Baselworld: Harry Winston. Ocean Sport, Project Z6 and Zalium.

Exclusive watchmaker Harry Winston—with a pavilion located across from Hermès and next to Oris— presented their Ocean Sport line, Project Z6 Black Limited Edition and the Zalium collection.

Zalium is a zirconium alloy exclusive to Harry Winston that is also utilized in the aerospace industry, extremely resistant to corrosion, very light and scarcer and harder than titanium. A true revolutionary material. The collection comprised of different pieces ranging from simple chronographs to skeletonized watches and grande complications, is definitely pleasant to the eye, however, not so much to the pocket unless you have extra cash to spare.

For more info click here. 

Baselworld: Raymond Weil. More Musical Inspiration.

Behind Breitling and across from Tissot, Movado and Concord, the massive Raymond Weil pavilion catches everyone's attention. This three story music box with a living tree that stands up in its courtyard, also includes a 27 feet high violin, made up of 59 components—its assembly required over 2000 hours of manual work— that is more than a musical instrument; it symbolizes Raymond Weil's passion for music that has always been the source of its inspiration.  

This year's novelties included pieces across the Maestro, Nabucco, Freelancer and Tango Collections, all of them inspired by musical notes, precision and classic designs.  

For more info click here.

Posted on May 1, 2013 and filed under Baselworld.

Baselworld: Breitling. The Massive Fish Tank.

Located right behind the Omega pavilion, you just can't miss the Breitling display with a massive fish tank containing a variety of tropical fish and small sharks. The fish tank glows in the center of the exhibition hall just like the luminosity on a beach with bio-luminescence.

Simulating the port holes and cabins inside a ship, this massive display is one of our favorites this year. The pavilion is mainly focused on the Emergency revamped line, the Superocean line-up and the Breitling for Bentley pieces. Please enjoy a short video of the fish tank at the bottom of the post.  For more info click here.  

Posted on April 30, 2013 and filed under Baselworld, Breitling.

Baselworld: Zenith. 2,333 Chronometry Awards.

The Zenith pavilion is located right across from Hublot and next to TAG Heuer. This record breaking manufacture with 2,333 chronometry awards presented the largest and most beautiful display of historical pieces at Baselworld. With a historical timeline that extended well beyond 60 feet in length, Zenith presented everything from rare clocks to vintage iconic references such as El Primero Chronograph from 1969, Espada El Primero from 1975, a few Captain watches, a 1970 chronograph for the Italian Air Force, several vintage Pilot watches and other rarities. Additionally, on the right side of the pavilion, Zenith included a very unique dynamic display of all of their 2,333 chronometry awards for visitors to explore, arrange and rearrange.

Among the novelties for this year we find the Captain Grande Date Moonphase, Captain Winsor Annual Calendar Boutique Edition, Pilot Historical Type 20 GMT and Special, Pilot Big Date Special, El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th, El Primero Chronomaster 1969 and the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane with gyroscopic 'Gravity Control' module. For more info click here.

Posted on April 30, 2013 and filed under Baselworld, Zenith.

Baselworld: Hermès Pavilion. A Masterpiece by Toyo Ito.

The new Hermès pavilion is located on the second level of the main exhibition hall just short from the escalators and across from Harry Winston. Built by awarded architect Toyo Ito—awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2013—, the Hermès Pavilion is designed along the lines of traditional Japanese teahouses. With natural materials like wood and 167 live plants, Hermès provides a welcoming space at the heart of Baselworld.   

The two-story box measures 34 meters long and 19 meters wide, with a total area of 1,040 square meters—approximately 11,200 sq. ft. Covered with 624 wooden planks, the façade covers a second inner structure made of wood, glass, metal and greenery. Finally, to complete the masterpiece, watch display cases were conceived to appear as metallic blossoming flowers to showcase Hermès latest timepieces.

At this pavilion you will find a nice assortment of classic looking designs, colorful dials, orange accents and some pocket watches evoking horology's antique times. 

For more info click here.

Posted on April 28, 2013 and filed under Baselworld.

Baselworld: Jaquet Droz. Pure Art.

Next to Omega and across from Glashütte, we find Jaquet Droz. This legendary watchmaker with 275 years of history and artful creations, dominates the corner on the first turn towards the back of the Exhibition Hall 1.0 Full of artistic pieces and some amazing complications, Jaquet Droz continues to make a statement in 'Haute Horlogerie' just like it did back in November of 2012 with the launch of the acclaimed Bird Repeater. Founded in 1738 by Pierre Jaquet-Droz, this company remains focused on artistic creations and outstanding complications.

For more info click here.  To see the Bird Repeater in action click here.

Posted on April 28, 2013 and filed under Baselworld, Jaquet Droz.

Baselworld: Omega. Unveiling of Seven New Models.

The Omega pavilion is located straight down the main aisle at the center of the Exhibition Hall 1.0, right next to the other Swatch Group brands—Jaquet Droz, Tourbillon, Longines, Glashütte, Tissot, Rado, Certina, et.al. This over-sized pavilion with displays on the front, sides and back, unveiled seven new models this week. Some of them quite fascinating. 

The new line-up includes the Constellation Sedna made of a completely new alloy blending gold, copper and palladium—considered 18K rose gold as it includes a minimum gold content of 75%—, the Seamaster Planet Ocean Good Planet which is a tribute to the Good Planet Foundation—with GMT functions, blue dial and blue and orange bezel—, the anti-magnetic Aqua Terra 15000 Gauss, the Aqua Terra Day-Date, the Speedmaster Black Ceramic, the Speedmaster '57 Co-Axial Chronograph and the De Ville Ladymatic Bicolour. For more info click here.

Baselworld: Blancpain. The Iconic Fifty Fathoms on Display.

Located right across from Breguet and kitty corner from Swatch Group's Tourbillon, Blancpain offers a vibrant exhibit with horologists on site and historical museum pieces including a Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe circa 1960, a Fifty Fathoms from 1953, the Letters Patent issued to Jean Jacques Fiechter and a X Fathoms timepiece. Blancpain's displays feature state-of-the-art technology with video and animation on command. Each display features a screen at at the bottom with a short video about each particular reference. In all, a great exhibition with history, wow factor and elegant touches. 

For more info click here. 

Posted on April 27, 2013 and filed under Baselworld, Blancpain.

Encounter: Rolls-Royce Silver Spur. A Classy and Elegant Ride.

There's nothing more exciting than running into amazing timepieces or posh classic cars while going for a walk. This time it's the turn for a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur—also known as Silver Spirit—parked a few steps away from the Hermès, Prada and David Yurman boutiques located in Chicago's exclusive boutique row on Oak street, right between Michigan avenue and Rush street. 

This beautiful car from the 80s is in mint condition and features one of our favorite color combos in ivory cream with a chocolate brown top. The interior also in dark brown with magnificent wood trim makes this automobile a true classic and a perfect example of a time machine.

The Silver Spur, was introduced by Rolls-Royce in 1980 and was the first new generation of models for the company. The chassis on this car is the same chassis that was also used by Bentley on their Mulsanne series. 

With a 6.75 liter V8 engine with automatic transmission, the Silver Spur continues to offer the powerful, yet smooth and quiet ride prevalent across all Rolls-Royce cars. 

For more info click here.  

Posted on April 27, 2013 and filed under Automobiles.

Baselworld: Breguet Pavilion. Fine Horlogerie and Classique Designs.

Located right next to Tudor and across from Blancpain, this 'Haute Horlogerie' name from the Vallée de Joux offers a very classy and refined exhibition that includes horologists on site. Founded since 1775, but highly popular due to the creation of the tourbillon by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1795, this horology house stays true to his values and 'classique' designs. For more info click here.

Baselworld: Tudor Pavilion. Another Heritage Release.

The Tudor pavilion stands right next to Rolex—its parent company—, Breguet and right across from the Chopard pavilion. With a color palette in black and red and several product news including the new Black Shield line and the Heritage Chrono Blue, the Tudor pavilion is a must see.

This time, Tudor also included a small display for historical references from their museum, including a Submariner from 1954, a Chronograph from 1970 and the Monte Carlo in blue from 1973.

Everyone is awaiting Tudor's comeback to the U.S. this summer and for sure no one will be disappointed. For more info click here.

Baselworld: TAG Heuer Press Kit. 50 Years of Carrera.

Since many of you often wonder what type of goodies are given away to members of the press during BaselWorld, here's TAG Heuer's press kit.

We have also included some of the images contained in it.

Enjoy!

Posted on April 26, 2013 and filed under Baselworld.

Baselworld: Hublot Pavilion. Eye Catching.

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.

Posted on April 25, 2013 and filed under Baselworld, Hublot.

Baselworld: Bulgari. The Serpenti Collection.

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. 

Posted on April 25, 2013 and filed under Baselworld, Bulgari.

Baselworld: TAG Heuer. 50 Years of the Carrera.

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.

Posted on April 25, 2013 and filed under Baselworld.

Baselworld: New Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 in Stainless Steel and Rose Gold. The Return of a Two-Tone.

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. 

Baselworld 2013: Rolex Platinum Daytona. A Touch of Chocolate Cerachrom.

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? 

Baselworld 2013: The New Rolex GMT Master II Blue and Black. Hate it or Love it.

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?

Baselworld: The Exhibition Center. Pretend You Came Along.

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.