LIST: The Best of Baselworld (as voted by you)

Felix Scholz

It’s traditional in the weeks following Baseworld, when all the excitement about new releases has died down, to release a ‘best of’ list. Typically these lists feature a healthy mix of mainstream crowd-pleasers with a smattering of more obscure industry favourites. Our list is no different really, except for one thing – rather than put it together ourselves we took to the virtual streets of Instagram and asked our loyal followers for their picks.

Well, pat yourselves on the backs because you came up with a pretty good selection, with a few surprises. The big love for the Snoopy Speedy was a bit of a surprise, especially given the glut of other Omega novelties, but I guess, even among Speedy fans ‘ol Snoop has a cult following. I was also surprised that the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 didn’t make the list. Less surprising was that Rolex, Omega and Patek are still the clear fan favourites. But that’s enough from us – over to your favourite watches from Baselworld 2015 (in no particular order).

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master

While a new sports model from Rolex is always big news, the high-tech Oysterflex bracelet and decidedly ‘stealth’ bezel where unexpected. These modern elements work well with the vintage inspired dial.

The Tudor Pelagos

While the Tudor hero piece of the year was the North Flag, the crowd favourite is the tropical blue Pelagos which now packs Tudor’s brand new in-house movement, making it one of the best value modern dive watches out there.

The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award

Omega released A LOT of Speedmasters this year. But none so whimsical as this updated version of the collector favourite Snoopy Speedmaster. In case you’re confused by the dog on the dial the Silver Snoopy Award is given by NASA to individuals or contractors for outstanding achievements relating to mission success or human flight safety.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time

Of course the controversial Patek Pilot had to make the list. While purists may scoff at the notion there’s not denying the quality and it goes to show that even Patek need to modernise sometimes.

The TAG Heuer Monaco V4 Phantom

The latest version of the ground breaking TAG Heuer V4 just looks plain cool. Highly technical, with cutting edge styling. This is the best of modern TAG Heuer.

The Sarpaneva Watches Korona K0 Northen Lights

Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpenave is famous for his love of the moon. So, with such a nocturnal focus it makes sense that he collaborated with bespoke industrial designer and lume-guru Black Badger. The Northern Lights is the result.

The Omega Globemaster

Omega’s completely new ‘Globemaster’ line is an impressive blend of their newly METAS certified anti-magnetic Co-Axial technology and classic Constellation styling. A very smart addition to the Omega line-up.

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five

Oris hit it out of the park with their faithful heritage re-issue. The fact that it doesn’t cost an eye-watering amount only makes it that much sweeter.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus in Rose Gold (Ref. 5711/1R)

The Patek Nautilus is far from new. But having it in rose gold is, and gosh is it a good combination.

The Omega James Bond Aqua Terra ‘Spectre’

It’s a Bond(watch), a James Bond(watch). Sure, these limited editions come around every few years like clockwork – but this one in honour of the upcoming Spectre movie is a pretty good looking twist on the Aqua Terra.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 in Red Grape

Rolex focussed on the basics by releasing a simple, 39mm Oyster perpetual in a range of delicious colours – you guy liked the rich Red Grape version best. Enjoy responsibly.

The Angelus U10 Tourbillon

When we discovered that vintage favourite Angelus was being revived no one expected this. While the ’70s-retro looks are a little polarising, the watch is a technical marvel.

The Urwerk UR-1001 Titan

Ok, so when we asked for the ‘biggest watches of Basel’ some wags suggested the whopping 106mm Urwerk Titan. Not for the faint of heart, but undeniably impressive.