With nearly 2,000 exhibitors from the world of watches, jewellery and related
industries, BASELWORLD is the business appointment professionals don’t want to
miss. Buyers, retailers and wholesalers come together at this global meeting
place, with its promise of success and its vast array of exceptional products
and audacious innovations. The show offers an ideal networking environment in
which to form fruitful partnerships.
Apparel Search presents a few new products of the Swiss Exhibitors at BASELWORLD 2014 for your review.
CHOPARD | L.U.C 1937 Classic
For Chopard's 150th anniversary in 2010, the Manufacture introduced a limited edition of the L.U.C 1937 model, a mechanical tribute to the horological heritage of the House. This timepiece firmly anchored in the tradition of classic, timeless watches, now returns in an 18K rose gold version with a satin-brushed silver-tone dial. At the heart of the case that has been subtly redesigned and refined while remaining true to the original spirit, beats the Chopard Manufacture L.U.C 01.01-L calibre, a high-performing mechanical gem chronometer-certified by the COSC. More about Chopard.
REVELATION
| R04 Tourbillon Magical Watch Dial®
Rarely
has a brand so fully lived up to its name. A single concept underlies each
Revelation watch: that of a dial that reveals all or casts a veil of mystery.
The wearer decides. Thanks to its patented Magical Watch Dial®, the R04
Tourbillon transforms a black dial into a translucent dial simply by rotating
the bezel, inviting the watch to display its two distinct personalities: a
traditional or a skeleton configuration. When the secret is revealed, the
spectacular Tourbillon Manège® movement dominates the centre of the dial,
pivoting on the central axis of this imposing, 45 mm timepiece. Discreetly
subdued or strikingly avant-garde, this authentic creation is also available
with a flyback chronograph movement.
The brand REVELATION is one of the most innovative and exclusive in the market
today thanks to its original concept “Magical Watch Dial®”. The watch company is
located in the village of Lully-sur-Morges, between Geneva and Le Brassus, in
the heart of the vineyards. Anouk Danthe & Olivier Leu, industrial designers in
the watch industry, a couple united both in private life and professionally,
founded the company on the 31st of January 2007. Anouk Danthe has exercised her
art in some of the best fine watchmaking Manufactures, while Olivier Leu has
cooperated with many prestigious brands as an external designer. They founded
their own brand in order to develop and produce two of their own original
creations in the watchmaking world: the tailor-made movement “Tourbillon Manège®”
and the optical mechanism “Revelation System®”. Nearly four years were necessary
for the development of these two ambitious and complex projects. Finally, the
first historical model of the brand: R01 DOUBLE COMPLICATION comes to life.
ULYSSE
NARDIN | Dual Time Manufacture
The
Dual Time Manufacture set a milestone in contemporary watchmaking when launched,
as the first watch whose second time zone could be adjusted both forwards and
backwards. Now this legendary timepiece returns with an automatic movement that
is designed and produced entirely in-house: the UN-334 calibre. Featuring a
large date, which can also be adjusted in both directions, it comes equipped
with a silicon escapement, the height of watchmaking technology and something
very few brands master. Offering exceptional precision, the Dual Time
Manufacture also stands out for its simplicity of use and legible display. While
home time is measured over 24 hours in a window at 9 o'clock, the hour hand can
be moved forwards or back to align with local time, without having to take the
watch off or interrupt its smooth running. In a final flourish, the date
automatically synchronises with adjustments in either direction. More about Ulysse Nardin.
Since 1846 the company has walked away with 4,300 awards, among which 18 highly
coveted gold medals. Despite the temptation to rest on our laurels, to do so
would be a betrayal of 150 years of unmatched ingenuity. Challenge has always
been part of the Ulysse Nardin philosophy. When a group of friends and I
acquired this cornerstone of the Swiss watch industry back in 1983, we were
determined to live up to the glories of the Ulysse Nardin name. To do this, we
faced the task of preserving a tradition of the finest craftsmanship while
augmenting these achievements with today’s technology.
FENDI
TIMEPIECES | Crazy Carats
In
its Italian workshops, Fendi takes fur towards peaks that have not been explored
for almost a century. Bearing testimony to this longstanding tradition, the new
Crazy Carats watch is fitted with a precious strap in two-tone mink, while the
watch itself features a number of sparkling surprises. A turn of the crown
reveals three different types of gemstones according to the mood of the moment.
White diamonds or blue or pink sapphires alternately light up this luxurious
composition, underscored by fascinating gemsetting on the bezel. The mysterious
and enchanting Crazy Carats comes in four different versions, each available in
a 50-piece limited series.
ENICAR
| Versailles CH325 Chronometer
Inspired
by the gardens at the renowned French château, the Versailles watch will work
its magic on those with an eye for refinement and beauty. On this jewel of
sophistication, each element is composed with exquisite art. The centre of the
dial is adorned with a delicate motif while ten sparkling diamonds denote the
hours around its circumference. The bezel, which is crafted from 18K rose gold,
cradles the 96 diamonds that illuminate the whole, interspersed with eight other
precious stones to create a fascinating effect. Precious and unique in each of
its facets, the Versailles watch is brought to life by a COSC-certified
automatic chronometer movement. An interchangeable bracelet adapts to different
moods, with two-tone 18K rose gold / 316 L steel or leather. Learn more about ENICAR.
GENIE
| Grandor
Since
1919, Genie has swathed time in the most elegant simplicity. Its new collection
is no exception to this rule. Framed by the clean lines of a two-tone case, the
dial displays nothing but time's essential components, with three hands and a
date set against a sober backdrop interpreting the brand's bell logo. Eight
white diamond hour-markers stand out against this radiant yellow composition to
echo the Roman numerals that bring an air of timeless classicism. Beating inside
this opus is a mechanical automatic movement which reveals the delicacy of its
gears beneath a sapphire crystal back.
RONDA
| xtratech Z60 - new 13¼‘‘‘ chronograph
Ronda xtratech was market launched as a new product line in 2013. The quartz movement
presented at Baselworld is known as Z60. It is the first-ever Ronda 13¼’’’ size
calibre with chrono function. Aside from the centre second stop and the
30-minute counter, the popular 3-6-9 look features a day indicator, a date and a
small seconds. With the xtratech the name says it all: a Swiss Made movement
offering everything a chronograph needs. Not a feature more and not a feature
less. The ideal product for watches in the fashion range, where demand runs high
for useful functions at attractive prices. With the new diameter of 30.00 mm,
Ronda now has on offer four chronograph sizes in its range: Startech 3500 series
with 10½ x 11½‘‘‘ and Startech 5000 with 12½‘‘‘. And, last but not least, the
Mastertech 8000 series with 15’’’ and the new xtratech Z60 with 13¼‘‘‘.
RONDA is a world leader in the manufacture of highly accurate quartz movements
with eye-catching designs - particularly worth mentioning are the successful
Mastertech and Startech lines. Famous watch manufacturers in Europe, the Middle
East, Asia and the USA number among its customers and its products can be found
inside brand name watches, ranging from elegant and sporty timepieces to stylish
fashion accessories and luxurious models. Founded in 1946, this traditional
Swiss firm has its roots in the countryside around Basel, where its headquarters
are still located today. Currently, over 2000 staff are employed in Switzerland
and Asia.
N.O.A
| Steel Skell
N.O.A.
exposes the mechanics of time by revealing the beating heart of its latest
creation, Skell. This automatic calibre with its highly architectural
skeleton-working features colourful elements that further highlight the
three-dimensional N.O.A signature. A wealth of subtle depth and transparency
effects ensure that nothing is hidden and that each second becomes truly
unique.
A perfect blend of Italian design and Swiss craftsmanship, the quest for
innovation is a part of the Brand’s own DNA. Based in Balerna, Switzerland,
where the Ruefli family began their watch making tradition during the 19th
Century, today N.O.A is still carrying on the heritage of the family and rapidly
becoming a trend setter in the world of Swiss independent brands.
ATLANTIC
| Worldmaster 1888 Lusso
The
new Worldmaster 1888 with its classic lines offers an extremely elegant
composition playing on cleverly orchestrated contrasts between steel and
numerous (PVD-coated) pink gold accents. Issued in an 188-piece limited series,
a nod to the founding year of the watchmaking House, this chronograph will
appeal to fans of timepieces capable of making their way through the years while
maintaining a resolutely on-trend touch.
In 1888, in the Solothurn town of Bettlach, Edward Kummer laid the basis of a
company, which was one day to become Atlantic Watch. Some years later the
company was already employing over 700 people and has left a strong mark on the
history of watchmaking in the 20th century. Since 2008, Atlantic has been based
in the Bernese town of Lengnau/Longeau. The Atlantic Brands came into being in
1888 under the name of Ed. Kummer AG, Bettlach, abbreviated to EKB. At that time
aged 43, the master watchmaker had identified the huge potential for growth
offered by the manufacture of watch movements and components. Six years later,
he and his partners had already set up the company called Obrecht & Co.
established in Grenchen, which specialized in the production of movement-blanks.
However, the authorities of Bettlach, his commune of origin, persuaded him to
transfer his activities to his place of birth, in order to contribute to its
development. These projects were favourably received by the inhabitants of
Bettlach, so that production was able to start in 1888 in the new and imposing
production site, which had just sprung up from nothing.
Thanks to his rare business skills, Eduard Kummer quickly ensured the prosperity
of his business. In a few years, the number of employees increased
spectacularly, from around 20 to over 700 at the beginning of the 20th century,
only two decades after the company’s foundation. Until the end of the 1920s, the
manufacture of watchmaking calibres and components remained the company’s basic
activity. Nevertheless, the name EKB soon found its way onto pocket watches, and
in a second phase, onto the dials of wrist watches. Learn more about Atlantic watch company.
WENGER
| Urban Classic Chrono
Equally
at home in the city as in sports activities, the Urban Classic Chrono by Wenger
is distingusiehd by remarkable performances powered by a quartz movement.
Appearing on an extremely elegant guilloché dial, counters mark off the timed
minutes, along with small seconds and days, while the central chronograph
sweep-seconds hand provides an accurate measurement of short times.
Water-resistant to 100 metres, this model also displays the date and comes in
five different executions.
THE WORLD WATCH AND JEWELLERY SHOW A prestigious showcase, a unique trade
platform and a source of inspiration: every spring, Basel buzzes with the
unrivalled atmosphere of BASELWORLD, where brands from the watch, jewellery and
related industry fields meet journalists, professionals and watch lovers from
around the world, to unveil their latest products and set future trends.
Learn more about BASELWORLD at http://www.swisstime.ch/
BASELWORLD AT A GLANCE
104,000 visitors from 100 countries
1,815 exhibitors from 45 countries
3,300 journalists from 70 countries
160,000 m2 exhibition area
(Figures: BASELWORLD 2012)
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