Baselworld: Eberhard & Co. The New Tazio Nuvolari Naked Chronograph.

Georges Eberhard was only 22 years old when he founded his watch manufacture in La-Chaux-de-Fonds back in 1887. Only 20 years later, the Manufacture d' Horlogerie Eberhard & Co. had already positioned itself as a world authority in chronometers and chronographs. In the 1930's, the most common timepiece on the wrist of Italian Navy Officers was Eberhard & Co. In 1992, the company introduces the Tazio Nuvolari chronograph to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the greatest racing champions of all times. This year at Baselworld 2013, a new model of the Tazio Nuvolari chronograph was unveiled, its name the 'Naked'.

In 1936 Tazio Nuvolari drove his 12-cylinder Alfa Romeo for 300 miles to an extraordinary triumph on the Roosevelt Raceway in New York State. Tazio and his Vanderbilt Cup made racing history. This year, the exclusive new addition to the Tazio Nuvolari Vanderbilt Cup collection by Eberhard & Co., is dedicated to one of the legendary driver’s most prestigious victories. The new watch bears for the first time a black dial with white Arabic numerals and like on the other chronographs of the collection, the stop button for the chronograph is coaxial to the winding crown. A feature that is reminiscent of the Eberhard & Co. coaxial chronographs of the 1930s.

Additionally, the watch case is lighter than in previous versions as there is no solid case back but a sapphire crystal display case back, thus the name 'Naked'. The new watch reference 31068 is fitted with an automatic ETA modified caliber with a 12-hour chronograph and stop push button coaxial to the crown at 3 o'clock.

In addition to the new Tazio Nuvolari Naked Chronograph, Eberhard & Co. presented four additional novelties—the Chrono 4 Colors in a limited edition of 600 pieces, the Champion V Time Only, the Chrono 4 Géant Full Injection Limited Edition of 500 pieces and the ladies watch Gilda. As part of their beautiful pavilion, Eberhard & Co. included a nice display of historical pieces that included the legendary Scafograf 200 diving watch and the beautiful Alfa Romeo racing car driven by Nuvolari on his legendary victory in New York.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Tazio Nuvolari Chronograph Naked Chronograph Ref. 31068 Vanderbilt Cup Alfa Romeo Tazio Nuvolari Roosevelt Raceway Eberhard Scafograf 200 Champion V Time Only Chrono 4 Colors Chrono 4 Géant Full Injection Gilda Alfa Romeo.

Baselworld: Ulysse Nardin. Ten Novelties with Impressive Horological and Design Attributes.

Since the manufacturer’s earliest days more than 167 years ago when its founder, Ulysse Nardin, began making marine chronometers in a mountainous location in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, the watchmaking powerhouse has continually proved that challenges present vast opportunities worthy of exploration. It is these explorations that have resulted in Ulysse Nardin’s unprecedented inventions in horology. The year 2013 is ripe with invention and the introduction of six in-house developed movements.

Routinely seeking to forge unconventional relationships to strengthen its lead and independence in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin went on to acquire Donzé Cadrans, the world-recognized enamel-dial specialist. Treasuring the art of enameling and enamel cloisonné, Ulysse Nardin adds this masterful skill to its in-house capabilities.

This year at Baselworld, ten fascinating new timepieces were launched. All of them with very impressive horological and design attributes.

The line-up includes the Marine Chronograph—enameled watch featuring the new in-house chronograph movement UN-150. The Black Sea Marine Diver in stainless steel with a vulcanized rubber coated case.

The Jade, is the first ladies watch with an in-house caliber featuring four exquisite green jade horns that flank the watch bezel with a magnificent ring of emeralds and diamonds and the ability to set the time and date without having to pull the crown out. The time is set by using a pusher at the four o’clock position that changes the function of the crown so that each adjustment is then simply made by turning the crown forwards or backwards without any need to pull it out.

The Black Toro Perpetual Calendar a rose gold and ceramic timepiece offering the simplest setting capabilities of any perpetual calendar out there.

The Stranger Musical watch which is the first in this series of 99-piece limited edition timepieces that plays the melody 'Strangers in the Night' on the hour and on call with direct collaboration by virtuoso Dieter Meier.

The Skeleton Manufacture featuring a flying tourbillon and available in two limited editions of 99 pieces in red gold and 99 pieces in platinum.

The Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater limited to 18 pieces with a dial that depicts two figures in front of the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. Both figures are wearing masks, alluding to the Carnival of Venice and with the minute repeater’s chiming of the hours, quarters and minutes, the figures lift their masks.

The Royal Ruby Tourbillon, a handcrafted masterpiece set with 12 rubies distinguishing the hours and accompanied by 48 diamonds in a limited edition of 99 pieces.

The Classico Cloissoné Pride of Baltimore—drawing inspiration from the history changing use of Baltimore Clippers during the War of 1812— and lastly the new Classico Serpent—celebrating the Chinese year of the snake in a limited edition of 88 lucky pieces, this timepiece is a mastery of the art of champlevé enamel method where cells are carved with a chisel directly on the dial and then filled with enamel of a variety of colors created from different metallic oxides.

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands, Ulysse Nardin and tagged Stranger Musical Watch Ulysse Nardin Baselworld 2013 Novelties Jade Watch Ulysse Nardin Jade Ladies Classico Pride of Baltimore Classico Cloissoné Pride of Baltimore Royal Ruby Tourbillon Skeleton Manufacture Flying Tourbillon Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater Black Toro Perpetual Calendar Black Sea Marine Diver Marine Chronograph Classico Serpent Champlevé Enamel Year of the Snake Watch.

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: Vulcain. The Presidents' Watch is Back After 33 Years of Absence.

After a 33-year absence from the halls of Baselworld, this year Vulcain is making its grand comeback to Baselworld. The story of Vulcain began in 1858, in the early days of the Swiss watch industry. This brand from Le Locle has been making its mark for over 150 years and it was in 1947 that it entered the annals of horology thanks to its Cricket calibre, the first ever truly functional mechanical alarm watch movement, from that point on, successive American presidents starting with Harry S. Truman were to adopt it and thereby earn the Cricket watch its enduring nickname as 'The Presidents’ Watch'.

In 1961, Vulcain introduced another horological innovation by presenting the first diver’s watch capable of making its inimitable chirping sound heard under water for up to 20 seconds, waterproof to 300 meters and able to indicate decompression stops.

This year's novelties include three fantastic vintage looking timepieces: the Nautical Seventies Limited Edition, the Aviator GMT Pilot and the 50s Presidents' Moonphase. For more info on these three models click here.

The Nautical Seventies Limited Edition is a faithful reproduction of the 1970s Vulcain Nautical model, the iconic diver’s watch returns in a 300-piece limited edition with a fantastic vintage look and feel. A concentrated blend of the identity codes that forged the legend of the first diver’s watch with an alarm movement genuinely audible under water, the new Nautical Seventies Limited Edition sets a fine stage for the legendary manually wound Cricket V-10 movement. It is also waterproof to 300 meters and indicates decompression stops.

The Aviator GMT Pilot combining its famous mechanical alarm movement with a 24-hour worldtime display.

Aviator GMT Pilot 100108-333L fd noir RVB.jpg

Since 2013 marks the anniversary of Vulcain's emblematic 1953 Moonphase and complete calendar model, Vulcain presents a contemporary interpretation of the 1950s spirit with its new 50s Presidents’ Moonphase—living proof of a timeless classic.

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Vulcain and tagged Vulcain Presidents' Watch 50s Moonphase Aviator GMT Pilot Nautical Seventies Limited Edition Baselworld 2013 New Vulcain Models.

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: Alpina. Three Novelties with 130 Years of History.

In 1883, Gottlieb Hauser founds the “Alpina Union Horlogère S.A. (UH) / Schweizerische Uhrmacher-Genossenschaft (SUG)”—Corporation of Swiss Watchmakers. His vision was the “Alpinist Principle”: uniting Swiss watchmaking industry forces to achieve the highest quality and technical innovation in manufacturing. Soon the Union was making its own calibers. In 1890, the Union moves its headquarters to Biel/Bienne where Jacob Straub, an important member, had his caliber manufactory—J. Straub & Co. The ébauches at that time were made by the Alpina Ebauches factory, owned by Duret & Colonnaz, in Geneva. After seventeen successful years, Alpina Union Horlogère participates in the 1900 Universal Exposition in Paris and displays its calibers and creations to a cosmopolitan and distinguished public. In 2002, Alpina is bought by Aletta and Peter Stas, the owners of Frédérique Constant and in 2003 they unveil their first sports collection with huge success. Today, Alpina is the official watch of the Cessna Aircraft Corporation.

At their pavilion, Alpina presented a nice variety of historical timepieces from their museum, in addition to the unveiling of three new models, all inspired by Aviation, Diving and Sailing.

The three new models include the 130 Heritage Pilot Chronograph, the Extreme Diver 300 Chronograph and the Startimer Pilot Chronograph Big Date collection. All these models inspired either by aviation, diving or sailing. The first two models fitted with automatic calibres while the third one is fitted with quartz movements.

While the Startimer Pilot Chronograph Big Date collection is one of our favorites due to its vintage rugged designs, versatility of colors and strap options, we feel that the quartz movement is a major downside and not very appealing to demanding watch collectors in the upper tiers.

Here are the new pieces that were unveiled. For more info click here.

Alpina_Geneve_Alpina_130_Heritage_Pilot_Chronograph_Automatic-AL-860G4H6_002_SD.jpg

Alpina_Geneve_Alpina_130_Heritage_Pilot_Chronograph_Automatic-AL-860G4H6_006_SD.jpg

Alpina_Geneve_Extreme_Diver_300_Chronograph_Automatic-AL-725LB4V26_003_SD.jpg

Alpina_Geneve_Startimer_Pilot_Chronograph_Big_Date-AL-372B4S6_002_SD.jpg

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Alpina Alpina Startimer Pilot Big Date Alpina Startimer Chronograph New Alpina Models Extreme Diver 300 Chronograph 130 Heritage Pilot Chronograph.

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.

BENTLEY B04 GMTBENTLEYB05UNTIMEBENTLEYB06.jpg

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: Breguet Museum's Special Exhibit. Tourbillons and Grande Complications.

In addition to Breguet's beautiful pavilion, this manufacture also featured a special exhibit where they showcased fantastic museum pieces to portray the innovations and inventions of Breguet since 1775 to date.

The small exhibit located right in between Glashütte and Jaquet Droz took us on a beautiful journey through Breguet's history and wowed us with some of their most amazing historical pieces, mainly tourbillons and grande complications.

See for yourself and live vicariously.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Breguet and tagged Breguet Baselworld 2013 Special Exhibit Grande Complications Tourbillon Breguet 1775 History Historical Pieces 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: Tissot. 160 Years of History.

The Tissot Pavilion is located across from Omega and Ebel. This year, Tissot celebrates its 160th anniversary with the Tissot Heritage Navigator, a watch created for their 100th anniversary in 1953 and which reflects all the achievements of the brand since 1853. Today, Tissot is the biggest Swiss watch brand in volume sales, after Swatch.

The Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary is a world timer watch indicating multiple time zones. Once you've set the watch to the capital of your choice, the corresponding time zone is shown on the numbers on the bezel. This watch is a perfect example of what Tissot stands for: tradition and a touch of innovation. After the first two pictures, you'll find Tissot's video for this watch.

Additionally, Tissot also presented their quartet of pocket watches named Musical Seasons, a collection that includes four different pocket watches. Every one of the four pocket watches captures the atmosphere of a season through a different colored cameo on the dial and its own excerpt of seasonal musical tones and their own visual interpretation of the passage of time. It may be 333 years since the birth of Antonio Vivaldi, but the inspiration of the four seasons expressed in his famous violin concerto has withstood the test of time.

For more info on their collections click here.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Tissot and tagged Tissot Tissot Heritage Navigator Tissot Musical Seasons 160th Anniversary Swatch.

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: Raymond Weil. More Musical Inspiration.

Behind Breitling and across from Tissot, Movado and Concord, the massive Raymond Weil pavilion catches everyone's attention. This three story music box with a living tree that stands up in its courtyard, also includes a 27 feet high violin, made up of 59 components—its assembly required over 2000 hours of manual work— that is more than a musical instrument; it symbolizes Raymond Weil's passion for music that has always been the source of its inspiration.

This year's novelties included pieces across the Maestro, Nabucco, Freelancer and Tango Collections, all of them inspired by musical notes, precision and classic designs.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Baselworld Raymond Weil Maestro Collection Nabucco Music Box.

Baselworld: Breitling. The Massive Fish Tank.

Located right behind the Omega pavilion, you just can't miss the Breitling display with a massive fish tank containing a variety of tropical fish and small sharks. The fish tank glows in the center of the exhibition hall just like the luminosity on a beach with bio-luminescence.

Simulating the port holes and cabins inside a ship, this massive display is one of our favorites this year. The pavilion is mainly focused on the Emergency revamped line, the Superocean line-up and the Breitling for Bentley pieces. Please enjoy a short video of the fish tank at the bottom of the post. For more info click here.

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Breitling and tagged Breitling Fish Tank Superocean Emergency Bentley Baselworld 2013.

Baselworld: Zenith. 2,333 Chronometry Awards.

The Zenith pavilion is located right across from Hublot and next to TAG Heuer. This record breaking manufacture with 2,333 chronometry awards presented the largest and most beautiful display of historical pieces at Baselworld. With a historical timeline that extended well beyond 60 feet in length, Zenith presented everything from rare clocks to vintage iconic references such as El Primero Chronograph from 1969, Espada El Primero from 1975, a few Captain watches, a 1970 chronograph for the Italian Air Force, several vintage Pilot watches and other rarities. Additionally, on the right side of the pavilion, Zenith included a very unique dynamic display of all of their 2,333 chronometry awards for visitors to explore, arrange and rearrange.

Among the novelties for this year we find the Captain Grande Date Moonphase, Captain Winsor Annual Calendar Boutique Edition, Pilot Historical Type 20 GMT and Special, Pilot Big Date Special, El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th, El Primero Chronomaster 1969 and the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane with gyroscopic 'Gravity Control' module. For more info click here.

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Zenith and tagged El Primero Zenith Christophe Colomb Captain Pilot Big Date 2013.

Baselworld: Hermès Pavilion. A Masterpiece by Toyo Ito.

The new Hermès pavilion is located on the second level of the main exhibition hall just short from the escalators and across from Harry Winston. Built by awarded architect Toyo Ito—awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2013—, the Hermès Pavilion is designed along the lines of traditional Japanese teahouses. With natural materials like wood and 167 live plants, Hermès provides a welcoming space at the heart of Baselworld.

The two-story box measures 34 meters long and 19 meters wide, with a total area of 1,040 square meters—approximately 11,200 sq. ft. Covered with 624 wooden planks, the façade covers a second inner structure made of wood, glass, metal and greenery. Finally, to complete the masterpiece, watch display cases were conceived to appear as metallic blossoming flowers to showcase Hermès latest timepieces.

At this pavilion you will find a nice assortment of classic looking designs, colorful dials, orange accents and some pocket watches evoking horology's antique times.

For more info click here.