Posts tagged #Baselworld 2013

Experience: Our First Nine Months in Pictures. This is Why Watch Collecting is Our Passion.

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During the short but exciting existence of our blog —only nine months live— we've come to realize how fulfilling it is to have such a large following in such a short period of time. Our watch blog was launched on April 1st, 2013 and so far it has been a very exciting adventure.

We would like to thank our contributors, the manufactures that have allowed us review their collections, but foremost, we thank each and everyone of you that come read our content on a daily basis or a few times a week. To all those of you that have stumbled upon our blog while searching for that next grail or that special watch that you just have to have, we thank you deeply for bookmarking our site and becoming regulars.

As we approach the end of the year, looking forward to our new watch adventures that will kick-off at the SIHH 2014 in Geneva, we would like to do a quick recap of our first nine months with a photo essay that will show you why watch collecting is our passion and why we love what we do for you.

Now, click on the gallery below and enjoy the ride as much as we had so far.

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News and tagged Audemars Piguet Jaeger-LeCoultre Richard Mille SIAR 2013 Mexico Rolex Baselworld 2013.

Baselworld: Frédérique Constant. 25 Years with Classic Designs.

The name 'Frédérique Constant' has been created from two names: Frédérique Schreiner—1881-1969— and Constant Stas—1880-1967. Peter Stas current Managing Director of Frederique Constant S.A., is a 4th generation descendant of Mr. Constant Stas, who founded his company in 1904, making printed clock dials for the watch industry.

Frédérique Constant was established in its current form in 1988. Aletta Bax and Peter Stas launched their first collection in 1992, comprising six models fitted with Swiss movements and assembled by a watchmaker in Geneva. Today, each Frédérique Constant watch is hand-assembled at their manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates in the Canton of Geneva. By the end of 2013, the company aims to produce and sell over 125,000 pieces. With its slogan ‘Live your passion’, Frédérique Constant will continue with their passionate development and production of exciting new collections at very reasonable prices.

This year at Baselworld we were able to admire in real life the intricate details and beauty of the Manufacture World Timer Limited Edition watch. This watch offered in a limited edition of 1888 pieces in stainless steel or rose gold plated stainless steel and with two dial configurations, caught our wandering eyes as soon as we started walking around their pavilion.

Our favorite one is the stainless steel version ref. FC-718WM4H4 with a robust 42mm case with a gleaming silver dial featuring a stunning silver world map at the center, polished midnight blue hands, an extra-large date register at six o’clock and a 24-hour disc with day-night indicators that includes 24 of the world’s greatest cities. The watch is fitted with a blue alligator strap and a display case back. One of the greatest advantages of this watch is the fact that no push button or second crown is needed to operate the cities' disc as everything can be controlled with just one single crown. Pretty impressive and with a sticker price of $3,450 this is definitely a bargain for such a beautiful watch and complicated movement.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands, Frederique Constant and tagged Frederique Constant World Timer FC-718WM4H4 Baselworld 2013 Baselworld Novelties Frederique Constant Slimline Automatic Plan-les-Ouates Geneva.

Baselworld: Sinn. German Technological Engineering at its Best.

Sinn the famous manufacture that used to produce all of the Bell & Ross watches up until the late 90s, presented a beautiful line-up that transported us back in time to the old days of Bell & Ross and their Space collection.

With its foundations in Frankfurt Am Main, Germany in 1961, Sinn has quietly grown into one of the most respected watch brands based in Germany. Sinn is owned and managed by Lothar Schmidt, formerly production director of IWC and A. Lange & Sohne. Mr. Schmidt is an engineer, and over the years has led the Sinn team in creating a number of patented technologies that genuinely benefit the watch, its technical operation and the maintenance of the movement.

Sinn pioneered the use of oil in watches to achieve extreme depth, in addition to the DIAPAL technology that allows the movement's most important bearings to perform without lubrication. Sinn's Tegiment processing hardens cases to 1200 HV or more, resulting in a watch case that is highly scratch resistant and many times the hardness of standard stainless steel. And their use of inert gasses with copper sulphate capsules creates a humidity free environment for the protection of both the movement and oils.

Sinn is not only about technology, they make great looking watches with designs that hold up very well over time. Sinn is a leader in high functionality watches featuring new and exclusive technologies such as the as the TESTAF models presented at Baselworld this year. The Faculty of Aerospace Technology at the Aachen University of Applied Sciences—FH—and Sinn Spezialuhren joined forces to develop a technical standard for Pilot's watches—TESTAF—in a research project lasting several years. To obtain the TESTAF certification, a Pilot's watch must satisfy all time measurement requirements for civil flights operating under visual and instrument flight rules. The EZM 10 and the 103 Ti were the first SINN watches to undergo and pass the strict test procedures.

Their new models include: 104 St Sa, 243 Ti Z S, 857 UTC TESTAF, 900 DIAPAL, the 1910 Pocket watch, 6060 M, EZM 10 TESTAF, 103 Ti TESTAF, T1 and the T2. For more info click here.

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Sinn 104 St Sa 900 DIAPAL 857 UTC TESTAF 243 Ti Z S Sinn 1910 Pocket Watch Baselworld 2013 6060 M EZM 10 TESTAF 103 Ti TESTAF Sinn T1 Sinn T2.

Baselworld: Glashütte Original. Eight Novelties Handmade in Germany.

The Glashütte pavilion located right across from Jaquet Droz and some of the other Swatch Group pavilions presented a nice display of timepieces across their collections and the unveiling of eight spectacular new pieces of 20th century vintage looking watches including: the Sixties Panorama with date and without date, the PanoLunar Tourbillon, the Pavonina and four new Senators—Tourbillon, Chronometer Regulator, Panorama Date Moonphase and Panorama Date. Pictures below are in the same order.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Glashütte Original and tagged Glashütte Original Baselworld 2013 Glashutte Pavonina PanoLunar Tourbillon Sixties Panorama Date Sixties Panorama Senator Senator Tourbillon Senator Chronometer Regulator Senator Panorama Date Moonphase Senator Panorama Date 2013.

Baselworld: Breitling for Bentley. 10 Years on the Road.

Breitling for Bentley celebrates ten years on the road with three new chronographs equipped with calibers entirely developed and produced in-house. For the launch of these three new timepieces at Baselworld, we received one of the most unique press kits featuring a USB designed to look like the keyless entry remote on a Bentley automobile. We really think this was a fantastic marketing idea from Breitling.

The three new timepieces include the Bentley B06 distinguished by its exclusive '30-second chronograph' system; the Bentley B04 GMT and Bentley B05 Unitime models will appeal to world travelers thanks to their ultra-practical dual timezone and worldtime mechanisms. Three new expressions of a world apart combining luxury, accomplishment, performance and prestige. For more info on the Bentley collection click here.

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Posted on May 5, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands, Breitling and tagged Breitling for Bentley Bentley Bentley B04 Bentley B05 Bentley B06 Baselworld 2013 New Breitling Bentley Baselworld 2013.

Baselworld: Blancpain's Hand Painted Dials. Just a Superb Work of Art.

While visiting Blancpain's pavilion at Baselworld we admired one of their horologists hand painting dials through a microscope. We were impressed by his skills and talented hands. Now you can see the dials he was working on and what a superb work of art they are.

Enjoy!

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands and tagged Blancpain Baselworld 2013 Hand Painted Dials.

Baselworld: Concord. The C1 Chronograph Gets a Facelift.

Concord, Movado's higher end brand presented three new models including a new revamped and upgraded C1 Chronograph, a new Saratoga Chrono and also a Saratoga Lady.

Six years after the successful launch of its rugged C1 Chronograph, Concord has taken the new C1 into a whole other dimension. Slimmer and sexier, larger and leaner, the C1 has undergone a radical makeover in both look and constitution, while retaining the unmistakable DNA of the brand and its heritage.

Pared down to a svelte 15.10mm from the original 16.7 mm thickness, the C1’s case size has been expanded from 44mm to 47mm, in light-as-air grade 5 Titanium. To provide enhanced durability and heightened elegance, the original C1’s more rugged-looking rubber-coated metal bezel has been swapped for a hard wearing, up-to-the-minute ceramic version. Definitely nice upgrades to this fantastic looking watch.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged C1 Chronograph Concord C1 Concord Baselworld 2013 Saratoga Chrono Saratoga Lady Movado.

Baselworld: U-Boat. The Venenum Motorcycle Takes the Attention.

This year the U-Boat pavilion draw a lot of attention thanks to the Venenum motorcycle that was on display. The Venenum motorcycle is one of a hundred bikes that will be created exclusively for U-Boat by Dino Romano from Moto Dal Cuore—which translates to 'Bike from the Heart'.

Dino Romano's shop is located in Grosseto, Italy just 50 miles south of Siena. During the show we had a chance to talk to Dino for a little while and he explained to us how every component on this customization is fully handmade without the usage of any heavy machinery. Yes, all done by hand from cutting metal sheets to giving shape to the handle bar and even creating the clutch and brake grips.

Dino mentions that the bike took approximately four months to create and it's a customization of a Triumph Rocket III bike with three cylinders and an engine of 140 cubic inches. The Venenum boasts 160 hp with a total weight of 595 lbs.

As you will be able to appreciate in the pictures, every single detail on the bike was done in a way where U-Boat's iconic elements—i.e. the crown guard—where incorporated to the motorcycle in a functional yet very stylish way.

If you like watches and motorcycles, this could be your next dream bike.

For more info on this amazing bike click here. To browse the whole U-Boat collection click here.

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands and tagged Dino Romano Venenum Motorcycle U-Boat Baselworld 2013 Grosseto Italy Moto Dal Cuore.

Baselworld: A Typical Day in Pictures. Commuting From Zürich to Basel.

These pictures will show you what our typical day attending Baselworld looked like. Since we were staying at the fabulous Park Hyatt Hotel in Zürich, we had to commute to Basel everyday. We did this daily for almost a whole week.

Now, it's your turn to experience the journey and pretend you were there with us.

Getting ready to leave our hotel on Press Day, April 24th, 2013.

Our companion for the day. Discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300 with blue dial.

Taking the ZVV Tram at the Stockerstrasse stop.

Street view on Banhofstrasse and Paradeplatz from the tram. Heading to the Banhofplatz to take our train to Basel.

Watch stores on the way to the train station on Banhofstrasse.

Türler, one of the biggest authorized watch dealers in Switzerland.

Checking the timetable for the next train to Basel. 14:34 Departure. We are right on time.

One of the famous Mondaine clocks at the train station. All train stations in Switzerland are stocked with Mondaine clocks.

Time for some caffeine. We are slightly jet lagged but excited about Baselworld. Segafredo, one of our favorite coffees.

We have boarded our train and getting ready to leave. We will be in Basel in 51 minutes.

The Swiss landscapes. Relaxing and comforting.

We have arrived at Basel's train station.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300. Time check, 15:30.

Basel's train station. We were greeted by a Hamilton small airplane hanging from the roof, heavy watch advertising and the blue colors of Baselworld.

Time to get on the tram to the Messeplatz/Exhibition Square. We are 10 minutes away.

The street view from the tram. We are one stop away.

We have arrived at our destination. Baselworld 2013, here we come.

The entrance. Quite empty as it is Press day. The next day was very crowded as expected.

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Travel and tagged Baselworld 2013 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Zürich Basel Switzerland Banhofstrasse Park Hyatt Zürich.

Baselworld: JEANRICHARD. Its First Time at Baselworld.

JEANRICHARD—sister company to Girard-Perregaux— featured a small pavilion at Baselworld 2013, marking its first appearance. As you all know, both companies departed the SIHH last year and are now at Baselworld. For Girard-Perregaux it's a comeback, for JEANRICHARD a first time.

JEANRICHARD takes its name from a legendary name in watchmaking, Daniel Jeanrichard. This genius pioneered the development of the watchmaking industry in the Neuchâtel mountains in the late 17th century. Daniel Jeanrichard was born in the hamlet of Les Bressels, midway between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle. In 1681, he created his first watch, then set up his watchmaking workshop.

This brand includes four collections that pay tribute to the elements of our universe: Aquascope, Aeroscope, Terrascope and 1681. The novelties for this year include the new Aquascope and the Aeroscope chronograph.

The Aquascope, an accurate, robust and resolutely masculine timepiece, has found the perfect ambassador in Franck Cammas. The French yachtsman was named “Sailor of the Year” in 2012.

The Aeroscope chronograph with its cushion-shaped case in titanium is both light and robust at the same time. A large, round bezel with vertical satin finishing sits on the case, which is built of several parts, allowing for various satin or polished finishes and for a play with colours on the metal, natural grey or black with DLC coating. To accompany the take-off of this practical and exciting chronograph, JEANRICHARD chose an exceptional ambassador, a man known for his levelheadedness, his self-mastery and his passion for flying. An experienced pilot, captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger made history on January 15, 2009, when he ditched the Airbus A320 he was piloting in the Hudson River in New York City, saving the lives of all 155 people on board.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, JEANRICHARD and tagged JEANRICHARD Aquascope Terrascope Aeroscope Chesley Sullenberger Sully 1681 Franck Cammas Baselworld 2013.

Baselworld: Girard-Perregaux. The Return to Baselworld.

After leaving the SIHH—Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie—, Girard-Perregaux is kicking-off its return to Baselworld, with a small but tasteful pavilion located towards the back of the exhibition hall 1.0 next to its sister company Jeanrichard—both companies part of the Sowind Group. This beautiful pavilion includes a wide display of historical pieces from their museum, as well as two horologists on duty, one working on movements and the other on dials and designs. Additionally, there was a special screening of the documentary 'Mission of Mermaids' funded by Susan and David Rockefeller. This 15-minute call to action documentary explores the issues of ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution and advocates for the need for ocean protection and environment preservation, all seen through the eyes of the mythical mermaid.

This year, Girard-Perregaux unveiled eight new models: the Constant Escapement—a true technical revolution that stunned connoisseurs when prototypes of the innovative mechanism were first presented, the Constant Escapement is now integrated into the movements driving the new models of Girard-Perregaux’s Haute Horlogerie collection—, the 1966 Integrated Chrono, the 1966 Lady 38mm, the Chrono Hawk Ceramic, the Sea Hawk Ceramic, the Traveller Moonphases, the Traveller WW.TC and the Vintage 1945 Lady. For more info on these models click here. Please check the video under the images for the new pieces to see how the Constant Escapement works.

Some of the historical pieces displayed at the pavilion include a Hunter pocket watch from 1860 and a Sea Hawk from 1965 amongst other rare vintage pieces from the mid-1900s. For sure Girard-Perregaux's return to Baselworld was a nice surprise full of horological innovation, rich history and very interesting new product launches.

Baselworld: The Exhibition Center. Pretend You Came Along.

Here are some pictures so that you all can feel like you are here with us accompanying us during this fabulous journey. The venue is just fantastic and every detail has been carefully taken care of. From the materials, to the layout and even the BaselWorld ambassadors. More pictures to come tomorrow.

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Baselworld Exhibition Hall Baselworld 2013 Baselworld Exhibition Hall.

Baselworld: Baselworld's Swiss Press Survival Kit. A Very Nice Touch from the Organizers.

One of the goodies that came in our bag after getting our Press Accreditation.

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Baselworld 2013 Swiss Survival Kit to Baselworld 2013.

Baselworld 2013: New Rolex and Tudor Pieces. Very Exciting Models.

We arrived at the Basel train station somewhere around 3:00 pm and headed immediately inside the exhibitors pavilion to check the novelties. Rolex and Tudor surprised us as the typically do during this time of the year. The two biggest innovations by Rolex included the unveiling of a new bi-color GMT Master II in stainless steel and a platinum Daytona with chocolate brown cerachrom bezel. With regards to Tudor it was really all about the Black Shield and the Heritage Chrono in Blue.

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Posted on April 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Rolex, Tudor and tagged Baselworld 2013 New GMT Master Baselworld 2013 New Tudor Baselworld 2013 New Daytona Baselworld 2013 Rolex New Models Baselworld 2013 2013.

News: New Tudor Chrono Heritage Blue

40 Legendary years between land and sea. The new edition of the 7169 it's a real stunner with a 42mm case. More live pics to come.

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Tudor and tagged Tudor Chrono Heritage Blue Baselworld 2013 Baselworld 2013 Tudor New Chrono Blue 2013.

Baselworld: At Airport Bound to Zürich via Amsterdam.

Rainy day here in Chicago. Waiting for our flight to depart. We have checked-in and we are now about to board our KLM flight.
Tomorrow we'll wake up in Europe. BaselWorld is right around the corner.

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Rolex GMT Master Vintage ref. 1675 Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Porte-Documents Baselworld 2013.

Getting Ready: Baselworld 2013

Finished and ready for use: the new hall complex for BASELWORLD has been completed. The overall contractor has finished the new hall complex on time, and according to plan, and handed it over to MCH Basel Exhibition. On March 4, 2013, a start will be made on assembling the stands for BASELWORLD, which opens its doors on April 25, 2013.

The new building project for MCH Messe Basel was first presented to the public just under seven years ago. After some 22 months' construction work – divided up over three building phases between June 2010 and February 2013 – HRS Real Estate AG, the general contractor responsible for building the complex, handed the new hall over to MCH Basel Exhibition on February 8, 2013, on schedule and according to plan. With an overall investment of CHF 430 million, the successfully completed project is the biggest investment ever to have been made in Switzerland's exhibition industry.

The hall complex which is 220 metres long, 90 metres wide and 32 metres high provides a total of 38,000 square metres of exhibition space on the ground floor and the two upper storeys that span the Exhibition Square. Exhibition Centre Basel is now able to offer 141,000 square metres of show ground, with no less than 74,000 square metres of this being provided by Hall 1 that runs along Riehenring.

The new building developed by architects Herzog & de Meuron combines functionality and aesthetics in the ideal manner. The compact exhibition site makes for flexible management and offers visitors a high level of comfort and convenience. At the same time, the new building constitutes an impressive architectural visiting card. The built-over section of the Exhibition Square with its striking atrium – the so-called City Lounge – will become a new and attractive centre for the exhibition ground.