It is that time of the year again when the worlds largest watch trade (and jewellery) show takes place in Basel, Switzerland. Every year Baselworld promises to exceed watch lovers expectations by showcasing a range of exquisite timepieces. Located on a 160,000 square metre site there is every conceivable watch design imaginable. To put things into perspective over 100,000 people will visit the fair this year. Due to magnitude of the event it is near enough impossible to feature all the brands exhibiting. However here are some of the sublime timepieces that have caught my eye.
Louis Moinet ASTROLABE Tourbillon
The ASTROLABE Tourbillon is a sensational new timepiece from high-end watchmaker Louis Moinet. Visually the watch is striking and has an exceptionally high quality appearance. The gold colour dial is composed of multiple layers and is inspired by the Astrolable, which is one of the world’s oldest astronomical instruments. I love the exposed mechanical aspect of the design especially the large aperture (located at 6 o’clock) displaying the magnificent tourbillon. Other features include delicate hour/minute hands and a luxurious 47mm white gold case (composed of 59 parts). Beneath the refined exterior lies a highly accomplished manual winding mechanical movement. The Caliber comprises 19 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Hublot Classic Fusion Tourbillon Firmament
Luxury watch brand Hublot is widely known for its range of experimental and unique timepieces The Classic Fusion Tourbillon Firmament follows this tradition by incorporating a rare crystalised material into the design of the skeleton dial. Osmium is one of the rarest metals available on earth and has an extremely high melting point. Another reason why this watch is so attractive is the stylish black ceramic 45mm case and bezel with 6 H-shaped titanium screws. To power the watch the company has manufactured a sophisticated hand-wound Skeleton Tourbillon movement. The Caliber HUB6017 contains 251 components (19-Jewels) and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz).
Girard-Perregaux Neo-Tourbillon with Three Bridges
Girard Perregaux is renowned for producing amazingly high quality timepieces. For Baselworld 2014 they have presented the absolutely exquisite Neo-Tourbillon with Three Bridges. This creation is a modern interpretation of a 150-year old classic timepiece. With a diameter measuring 45mm the watch asserts its authority without being too imposing. The dial is magnificent and perfectly showcases the majestic tourbillon. What makes this watch so special is the overall simplicity of the composition. Other key design elements include the refined open-worked hour/minute hands and the luxurious 18-karat pink gold case. At the heart of the watch is a 27 jewel mechanical movement containing 245 individual components.
Grönefeld Parallax Tourbillon
Grönefeld are a small independent watchmaker established by the enigmatic Bart and Tim Grönefeld. The Parallax Tourbillon is an exciting new timepiece currently on show at Baselworld. Dimensionally the watch measures 43 mm x 12.5 mm, which should entice serious collectors. Currently the timepiece has a case choice of 316L stainless steel or luxurious 18-karat red gold. I love the solid sterling silver dial with offset hour/minute display and large flying tourbillon. Other integral features include a large stop second hand and retrograde power reserve indication. The watch is equipped with a refined mechanical hand-winding movement composed of 278 parts. This Caliber comprises 27-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Breva Génie 02 Terre
With the enormous success of Breva’s superb debut watch the Génie 01, expectations were very high for their second model. Fortunately they have delivered the goods and produced the exquisite Génie 02 Terra. Dimensionally the watch is a similar size to its predecessor and measures 44.70 mm x 16.10 mm. The case is constructed from Grade 5 titanium, which looks stylish and should be lightweight on the wrist. I absolutely love the open-worked dial that displays the altimeter and time. What makes this watch special is that it can measure altitude pressure in both metres and feet. Jean-François Mojon/Chronode has developed a highly accomplished 45-jewel mechanical movement containing 415 individual components.
