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BASELWORLD 2014: Day 1 – First Impressions BASELWORLD 2014: Day 1 – First Impressions

BASELWORLD 2014: Day 1 – First Impressions

Felix Scholz

As I write this, sitting on the balcony of my apartment by the Rhine, the sun setting gently on the Swiss town of Basel, the first proper day of Baselworld has come to a close.  And I’m exhausted, jetlagged and having trouble stringing a sentence together. I’ve also had the privilege of getting up close and personal with some of the best watches in the world. Because that’s what Baselworld is all about.

Baselworld, in case you weren’t aware is a trade show for watches. But on a scale which defies description. The brand exhibitor ‘booths’ (in the case of the large brands) are as big as small apartment blocks, often have inbuilt bars, restaurants, aquariums (seriously) – you know, the usual. It’s the single largest watch event of the year, with the exhibiting brands releasing their  2014 collections, and vying to outdo each other with the most high tech, luxurious or downright awesome looking timepieces.

In the coming days we’ll give you some more in-depth looks at some of the highlights of the show, but for today, here is an edited highlight reel of some of the early favourites.

Rolex-GMT-II-Caramic-Pepsi

Rolex-Millgauss-Blue

Rolex are perhaps the most hotly anticipated release of any Baselworld. This is because of a combination of their immense popularity and legendary closemouthed-ness. They have not disappointed at Baselworld 2014, releasing a white gold GMT II with a hotly anticipated Ceramic ‘Pepsi’ bezel. Our other favourite was the stunning new blue dialled Milgauss. The combination of blue dial and green crystal makes it quite a looker.

Omega-Seamaster-300-Coaxial

Omega-Speedmaster-MKII

Omega is another massive fan favourite, and we were looking forward to seeing the reissue of the Mark II Speedmaster, the Moonwatch’s long-lost sibling. But amongst a host of other impressive releases (including a white platinum dialled ‘Light Side of the Moon’ Speedmaster), we were most taken by the sensitive heritage reissue of the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial.

Breguet-Classic-toubillion-quantieme-perpetual-skeletonised

On a more complicated note, we were absolutely blown away by this annual calendar tourbillion from Breguet. This is the skeletonised version, and the depth of the dial and the quality of the finish were just stunning.

Blancpain-Bathyscaphe-Flyback

Blancpain-Villeret-Grand-Feu

Our next two picks are VERY different pieces from the grand old maison of Blancpain. First up we have the follow up to the very successful Bathyscaphe, the Bathyscaphe flyback chronograph. This watch with it’s brand new high frequency in house movement and 43mm black ceramic case (it also comes in steel) is a surefire hit. The other watch is the new Villeret, with an incredibly gorgeous enamel dial. It’s the epitome of a modern dress watch.

Breitling-Chronomat-Airborne

And finally, a surprise hit of the day was the new Chronomat Airborne from Breitling – celebrating the 30th year of the iconic model – coming in 41 and 44mm versions, with subtle aged patina and bezel with rubber inserts. That’s a wrap for our first day at Baselworld 2014. Back tomorrow with more.