Apparel Search presents a few new products of the Swiss Exhibitors at BASELWORLD 2014 for your review.
CHOPARD | L.U.C 1937 Classic
For Chopard's 150th anniversary in 2010, the Manufacture introduced a limited edition of the L.U.C 1937 model, a mechanical tribute to the horological heritage of the House. This timepiece firmly anchored in the tradition of classic, timeless watches, now returns in an 18K rose gold version with a satin-brushed silver-tone dial. At the heart of the case that has been subtly redesigned and refined while remaining true to the original spirit, beats the Chopard Manufacture L.U.C 01.01-L calibre, a high-performing mechanical gem chronometer-certified by the COSC. More about Chopard.
REVELATION | R04 Tourbillon Magical Watch Dial®
Rarely has a brand so fully lived up to its name. A single concept underlies each Revelation watch: that of a dial that reveals all or casts a veil of mystery. The wearer decides. Thanks to its patented Magical Watch Dial®, the R04 Tourbillon transforms a black dial into a translucent dial simply by rotating the bezel, inviting the watch to display its two distinct personalities: a traditional or a skeleton configuration. When the secret is revealed, the spectacular Tourbillon Manège® movement dominates the centre of the dial, pivoting on the central axis of this imposing, 45 mm timepiece. Discreetly subdued or strikingly avant-garde, this authentic creation is also available with a flyback chronograph movement.
The brand REVELATION is one of the most innovative and exclusive in the market today thanks to its original concept “Magical Watch Dial®”. The watch company is located in the village of Lully-sur-Morges, between Geneva and Le Brassus, in the heart of the vineyards. Anouk Danthe & Olivier Leu, industrial designers in the watch industry, a couple united both in private life and professionally, founded the company on the 31st of January 2007. Anouk Danthe has exercised her art in some of the best fine watchmaking Manufactures, while Olivier Leu has cooperated with many prestigious brands as an external designer. They founded their own brand in order to develop and produce two of their own original creations in the watchmaking world: the tailor-made movement “Tourbillon Manège®” and the optical mechanism “Revelation System®”. Nearly four years were necessary for the development of these two ambitious and complex projects. Finally, the first historical model of the brand: R01 DOUBLE COMPLICATION comes to life.
ULYSSE NARDIN | Dual Time Manufacture
The Dual Time Manufacture set a milestone in contemporary watchmaking when launched, as the first watch whose second time zone could be adjusted both forwards and backwards. Now this legendary timepiece returns with an automatic movement that is designed and produced entirely in-house: the UN-334 calibre. Featuring a large date, which can also be adjusted in both directions, it comes equipped with a silicon escapement, the height of watchmaking technology and something very few brands master. Offering exceptional precision, the Dual Time Manufacture also stands out for its simplicity of use and legible display. While home time is measured over 24 hours in a window at 9 o'clock, the hour hand can be moved forwards or back to align with local time, without having to take the watch off or interrupt its smooth running. In a final flourish, the date automatically synchronises with adjustments in either direction. More about Ulysse Nardin.
Since 1846 the company has walked away with 4,300 awards, among which 18 highly coveted gold medals. Despite the temptation to rest on our laurels, to do so would be a betrayal of 150 years of unmatched ingenuity. Challenge has always been part of the Ulysse Nardin philosophy. When a group of friends and I acquired this cornerstone of the Swiss watch industry back in 1983, we were determined to live up to the glories of the Ulysse Nardin name. To do this, we faced the task of preserving a tradition of the finest craftsmanship while augmenting these achievements with today’s technology.
FENDI TIMEPIECES | Crazy Carats
In its Italian workshops, Fendi takes fur towards peaks that have not been explored for almost a century. Bearing testimony to this longstanding tradition, the new Crazy Carats watch is fitted with a precious strap in two-tone mink, while the watch itself features a number of sparkling surprises. A turn of the crown reveals three different types of gemstones according to the mood of the moment. White diamonds or blue or pink sapphires alternately light up this luxurious composition, underscored by fascinating gemsetting on the bezel. The mysterious and enchanting Crazy Carats comes in four different versions, each available in a 50-piece limited series.
ENICAR | Versailles CH325 Chronometer
Inspired by the gardens at the renowned French château, the Versailles watch will work its magic on those with an eye for refinement and beauty. On this jewel of sophistication, each element is composed with exquisite art. The centre of the dial is adorned with a delicate motif while ten sparkling diamonds denote the hours around its circumference. The bezel, which is crafted from 18K rose gold, cradles the 96 diamonds that illuminate the whole, interspersed with eight other precious stones to create a fascinating effect. Precious and unique in each of its facets, the Versailles watch is brought to life by a COSC-certified automatic chronometer movement. An interchangeable bracelet adapts to different moods, with two-tone 18K rose gold / 316 L steel or leather. Learn more about ENICAR.
GENIE | Grandor
Since 1919, Genie has swathed time in the most elegant simplicity. Its new collection is no exception to this rule. Framed by the clean lines of a two-tone case, the dial displays nothing but time's essential components, with three hands and a date set against a sober backdrop interpreting the brand's bell logo. Eight white diamond hour-markers stand out against this radiant yellow composition to echo the Roman numerals that bring an air of timeless classicism. Beating inside this opus is a mechanical automatic movement which reveals the delicacy of its gears beneath a sapphire crystal back.
RONDA | xtratech Z60 - new 13¼‘‘‘ chronograph
Ronda xtratech was market launched as a new product line in 2013. The quartz movement presented at Baselworld is known as Z60. It is the first-ever Ronda 13¼’’’ size calibre with chrono function. Aside from the centre second stop and the 30-minute counter, the popular 3-6-9 look features a day indicator, a date and a small seconds. With the xtratech the name says it all: a Swiss Made movement offering everything a chronograph needs. Not a feature more and not a feature less. The ideal product for watches in the fashion range, where demand runs high for useful functions at attractive prices. With the new diameter of 30.00 mm, Ronda now has on offer four chronograph sizes in its range: Startech 3500 series with 10½ x 11½‘‘‘ and Startech 5000 with 12½‘‘‘. And, last but not least, the Mastertech 8000 series with 15’’’ and the new xtratech Z60 with 13¼‘‘‘.
RONDA is a world leader in the manufacture of highly accurate quartz movements with eye-catching designs - particularly worth mentioning are the successful Mastertech and Startech lines. Famous watch manufacturers in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the USA number among its customers and its products can be found inside brand name watches, ranging from elegant and sporty timepieces to stylish fashion accessories and luxurious models. Founded in 1946, this traditional Swiss firm has its roots in the countryside around Basel, where its headquarters are still located today. Currently, over 2000 staff are employed in Switzerland and Asia.
N.O.A | Steel Skell
N.O.A. exposes the mechanics of time by revealing the beating heart of its latest creation, Skell. This automatic calibre with its highly architectural skeleton-working features colourful elements that further highlight the three-dimensional N.O.A signature. A wealth of subtle depth and transparency effects ensure that nothing is hidden and that each second becomes truly unique.
A perfect blend of Italian design and Swiss craftsmanship, the quest for innovation is a part of the Brand’s own DNA. Based in Balerna, Switzerland, where the Ruefli family began their watch making tradition during the 19th Century, today N.O.A is still carrying on the heritage of the family and rapidly becoming a trend setter in the world of Swiss independent brands.
ATLANTIC | Worldmaster 1888 Lusso
The new Worldmaster 1888 with its classic lines offers an extremely elegant composition playing on cleverly orchestrated contrasts between steel and numerous (PVD-coated) pink gold accents. Issued in an 188-piece limited series, a nod to the founding year of the watchmaking House, this chronograph will appeal to fans of timepieces capable of making their way through the years while maintaining a resolutely on-trend touch.
In 1888, in the Solothurn town of Bettlach, Edward Kummer laid the basis of a company, which was one day to become Atlantic Watch. Some years later the company was already employing over 700 people and has left a strong mark on the history of watchmaking in the 20th century. Since 2008, Atlantic has been based in the Bernese town of Lengnau/Longeau. The Atlantic Brands came into being in 1888 under the name of Ed. Kummer AG, Bettlach, abbreviated to EKB. At that time aged 43, the master watchmaker had identified the huge potential for growth offered by the manufacture of watch movements and components. Six years later, he and his partners had already set up the company called Obrecht & Co. established in Grenchen, which specialized in the production of movement-blanks. However, the authorities of Bettlach, his commune of origin, persuaded him to transfer his activities to his place of birth, in order to contribute to its development. These projects were favourably received by the inhabitants of Bettlach, so that production was able to start in 1888 in the new and imposing production site, which had just sprung up from nothing.
Thanks to his rare business skills, Eduard Kummer quickly ensured the prosperity of his business. In a few years, the number of employees increased spectacularly, from around 20 to over 700 at the beginning of the 20th century, only two decades after the company’s foundation. Until the end of the 1920s, the manufacture of watchmaking calibres and components remained the company’s basic activity. Nevertheless, the name EKB soon found its way onto pocket watches, and in a second phase, onto the dials of wrist watches. Learn more about Atlantic watch company.
WENGER | Urban Classic Chrono
Equally at home in the city as in sports activities, the Urban Classic Chrono by Wenger is distingusiehd by remarkable performances powered by a quartz movement. Appearing on an extremely elegant guilloché dial, counters mark off the timed minutes, along with small seconds and days, while the central chronograph sweep-seconds hand provides an accurate measurement of short times. Water-resistant to 100 metres, this model also displays the date and comes in five different executions.
THE WORLD WATCH AND JEWELLERY SHOW A prestigious showcase, a unique trade platform and a source of inspiration: every spring, Basel buzzes with the unrivalled atmosphere of BASELWORLD, where brands from the watch, jewellery and related industry fields meet journalists, professionals and watch lovers from around the world, to unveil their latest products and set future trends.
Learn more about BASELWORLD at http://www.swisstime.ch/
BASELWORLD AT A GLANCE
104,000 visitors from 100 countries
1,815 exhibitors from 45 countries
3,300 journalists from 70 countries
160,000 m2 exhibition area
(Figures: BASELWORLD 2012)If you have comments or questions about these watches or the event, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.
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