Keep up with all the best pieces from Baselworld 2017 as Executive Editor Charmaine Ho reports live from Switzerland. Today, we round up the most stunning pieces from Hamilton, Blancpain, Dior, Hermès, Bulgari, Swarovski, Omega and Patek Philippe.
Day 2 begins with HAMILTON and its newest collection for ladies: The Admore is available in 2 sizes in a range of coloured straps. Gents, on the other hand, have the Red Bull Air Race watch (launched to commemorate the brand’s new role as the event’s Global Timekeeper) to look forward to; plus a number of special limited editions.
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Over at CHOPARD, women can look forward to the new Happy Ocean diver’s watch (which contains the collection’s first-ever in-house automatic movement), the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph, and the XP Fleurier Peony (which features the brand’s first dial to be produced entirely in-house). Even more heartening is the fact that the brand is delivering on its promise to expand its range of ethical products with designs that use Fairmined Gold and ethically mined emeralds.
The discerning Villeret collection takes centrestage this year at BLANCPAIN with the Villeret Semainier Grande Date 8 Jours with an 8-day power reserve topped with patented correctors (found under the lugs) that allow for easy day / week adjustments. For women, there’s the Date Moon Phases timepieces which comes with a set of 5 DIY interchangeable straps.
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Resistance is futile at DIOR as it continues to do what it does best: Offer women a luscious range of timepieces that are designed to be worn with the most decadent couture gowns. From the 8 one-of-a-kind Dior Grand Soir Botanic timepieces, to the Grand Bal Piece Unique Galaxie series, these watches commemorate a very special milestone for the house – the 70th anniversary of Dior Couture.
At the other French corner is HERMÈS whose Cape Cod Shadow is making a stealth attack on people’s affections. It’s the brand’s first-ever all black watch, released in celebration of Hermès’ signature collection with formidable looks accented with a red on its double twirl leather strap. Not to be missed is yet another playful take on time-telling with the Slim d’Hermès L’Heure Impatiente: A watch that counts down the hour to an appointed time before chiming a single rich, velvety note.
It’s Serpenti’s galore at BULGARI, not that we’re complaining. Especially since the brand has just introduced a new personalisation service that allows you to design your very own Serpenti – from the case metal to the dial colour the colour of your strap, you can even engrave it with 5 letters at the back to truly call it your own. Then, there’s the astounding Octo Finissimo collection – a true brand highlight – with new additions to carry on the record-breaking ultra-thin legend.
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It’s full steam ahead for SWAROVSKI with the introduction of a new Eva Journey Chrono (expect moveable lugs for optimal comfort and Octea Nova (with a new 68-faceted crystal on top) collections; in addition to new glittering editions to its existing lines. While at ATELIER SWAROVSKI, the ethical jewellery flag flies high with red-carpet worthy creations using synthetic diamonds alongside its crystals.
OMEGA fans have the 1957 Trilogy Limited Edition watches to look forward to. Released to commemorate the 60th anniversary of its beloved Seamaster, Railmaster and Speedmaster, the brand has launched a special box set that includes a watch strap kit. Each watch been designed exactly as its 1957 version (except for its thickness). Also not to be missed is the Constellation Ladies with an embossed dial to evoke a Shantung silk texture.
We end the day on a high note at PATEK PHILIPPE who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Aquanaut collection with the ref. 5168G – a white gold version (the collection’s first) with a stunning blue dial and increased size of 42.2mm (from 40.8mm). There’s also a full diamond dial and bezel number for ladies that takes the art of gemsetting to stratospheric heights, thanks to the watch’s unique cushion shape. Then, of course, no Patek Philippe presentation is complete without new Calatravas, World Timers, Perpetual Calendars and many more to fall in love with.
Go through the gallery above for more details on the individual watches.
By Charmaine Ho