Trends and New Offering in the World

Trends

The trend set by Baselworld in watch making are the diameters of the glass, sports watches and re-editions of classic styles adapted to larger sizes, as well as the marked return of pink gold.

In this regard, Rubén Medina, who heads up Breitling in Mexico, said that the current trends are for large-size, robust, automatic or manual winding watches with versions that vary from a "Big Date" watch to a watch with a perpetual calendar with a vortex.

It brought various new models, above all with regard to the level of technology rather than aesthetics, confirmed Alex Kull. He also added that “the Fair presented new material, such as silicon for the displays of brands such as Breguet and Patek Philippe, which he considered an important event in the watch making world.

“The current trend in the watch making industry mainly leans towards the most expensive, more complex mechanisms and manufacturing processes. With regard to materials, the trend is more towards pink gold for the cases and rubber for the straps and diamonds continue to be a fundamental part of watches.

 

 

Luis Peyrelongue said that at this fair, we were able to see the continuing trend for large watches, not only for men, but also for ladies. “Nowadays, women wear watches the same size as men’s watches”. He also pointed out the return of yellow and pink gold (sometimes called red gold), which has a warmer color than the traditional yellow gold. 

Ari Berger agreed that larger watches are in fashion and that pink gold continues to be stronger than yellow gold.

Enrique Uribe, moreover, considered that during recent years there had been a tendency towards steel, but that now, the trend is towards two tones, bi-color or steel-gold. He added that more and more women are beginning to like watches with particular features.

Eduardo Torres emphasized an additional element by confirming that all women's watches feature stones.

 

New offerings

In general, the interviewees agreed that where high-quality watches were concerned, Patek Philippe and Rolex stood out above the rest.

Luis Peyrelongue the size that with regard to new technology, there were brands that released new movements and this year Patek Philippe introduced a new automatic, chronograph, the first of the brand and a great new idea. He added that among the more than 300 brands present at Basilea, the ones that had the greatest impact on him, together with that already mentioned were Breguet, Rolex and Jaeger-LeCoultre. and IWC.

 In particular, Alex Kull pointed out the three things that most attracted his attention. The new escape wheel by Patek Philippe, the double vortex from Breguet and the Caliber 8500, manufactured by Omega.

Ari Berger said that the most impressive was Rolex, the change of the Bvlgari line because he considered it to be fresh and new, as well as Hublot, which is the craze at the moment. But aside from the case of the experts, we bring you the new offerings of the best brands present at Baselworld 2006.

 

Diamonds

Rolex

• Oyster Perpetual Day-Date

To celebrate 50 years of prestige, the Day-Date in 18 carat yellow gold is decorated with a green enamel dial edged with pavé diamonds. Bezel set with diamonds.

 

 

Omega

• Constellation Quadrella

Its rectangular and curved shape, while the four claws that surround the case, adorned with diamonds constitute the distinctive style of this family of watches launched in 1952.

 

 

Omega

• Constellation Iris

The Constellation Iris 95 and My Choice come in three sizes and five combinations in 18-carat gold and noble steel and 18-carat gold.

 

 

Patek Philippe

• Calatrava

Its first mechanically wound extra slim watch. Harmony of proportion and sophistication of details. The 18-carat white gold case is set with 72 cut diamonds. Solid brushed 18-carat strap.

 

 

Concord

• Saratoga

The bracelet of each one is made of 18-carat rose gold and elegantly adorned with 290 diamonds. The dial is white mother of pearl with 8 diamonds and Arabia numbers. The case is 18-carat rose gold with 8 spaces in the bezel each adorned with diamonds.

 

 

Carl F. Bucherer

• Alacria Diva Steel

It is an ingenious combination of a watch of stainless steel and 44 diamonds. The dial is pale rose with Arab numbers and its strap is of pale pink alligator leather.

 

 

Ebel

• Brasilia

Fixed-case models (34 cut diamonds of 0.544 cts), where the case and the strap are both of polished steel, silver, black or enamel dial with 10 diamonds, as well as the case and strap of 18 carat polished yellow gold and an enamel dial with 10 diamonds.

 

 

Century

• Chill Out

Handworker in pure sapphire, this sober but precious piece is bathed in 18-carat gold to be even more sublime. A quartet of diamonds is located at each end of its square case as if to accompany its delicate leather strap.

 

 

Century

• Ellipse

The steel model includes 294 diamonds. Two 24-faced sapphires, entirely handworker, adorn each end of the case giving it a magnificent aesthetic balance.

 

 

Corum

• Buckingham Toucan

Its 18 carat white gold case entrusted with diamonds frames a pair of birds. Is available in an edition limited only to 50 pieces for the whole world, each one of them in exclusive colors.

 

 

Armand Nicolet Tramelan

• Cronógrafo colección M03

This automatic chronograph has 90 Top Wesselton diamonds in its case and bezel and a violet colored Louisiana crocodile strap.

 

 

Charriol

• Kucha

A watch with a square case made of stainless steel with 176 diamonds with blank mother-of-pearl on the dial and limited Roman numerals. 

 

 

Zenith

• Star Open Gold

Among the characteristics, the bezel adorned with Top Wesselton diamonds and the multicolored removable satin straps stand out.

 

 

Dior

• Christal

The 18 carat case and bezel is surrounded by 48 diamonds in pairs for a supremely refined look. The bracelet is of stainless steel with black sapphire classic cut into the shape of a pyramid.  The black enamel dial also has eight diamonds.

 

 

Corum

• Golden Bridge

An unknown version of 950 platinum with a rose gold mechanism that subtly and sweetly soothes the heart, as well as a white gold version encrusted with diamonds.

 

 

Gucci

• Guccio

The shape of the case can be either square or rectangular. Diamonds adorn the Guccio watch with colors that include a central black and the polar white cognac.

 

 

Cyma

• Navy Star

The elegant and functional chronograph stands out in the ladies' watch, embellished by various dozens of sapphires that surround both the dial and the case of the watch.

 

 

Pink Gold

de Grisogono

• Uno GS

It is versatile because it case as up to eight versions varying from steel and pink gold, always accompanied by a black or dark red leather strap.

 

 

Ulysse Nardin

• Calibre 160

The watch will come in two limited editions: 500 in pink gold and 500 in white gold. Each will have 52 rubies and are made for connoisseurs.

 

 

Patek Philippe

• Annual Calendar

The case is made from 18 carat rose gold with a sapphire crystal case back and a crown with a system water resistant to 25 meters.  The dial is two-zone silver, painted in marine blue and its strap is made from crocodile skin.

 

 

Corum

• Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 44, version 2006

Made from stainless steel or 18 carat pink gold. The base of the case is engraved with a transparent crystal window that allows you to see the oscillating mechanism. Its bracelet is from vulcanized rubber in black or blue with an Admiral's Cup security.

 

 

Concord

• Mariner Coral Collection

Its dial is made of grey or blue coral stone with 12 diamonds to mark the hours, as well as 48 diamonds around the edge.

 

 

Charriol

• MD52

A limited edition of 23 pieces with a solid pink gold case. It also has a black crocodile leather strap.

 

 

Steel

Rolex

• Oyster Perpetual Datejust, 31 mm en acero

It features a rounded case with graceful contours and domed bezel, a solid steel Oyster bracelet rapid extension link and a pink dial.

 

 

Omega

• Seamanster James Bond

This new limited edition stainless steel watch is a professional diver’s match and with the motif engraved in a spiral on the dial. The case is made of stainless steel with curved hands and a blue dial and bezel.

 

 

Rolex

• Oyster Perpetual Datejust, 36 mm en acero

Rounded case with graceful contours and domed bezel. Solid steel Jubilee bracelet with concealed clasp. Blue Jubilee dial and Roman numerals.

 

 

Cyclos

• a.m./p.m. 2S

They are available in two versions: the "sporting a.m. /p.m., which are models in stainless steel cases of the elegant "day & night" versions in gold cases.

 

 

Alfex

• Airee 5564

The new Airee creation presents an elegant design with a rectangular case and a unique bracelet.  They are made from stainless steel and also with a gold lock.

 

 

Frederique Constant

• Heart Beat Calibre de Manufactura “Côte de Genève”:

Frédérique Constant launches a single version in 2006.  The “Heart Beat” manufacturing calendar with moon phase and date to the “Côte de Genève” design.

 

 

Tag Heuer

• Monaco Calibre 360 LS Concept Cronograph

Its case is of polished steel and its sapphire glass with numbers integrated into the case, as well as the indication of the chronographic movement.

 

 

Various

Eta

• Big Date Eta 2826-2

Watch makers' efforts have been frequently focused on reducing the size of their refined mechanisms in order to make them ever smaller, flatter, more delicate and precious.

 

 

Edox

• Edox Spirit of Norway Limited Edition

The Edox Spirit of Norway is a limited edition of 400 pieces, which is waterproof up to a depth of 500 meters thanks, in particular, to its screwed crown.  This out-of the-ordinary watch is equipped with a helium escape valve.

 

 

Cronoswiss

• Perpetual Calndar

Aesthetically, it is a harmonious conjunction formed of a solid silver dial with a painted surface and blue Poire Stuart-type steel hands harmonized with the solid 36-piece case.

 

 

Breguet

• La Tradición Breguet 7027

have a round case of 18-carat yellow gold with finely channeled edging. An 18-carat gold dial bathed in silver.

 

 

deLaCour

• Bitourbillon

Behind the technical and mechanical prowess of Bitourbillon lies the whole romantic, philosophical and poetic message about the duality of a human being.

 

 

Chronographs

Breitling

• Airwolf

Its Powerful design is both stylish and ergonomic. It has a 43.5mm stainless steel case, dial with 2 digital displays and steel professional bracelet.

 

 

Dubey & Schaldenbrand

• Spiral Verso VIP

This is a highly accurate timepiece that stands out for its revolutionary stainless steel case that makes three-dimensional movements.

 

 

Armand Nicolet Tramelan

• Cronógrafo colección M02

Armand Nicolet Tramelan comes the automatic chronograph with its 18-carat rose gold strap and Louisiana crocodile strap.

 

 

Camel Active

• Africam Spirit

Chonograph with a stainless steel case, rotating bezel, dark brown dial and brown-colored strap.

 

 

Certina

• Ds First Lady Crono

This sporting-classic timepiece impresses for its sublimeness and seduces thanks to its rounded shapes and the subtle sparkle of its diamonds.

 

 

Carl F. Bucherer

• Manero Perpetual Calendar

Its case is 18-carat rose gold and the rotor is 22-carat gold and the glass is of anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The strap is made of Louisiana crocodile leather.

 

 

Alpina

• Avalanche Ladies Chronograph

Its case is made of stainless steel and stands out for its 24 Wesselton diamonds. It is available with a rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet.

 

 

Within the framework of the Baselworld 2006 Fair, held every year in Basel, Switzerland, the largest watch making exhibition of the year, the must prestigious manufacturers and watch making firms will get together to present their latest creations, which mark the up-to-the-minute trends.

Luis Peyrelongue, head of the jewelers Peyrelongue Chronos, confirmed that “for us jewelers, at world level, this Fair is very important because large prestigious brands introduced new lines, their latest offerings; for example small or large watches, steel or gold, etc”.

Basilea could be defined as a laboratory since it is the ideal place for manufacturers and consumers to exchange their new products and demands, commented Alex Kull, CEO of The Swatch Group Mexico.

“It is the most important watch industry trade fair in the world. All the brands are there every year in order to introduce new trends, technological advances, movements or high-quality products to position themselves among the endless brands and try and gain a name", assured Eduardo Torres Cano, Assistant General Director of Grupo Mondi.

For Enrique Uribe, CEO of Relojes Exactos, this Fair gains more ground and importance every year. “It is really a very quick way of finding out what is happening in the jewelry world because every brand, depending on its market focus, presents new models and by bringing together so many alternatives, one can really see the market trend”.

In the opinion of Ari Berger, CEO of Berger Joyeros, the Basilia Fair is most important for watch making. “It is important because from all information collected at the end of the fair, we know what the market liked or didn't like and therefore what we have to manufacture”.

 

Text: Ricardo Vázquez / Germán Nájera ± Photo: Cortesía de Rolex y las marcas.