The Best and Blingiest Watches of Baselworld 2017
Each March, editors and collectors from around the world touch down in Geneva, Switzerland for Baselworld, the annual trade show that brings together the biggest names in the watch and jewelry market. This year’s show saw the likes of Gucci, Chanel, Omega, Chopard, and Rolex showing off their latest and greatest wares. The selection was enough to make even the world’s biggest watch fanatic overwhelmed, between all the Reversos, Yacht-masters, Carerras, awards, prizes. etc. So what should you know at the end of it? This year, we saw a great amount of pink face straps, in addition to the more classic blue and white hues, as new and more diverse materials including a super-fine silk at Harry Winston, and rooster feathers at Dior. There was also significant rise in the women’s’ watch market–a welcome change from recent years, with brands offering more than just an update on the menswear styles with smaller dials and a smattering of dials. Here, the best of Baselworld 2017.
1
W Magazine, January 2014.
2Hermès Cape Cod
The Veronese Green strap color is a new addition to the house’s watch collection. This wristband is formed from a traditional strap merged onto a cuff strap, all of which is handmade at Hermès leather workshops in Bienne. The piece is part of the iconic Cape Cod collection designed by Henri d’Origny, who drew inspiration from the Chaîne d’ancre link, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016. $4,000, Hermes.com.
3Dior Grand Bal Piece Unique Galaxie Pavo
Monsieur Dior was a very superstitious gentleman, always wanting to believe ins some fabulous destiny or lucky star. This fascination for stars and constellations has been the Dior Creation Studio’s source of inspiration for this series of exceptional pieces. Their newest pieces features a bezel paved with snow-set round-cut diamonds, a crown set with a rose-cut diamond, a case-back set with round-cut diamonds, and is decorated with the engraving of the Pavo constellation. Price Upon Request, dior.com
4Chanel Mademoiselle Privé Coromandel Glyptic
This unique piece from Chanel features a now-set case with 502 diamonds (4.80 carats), as well as a dial produced using the glyptic and sculpted gold techniques, and a black alligator strap. Added bonus? It is water resistant up to 30 meters. Price upon request. Chanel.com
5Gucci G-Timeless
The new Gucci watch includes a lacquered effect dial with multicolor stars and planet motifs on a black lizard strap. Among the signature quirky details: an interlocking G, bee, star, stud, and pink gold heart at the hour marks. $1,460, Gucci.com
6Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Pink Flamingo
The watch features a black Gran Feu enamel dial with finely detailed miniature painting of a pink flamingo on a 18K red gold case with diamonds. This dial is entirely painted by hand and takes at least one week to produce each one of a kind piece. This timepiece was inspired by the image of elegance & beauty of pink flamingos. $39,400. Jaquetdroz.com.
7Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master
Rolex is introducing a gem-set version of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40, its iconic nautical watch. With a black gloss finish dial, it features a bidirectional rotatable bezel adorned with multicolor sapphires and a triangular diamond at twelve o’clock. Waterproof, precise and reliable, the Yacht-Master 40 embodies the ties between Rolex and the world of sailing that stretch back to the 1950s. This version is equipped with the innovative, elastomer Oyster ex bracelet developed and patented by Rolex. Like all Rolex watches, the new Yacht-Master 40 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redesigned by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist. $65,600, Rolex.com.
8Harry Winston Premier Delicate Silk Automatic 36mm
The Premier Delicate Silk Auomatic 36mm timepieces explore the origins of luxury, fusing together the ancient art of silk weaving and embossing, with a dash of inspiration from Europe’s royal houses. Harry Winston’s constant exploration in the field of rare artistic crafts has resulted in the creation of two singular dials for the Premier Collection. An inimitable luxury product made from embossed raw silk, the Premier Delicate Silk Automatic 36mm models mark, for the first time, the artistic marriage of silk and the art of embossing. 18k White Gold, price upon request, harrywinston.com
9Patek Philippe Ladies Aquanaut Luce Haute Joaillerie
The newest Patek Philippe watch includes a bezel and lugs set with 48 baguette diamonds, while the dial set with 160 brilliant-cut diamonds and 76 baguette diamonds, and12 baguette diamond are in place for the hour markers. Also in the mix: hands set with six baguette diamonds and one brilliant-cut diamond, an 18K gold dial plate, and “Tropical” composite strap. $187,114. patek.com.
10Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Watch
The piece features a sand-blasted titanium case with a transparent back case. The titanium crown includes a ceramic insert, with faceted and skeletonized polished black PVD plated hands. $13,900, Bulgari.com.
11Omega Speedmaster 38 MM Co-Axial Chronograph
The timepiece is a part of the new Speedmaster 38 MM collection that retains the famous look and 60 year heritage of Omegas most iconic chronograph. In each model, the design has been updated with a pure and new aesthetic touch, including unique features such as horizontal oval subdials and a vertical oval date window inspired by the oval subdials Omega used in the past on several De Ville timepieces. $6,150, available in June. Omegawatches.com
