificent to look forward to from pioneer of self-winding ladies watches Blancpain. Aiming to capture the spirit and heart of the contemporary woman in a stunning new fine watch, the Chronograph Large Date is a reflection of graceful femininity. Its mother-of-pearl face shields a self-winding heart and the intricate inner-workings of its complex complication. The face is split neatly in half by two adroitly curved lines of diamonds of varying size. Above the diamond line lies an off-center time display featuring Roman numerals and a mother-of-pearl sub-dial. Below, staggered Arabic numerals provide an eye-catching juxtaposition. The watches’ 18k red gold case has also been set with 40 flawless diamonds, which decadently frame the timeless mother-of-pearl face. A stunning sapphire back provides a glimpse of the pieces intricate finishing, offset by the addition of a graceful petal-shaped oscillating weight.
Graff
Graff has chosen Baselworld to unveil the truly breathtaking Diamond Mastergraff Tourbillion. A staggering array of flawless baguette cut diamonds in a “radiating pattern” comprises the dial, which also features a 120-hour power reserve marked on the watches’ face in colorful emerald, yellow sapphire, and ruby. The bezel and strap of the watch are a wonder in technical precision as they’ve been set with Graff’s patented and notoriously challenging mosaic design. Yet the ingenuity of Graff goes far beyond diamond setting ability as the watch features some of the most intricate and detailed horological complications in watchmaking. Furthermore, the pieces 45mm movement is hand wound and given life by a skillfully crafted tourbillon. Boasting a 634 diamonds in each watch, there are only 30 of these limited edition timepieces available.
Hublot
Hublot has chosen Baselworld to unveil a watch inspired by the iconic One Million $ Black Caviar. Presented in red gold diamond and steel diamond, the Big Bang Caviar epitomizes extravagance. Hublot’s newest piece has also taken inspiration from the bestselling black ceramic Big Bang Black Caviar watch. The brands newest Big Bang possesses the same angular cut and beveled look of its popular all black counterpart, and the case is similarly a comfortable 41mm. However, the newest edition features a bezel set with 36 brilliant diamonds for a truly stunning new twist on a much-loved favorite. High shine calfskin leather available in black or silver comprises the strap and the timepiece utilizes the company’s exclusive HUB1112 self-winding mechanical movement. At its heart, this watch is truly a fashion piece, yet its modern, trendy appearance doesn’t compromise the superior watchmaking and craftsmanship Hublot is known and respected for.
