Right past Bulgari on the left side, you'll find the massive Hublot display. Huge screens, tons of neon, a time machine, animated window displays and some fascinating pieces such as the King Power and the Masterpiece MP-02 Key of Time.
Limited Editions, everywhere. Very typical of Hublot, but we definitely liked what we saw. For more info click here.
To the left of the TAG Heuer pavillion as you walk into the exhibition hall, you'll find the Bulgari display. Our favorite piece outside of the new ROMA watch, the Serpenti collection. Spectacular, intriguing and definitely full of bling and flashiness. Just like rolling snake eyes.
Located right at the entrance of the exhibition hall with a stunning McLaren automobile greeting you as you walk in, the TAG Heuer pavilion is definitely one that you just can't miss. Showcasing some historical pieces dating back to 1963, the TAG Heuer display is magnificent and massive, just like the 50th anniversary of the Carrera.
Patek Philippe relaunched the discontinued two-tone Nautilus. However, this time the two-tone refers to ref. 5980 in Stainless Steel and Rose Gold. This new model marks a come back for the two-tone models within Patek Philippe. Will other Haute Horlogerie brands follow this move? Only time will tell.
For now, enjoy this beauty!
For more info click here.
As expected by everyone, Rolex presented additional innovation on the Cosmograph Daytona line. This time, a beautiful platinum piece with striking contrasting light blue dial, chocolate registers and a chocolate cerachrom tachymeter scale bezel. We actually love the combo. Classy, refined, modern and an absolute stunner.
Now, what do you think?
Finally Rolex was able to pull off the bi-color cerachrom bezel on the GMT Master II, but, why not go with the classic Pepsi or the more modern Coke color combo?
Just like everyone else, we are still trying to figure this one out.
Regardless, this is definitely an amazing looking piece that proves one more time, that Rolex continues to excel at product innovation.
Love it or hate it, that's up to you?
Here are some pictures so that you all can feel like you are here with us accompanying us during this fabulous journey. The venue is just fantastic and every detail has been carefully taken care of. From the materials, to the layout and even the BaselWorld ambassadors. More pictures to come tomorrow.
One of the goodies that came in our bag after getting our Press Accreditation.
We arrived at the Basel train station somewhere around 3:00 pm and headed immediately inside the exhibitors pavilion to check the novelties. Rolex and Tudor surprised us as the typically do during this time of the year. The two biggest innovations by Rolex included the unveiling of a new bi-color GMT Master II in stainless steel and a platinum Daytona with chocolate brown cerachrom bezel. With regards to Tudor it was really all about the Black Shield and the Heritage Chrono in Blue.
After our connection in Amsterdam we have finally made it to Zürich. We have checked into the Park Hyatt and have already switched watches for the day. Heading to Basel in a little bit. Tomorrow, the big day!
40 Legendary years between land and sea. The new edition of the 7169 it's a real stunner with a 42mm case. More live pics to come.
Rainy day here in Chicago. Waiting for our flight to depart. We have checked-in and we are now about to board our KLM flight.
Tomorrow we'll wake up in Europe. BaselWorld is right around the corner.
Our bags are ready and we've packed some of our favorite timepieces for this special trip. As we have mentioned before, our team will be reporting live from Baselworld and throughout our journey around Switzerland, homeland to fine horology.
We bet many of you are already guessing what timepieces are coming along with us inside that black box in the picture. Well, the only way you will find out is by following our reports and updates while we are overseas.
We recommend to please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr to make sure that you get our updates right away.
Here's our checklist for the trip: Assorted timepieces, check. GMT Master ref. 1675, check. Passport, check. Camera, check. Business cards and media kit, check.
Stay tuned for the daily updates.
Yesterday we got a sneak preview of the new 2014 Cayman available for sale on April 27th. This time, a discontinued Omega Planet Ocean XL came along with us.
The new Cayman, just like the new Boxster, comes with a longer wheelbase, less weight and more power. The base Cayman with a 2.7-liter flat-six engine provides 275
hp, while with the Cayman S, you get a 3.4-liter flat-six
engine with 325 hp. Porsche the Cayman with either a 6-speed
manual transmission or a 7-speed PDK—Porsche Doppelkupplung—automatic transmission.
The new Cayman comes fitted with 18-inch wheels but the option to go with 19 or 20-inch wheels is also available. The Cayman S now features the front discs and also the sport exhaust system—that
enhances the car's sound by the push of a button—from the Carrera. The new Cayman is now even more stable on the road with it's longer improved wheelbase. The interior as well was drastically modified and you really can't tell the difference whether you are inside a 911 or a Cayman.
In our opinion, the new Cayman resembles the 911 even more than in the past and with the major changes done to the rear, doors, ventilation intakes, mirrors, tail lights and even a new smoothly finished Porsche crest on the hood it's definitely a car that will guarantee unlimited fun on the road. Sticker price of $52,600 for the base Cayman and $63,800 for the Cayman S. For more info on the new Cayman check out Loeber Porsche.
This Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116610LN is the revamped Rolex Submariner with the maxi-case, maxi-dial with chromalight luminous material, cerachrom bezel insert and fine adjustment glidelock system on the oyster bracelet.
Watch lifestyler Nick has owned this watch for more than eight months and is now his daily beater. One of the greatest advantages of this redesigned Rolex Submariner is the added comfort of the maxi-case. Due to is flatter and more squarish shape it sits on the on the wrist better than the previous models.
The revamped Submariner features the Rolex caliber 3135, a 40mm case in stainless steel and an flip-lock oyster bracelet with the new glidelock clasp system. The sticker price on this watch $8,550. For more info on this watch click here.
This is the story of the restoration of a highly coveted Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' reference 5402SA. The watch in question belongs to our Editor and Publisher, a true grail piece from one of the most iconic references in horology. This particular model, dating back to 1978, is part of the exclusive batch of two-tone Royal Oak Jumbos —the only series ever made in this configuration— of which only 951 pieces of this reference exist, with the serial number of this specific watch being under 300. It’s a rare and highly collectible piece in the Royal Oak lineage. This particular watch was once owned by Jorge Rojo Lugo —former governor of the Mexican state of Hidalgo— after it was gifted to him by former Mexican president José Lopez Portillo.
Given its age and the fact that it’s passed through multiple owners before landing in its final hands, the watch required significant restoration. The movement needed a complete overhaul, while the dial had suffered from flaking, leading Audemars Piguet to insist on a replacement as part of the service, as they wouldn't service the original dial. The bezel and case also required serious attention — the bezel had become overly rounded and thin, to the point where Audemars Piguet advised that this would be the last time it could be refinished. Despite the challenges, the restoration process has brought this legendary timepiece back to life, preserving its place as a true icon.
Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus serviced this piece and it took almost six months. By the pictures, you can tell that it almost looks like new and to be quite honest, there is no one other than Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus to refinish a Royal Oak to its original appearance. Just pay attention to the chamfers, bezel and case.
The History Behind The Watch
This watch was first purchased back in 1998. At the time, this was our Editor's third Royal Oak 5402 Jumbo. The watch was in good shape and running strong. This was one of his favorite Royal Oaks and it was purchased during a very successful time in his career. After a couple of years of ownership, the watch was sold. In 2004, the watch was repurchased from the person that it was sold to but in terrible condition and not running anymore. After several weeks, a talented watchmaker brought it back to life. Two years later, our Editor sold the watch one more time. Fast forward to 2008, and that's when our Editor stumbled upon a for sale listing with pictures of a watch that looked exactly like the one he had let go for the second time—the flaking on the dial was so unique that he was almost 100% sure it was his old piece. Immediately, he emailed the seller and asked if the serial number on the watch was 2XX. The seller replied the following day and confirmed that indeed that was the number. As any other watchlifestyler would do, he decided to purchase the watch back one more time.
Finally, in 2012 with the watch still running, our Editor decided to finally get a full service to bring his precious possession back to mint condition. Today, the watch is fully restored and looking almost like new. All original parts including the dial where returned by Audemars Piguet. The final result of this restoration is just superb.
The last picture at the bottom is one of the watch before the major overhaul. BIG KUDOS to Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus.
This is what we call top notch restoration service! For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
How often do you run into a Richard Mille watch in the wild? The most probable answer is, never. Now, the chances of running into a RM011 LM Le Mans Limited Edition in the wild, are even more slim. The Felipe Massa Flyback Chronograph Le Mans Limited Edition is truly an amazing timepiece. When we think about Richard Mille, several words come to mind including extreme 'Haute Horlogerie', innovation, metal alloys, extravagant materials, racing inspired horology, Rafael Nadal, Bubba Watson, Felipe Massa, Yohan Blake and of course the most innovative watch brand out there.
Founded in 2001 by French businessman Richard Mille and based in Les Breuleux in the Canton of Jura in Switzerland, this watch company has been in the forefront of innovation and extreme groundbreaking watch design since day one. With a very limited production and around 2,500 watches sold every year, Richard Mille relies on several partners in the industry including Audemars Piguet—which also owns shares in Richard Mille—who contributes by granting them access to its movement manufacture Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi also known as APRP. As some of you know, most Richard Mille calibers are manufactured by APRP and Vaucher.
The Felipe Massa Le Mans Limited Edition Flyback Chronograph is a very advanced time measuring device. With a three-piece titanium case measuring 50x40mm with a thickness of 16.15mm, the RM011 LM provides an amazing wrist presence with lightness and comfort that is just unbeatable.
Richard Mille created this special chronograph to commemorate their involvement with the 2012 Le Mans Classic event as sponsor and official timekeeper. With its green carbon fiber flange around the edge of the dial and the white and green checkered Le Mans Classic logo located at 12 o'clock, this watch is limited to 150 pieces distributed worldwide.
Fitted with caliber RM011-S—an automatic movement with a rotor with variable geometry and power- reserve of 55 hours—, double-coated anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal, rubber strap with deployant buckle, carbon fiber flange, waterproof to 50 meters, skeleton dial, a case assembled with 16 spline screws—in grade 5 titanium— and abrasion resistant washers—in copper-nickel-zinc alloy—, this piece is literally every watchlifestyler's dream.
The chronograph with a 60-minute countdown timer, a 12-hour register and running seconds at 3 o'clock, features a flyback chrono reset mechanism on the pusher between 4 and 5 o'clock . The iconic big date display on Richard Mille watches provides a very unique touch to the skeleton dial and compliments the overall appearance and balance of it.
As you can see, every single detail on this watch has been meticulously taken care of and you definitely can't go wrong buying one. With a sticker price of $125,000, who wouldn't want to own one of these beautiful 150 watches.
For more info on Richard Mille click here.
Elie Bleu of Paris has long been renowned as the maker of the world's best humidors and also of some of the most fascinating watch cases and cabinets. Founded in 1976 in the heart of the Parisian artistic woodwork area in Fabourg Saint-Antoine, Elie Bleu humidors are a work of art and individually handcrafted. In 2000, the company launched its first line of watch cases and in 2005 during BaselWorld, they presented watch storing cabinets fitted with up to a hundred automatic winders. In 2009, Elie Bleu was granted the 'Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant'—Living Heritage Companies—recognition.
Each Elie Bleu humidor is individually handcrafted in France from precious fruitwood and finished with up to eight fine coats of clear varnish to provide a striking lacquered sycamore finish. All their wood is open air cured for a minimum of ten years to eliminate the possibility of sapping, cracking or warping. To be honest, no other humidor can match Elie Bleu's quality, durability, beauty, heirloom potential and reliability for generations of use.
All Elie Blue humidors are fitted with a gorgeous and very accurate analog hygrometer, separator and their patented humidifying unit that is guaranteed to last between two to three years. The hinges and front lock are delicately finished to guarantee hermetic cigar keeping and smooth opening and closing of the humidor.
The 'Che' Guevara humidor line is one of our favorites and for sure meant to become a future rarity and a collector's item. The 'Che' humidor line includes some of the most fascinating and colorful designs, all of them utilizing Alberto Korda's iconic portrait of 'Che' Guevara or the color palette of the Cuban flag. This particular humidor fits up to 75 cigars and provides a beautiful cedar-wood smell that will captivate your senses. Sticker price for this Elie Bleu humidor: $2785.
The 'Che' limited edition humidor is almost as rare as the Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 'Che' used to wear.
For more info on this beautiful humidors and to buy one like this click here.
The Porsche Design 911 alarm clock is a must have for watchlifestylers that are hardcore Porsche enthusiasts. Designed to look like the tachometer on the 911's dashboard, this alarm clock is meant to make you feel like you are still driving your car, even while sitting at your desk or laying in bed. The clock comes with a sturdy but finely finished aluminum case, digital time and date display, alarm, second time zone and timer functions.
The orange hand on the dial is used to set the alarm which will wake you up to the roaring sounds of a 911 mono-block with a blinking red brake light indicator. If you hate getting out of your car every time you get home, then you definitely need one of these clocks. To get this clock click here.
Here's a video showing the sounds of the clock.
This watch belongs to a watchlifestyler that chose this watch as her daily beater, five years ago. Still in great condition, this timepiece is a great example of what a watch full of memories looks like. Received as a gift after having her last baby, this beautiful Audemars Piguet Lady Royal Oak has only left her wrist twice for the regular battery change intervals. The Lady Royal Oak ref. 60601ST is fitted with a quartz movement but ref. 77321ST is an automatic. We really prefer the automatic movements as they require less visits to the Audemars Piguet Service Centers, nevertheless, this particular watch is just perfection.
The Lady Royal Oak ref. 60601ST in stainless steel, is available on a bracelet or a crocodile strap. There's also the option to buy it without the diamond encrusted bezel. We love the diamond bezel, as it adds a flashy, yet elegant touch to the watch. The bracelet is solid and comfortable and has rounded links just like those on the bracelets fitted on Royal Oak Offshores. The clasp is a double folding clasp with safety lock. The case size is 33mm and comes with a nice and thick bezel set with 32 diamonds—4 per facet—totaling 0.65 carats of very high quality stones. The newer models have now 40 diamonds total. The dial alone is a piece of art with a pattern that resembles waves and hands and markers that look like leaves.
The Lady Royal Oak is also a very versatile piece that can be worn dressed up or dressed down. This watchlifestyler wears it all the time, regardless of what she is doing or wearing. With a mono-block solid case—like that on the first Royal Oaks—, this watch is water resistant to a depth of 50m and has been to numerous beaches and pools around the world without any issues. The case back features the delicate engraving 'Lady Royal Oak' not present on older ladies Royal Oaks. This reference was the first one to bear such engraving. The Lady Royal Oak is also available in yellow gold and white gold.
After finishing our nice conversation with this watchlifestyler, we decided to take a couple of pictures of her watch on the wrist. The contrast between her all black Chanel attire and the silvery dial on the watch is just beautiful.
Now, here comes the warning. If your significant other happens to be around you while you are reading this review, better be ready to buy her one as it is very likely that she'll end up asking for it.
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