Earlier this year on my 'Letter from the Editor' published in the third issue of Watch Collecting Lifestyle print magazine, I talked about Baselworld 2018 and its future. Back on March 22, 2018, Swatch Group was already sending alarming signals about pulling out of Baselworld and so did Breitling. Right after Baselworld 2018 was over, Georges Kern CEO of Breitling sent out a statement confirming their participation in Baselworld's 2019 edition; however, Swatch Group didn't confirm participating or not, until this weekend Nick Hayek CEO of the Swatch Group announced on a statement via the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung that his group of watch and jewelry companies would no longer be at Baselworld from 2019 onwards.
Insider: Tudor Black Bay GMT ref. M79830RB. The Hottest Tudor at the Moment.
The Tudor Black Bay GMT ref. 79830RB was released at Baselworld 2018 and without a doubt, right now is the hottest Tudor watch and even selling well above its retail price of $3,900 USD. While we really didn't care much to see the watch while we were at Baselworld —as all the attention was centered on the new Rolex GMT Master II 'Pepsi' that was released at the same time—, Rolex's little brother seemed to have hit a home run with the release of this new Black Bay GMT 'Pepsi'.
News: Linde Werdelin Releases Two New Classic 3 Timers After Being Dormant for Several Years
After pulling out of Baselworld and going dormant for several years, Linde Werdelin has announced today the addition of two new watches to the Classic 3 Timer Ocean line. With no new product releases for years, last year Linde Werdelin released a watch for watch connoisseur and old friend Kristian Haagen. Kristian had expressed an interest in owning the 3 Timer brown dial that sold out within a month when it was released in 2009 and Morten Linde thought it would be the perfect opportunity to offer Kristian his own customized edition 3 Timer.
Rare Bird: Daniel Roth Sports Automatic 50th Birthday Limited Edition. Created by One of the Greatest Independent Watchmakers of our Time.
Released in 1995 on the occasion of his 50th birthday, this Daniel Roth limited edition watch is a perfect example of the mastery and finesse achieved by one of the first watchmakers to become an independent, after a successful career in the Swiss watchmaking industry that included companies like Breguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre and even Audemars Piguet. Now 72 years old, Daniel Roth is very well known for becoming an independent watchmaker after a very long tenure at Breguet and launching his own brand and atelier in the Vallée de Joux in 1989. After going selling his brand to Bulgari in 2000…
Experience: Jaquet Droz The Signing Machine. The King of All Automatons.
When we thought we had seen it all when it comes to Jaquet Droz, the brand wowed us one more time with the release of an object of desire unlike any other. If you thought it would be impossible that one day a mechanical machine would sign for you all your important documents with fresh ink, well, Jaquet Droz just decided to prove everyone wrong. This Jaquet Droz automaton is the ultimate luxurious toy for those that can have it all. By means of highly complex movements and driven by a set of cams that are handmade in order to produce a fluid, natural script, the Jaquet Droz Signing Machine duplicates its owner’s signature.
Insider: Understanding the Different Types of Audemars Piguet Tapisseries and How They're Done
We often run into watch collectors that frequently mistaken one type of Audemars Piguet tapisserie for another. Even though we have explained this topic in the past, we decided to to a revised post with more images and further explanation on the matter. While many know their names, few know the real difference between them. Additionally, many don't know how these dials are done and which models feature a stamped dial plate versus a rose engine machines one. The iconic 'Clous de Paris' guilloché pattern on the Royal Oak dials and Royal Oak Offshores is one of the most unmistakable elements of their design.
News: Audemars Piguet to Open Boutique in East Hampton, New York. Material Good Will Operate It.
Audemars Piguet to unveil a year-round boutique in East Hampton, New York within the exclusive East End enclave. The new AP Boutique at the swanky Hamptons will open up before the end of the summer in mid-August. In addition to the AP boutiques in New York City, Las Vegas, Bal Harbour and Beverly Hills, this new retail addition to one of the world’s most exclusive beach destinations will be a singular shopping experience in the Hamptons.
Experience: El Rey del Mundo 'Exclusivo Francia'. A Mild Habano with Strong Character Like the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse.
Just like a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ref. 3738, the El Rey del Mundo, is a cigar reserved for connoisseurs. While the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse might not be the most popular watch in the Patek line-up, it is one of those references that is instantly recognizable. With its divine proportions, the case of the Golden Ellipse, launched in 1968, has no doubt inspired one of the most beautiful chapters of horological history. Thanks to its unique blend of bold simplicity and formal purity, this watch has become one of the flagships of the Patek Philippe collection. The same goes to El Rey del Mundo, a cigar that might not be the most popular among cigar connoisseurs that enjoy Habanos, but for sure one of the most iconic brands in the Habanos, S.A. line-up.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ref. 7900V. With In-House Movement and a Blue Dial, it is an Absolute Winner.
The first generation of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time was discontinued a couple of years ago with the release of the updated Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection presented in 2016. Released at the end of 2017, the new Overseas Dual Time is now powered by an in-house calibre and boasts a new case design and dial layout. Fitted with a 41 mm case —1.5 millimeters smaller than the previous iteration of the Overseas Dual Time ref. 47450—, the watch is available in either 18K 5N rose gold or stainless steel with its iconic bezel evoking Vacheron Constantin’s famous Maltese cross emblem.
Insider: A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Outsize Date. Another Great Example of Saxonian Fine Watchmaking.
Black dials and black calendar discs characterize the latest A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Outsize Date watches available in pink or white gold. The signature Lange outsize date sports a new design and much better look now that the white discs with black numerals have been replaced by the black ones with white printed numerals. The latest newcomer in the Saxonia watch family combines exciting design elements with technical finesse. Now endowed with an outsize date display, the new calibre L086.8 movement powering the Saxonia ensures that the debut timepiece will run with benchmark dependability.
Insider: Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial. One of Our Favorites from This Line of Chronos.
A great addition to the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special models is the new blue dial version cased in bronze that was released a few months ago at Baselworld 2018. The fifth chronograph released within this family joins two ton-up versions that are tribute to the Café Racer Spirit and two bronze models, one the Cohiba Limited Edition and the other a matte black dial version also cased in bronze. Featuring a navy blue matte dial, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial is equipped with a dark blue oily nubuck strap with a titanium pin buckle.
Eye Candy: Jaquet Droz Ateliers d'Art Petite Heure Minute Pink Flamingo. The Art of Dial Painting.
When it comes to watch brands, Jaquet Droz is very well known for the artistic timepieces they make. In the 18th century, the watch masters in the Jaquet-Droz family were pioneers in the art of luxury decoration, generating work for an entire generation of craftsmen. The Ateliers d'Art collection from the brand, highlights different horological art techniques including painting, enameling, paillonné enameling, intaglio printing, bas-relief engraving and sculpting, amongst other watch art techniques.
Insider: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph ref. 81020. A Great Looking Chrono for the Price.
Two years after its return to the Girard-Perregaux collections, the Laureato is writing a new chapter in its history with the introduction of an enriched range of chronographs. In this natural and eagerly awaited extension of an eminently sporting chic collection, the Laureato once again demonstrates the strength and relevance of the design of this iconic watch, born in 1975. With a 42 mm case that is very proportionate for its design, the new Laureato Chronograph ref. 81020 is available on bracelet or alligator strap —with the exception of the rose gold model only available on alligator strap— and with three different dial options for the stainless steel models —panda, blue and black with blue chrono registers— for the stainless steel models.
News: MB&F Announces Certified Pre-Owned Sales Program. A Great Move from this Independent Watchmaking Brand.
Today’s announcement is not about a new timepiece, but an exciting new initiative for MB&F. The luxury independent watchmaking brand hasdecided to jump into the least exploited territory of watch sales, the Certified Pre-Owned area where only a few like Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin or Richard Mille have gone into just recently. If Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Porsche or Lamborghini offer pre-owned cars under a CPO program, why wouldn't luxury watch brands do it, correct?
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44 Titanium ref. 26400IO. The Nicest Version of this AP Line.
Released in 2017, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44 ref. 26400IO.OO.A004CA.01 in titanium quickly became one of the hottest watches amongst AP lovers and without a doubt our favorite iteration of the Royal Oak Offshore 44 line. Fitted with a larger and more robust case than the original Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph line, the AP ROO Chrono ref. 26400IO measures 44 mm in diameter and 14.12 mm in thickness. Fitted with a titanium case and black ceramic bezel, this relatively newish reference brings to the 44 mm collection the only metal that was missing.
Eye Candy: Blancpain Villeret Complete Calendar GMT. Understated Elegance with two Noble Complications.
Blancpain’s complete calendar GMT complication established itself as a mainstay with its original debut in 2002. For Baselworld 2018, the Manufacture reinterprets this practical complication and brings it back with the new Quantième Complet GMT —Complete Calendar GMT— enhanced with Blancpain’s patented under lug correctors. Since the early 1980’s, Blancpain’s complete calendar moonphase timepieces have been a signature of the house. Blancpain’s design that displays the day of the week and month in windows and the date with a supplemental blued serpentine shaped hand reading upon scale positioned around the chapter ring and placement of a moon phase window at six o'clock has firmly established itself as a classic arrangement.
Insider: Patek Philippe Ladies Aquanaut Luce Misty Blue ref. 5067A-025. A Blue Greyish Dial and Strap Like No Other.
The Patek Philippe Ladies Aquanaut Luce ref. 5067 was launched in 2004 and since then, it has been a very successful watch for Patek Philippe. Named 'luce' —Italian word for light— after its 46-diamond encrusted bezel that seems to light up like a light, the 35.6 mm case available in stainless steel or gold is perfectly sized to adorned the wrist of most ladies. With a sporty yet elegant look and the iconic embossed Aquanaut dial, the new Aquanaut Luce Misty Blue ref. 5067A-025 features one of the most unique colors as a perfect addition to the already diverse variety of dials and straps available for this model.
Insider: Urwerk UR-105 CT Kryptonite. Mint Green Accents that Make the Watch Light Up.
o celebrate 20 years of their existence, Urwerk released the UR-105 CT Streamliner towards the end of 2017. Masters of horological disruption and the first independent brand to break the mold of watchmaking, Urwerk has continuously released irreverent and unique looking timepieces designed by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei. While the new UR-105 CT Kryptonite is not necessarily a totally new watch but a watch based off of the CT Streamliner with mint green accents and a gorgeous titanium case, this Baselworld 2018 release is even better than its predecessor.
Insider: Rolex GMT Master II Everose Gold ref. 126715CHNR a.k.a 'Rootbeer'. One of the Hottest Watches for the Summer and the Fall.
The Rolex GMT Master II Everose Gold ref. 126715CHNR a.k.a 'Rootbeer' —nicknamed as such because of its resemblance to the vintage Rolex GMT Master ref. 16753 with the same nickname and which you can see here— was released a few months ago at Baselworld 2018 and today, it is already commanding prices in the secondary market that are way above its retail price. This new watch along with the new GMT Master II Pepsi ref. 126710BLRO had already lined up as two of the hottest Rolexes for this summer.
Experience: Art Basel 2018 with the 4th Audemars Piguet Art Commission. When Baselworld is not at the Messeplatz and the Magic from Le Brassus Fills the Air and the Halls.
Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of joining Audemars Piguet on a once in a lifetime trip that included a visit to the AP Manufacture in Le Brassus —which you can read about it here— and Art Basel 2018 in Switzerland. For those of you not quite familiar with Art Basel, this is one of the most renowned art fairs in the world with three shows staged annually in Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, Florida; and Hong Kong. Even as excited as we were about visiting Art Basel in its home city, there was a strange eerie feeling about being there when Baselworld wasn't taking place. It was almost like a 'déjà vu' without the usual crowds, the watch brands and the media people.
