While difficult economic conditions are causing turbulence for the watch industry, Baselworld shows the pace of innovation is as strong as ever. Asia Tatler reviews some of the desirable pieces unveiled in Basel.
Time Crusader
Romain Jerome Batman DNA Gotham City
Known for injecting fun into its timepieces, Romain Jerome does not disappoint with the Batman DNA Gotham City watch. Its stainless steel case is coated in black PVD, and its bezel’s facets are alternately brushed and polished. The dial presents an aerial view of Gotham City in 3D surrounding the Batman logo. Turn the piece over and you’re treated to more Batman references, with the superhero's silhouette engraved on the case back.
Extraterrestial
Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon "Meteorite"
Omega takes its fascination with space to the next level in the latest Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon watch, which features a dial sliced from a meteorite. Rarity aside—it’s estimated that only a fraction of the 2,000 to 5,000 meteorites that fall to earth every year are found—the rock’s pattern lends itself beautifully to the dial. Red engraving on the sapphire case back reveals details about the timepiece.
Perfect Gentlemen
Chanel de Monsieur
Chanel made an unexpected and impressive unveiling—its first watch for men, the Monsieur de Chanel, which is equipped with its first in-house movement. Featuring a jumping hour, retrograde function, and a three-day power reserve, the piece is a technical accomplishment. Its transparent case back presents a stunning view of the movement, with its bridge and balance wheel made in black anthracite.
Epic Horology
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref 6300G
Touted as one of the most complex watches in the world, Patek Philippe’s Grandmaster Chime Ref 6300 features 20 complications and six patents. It’s a double-faced wristwatch that can be worn with either side facing up. One side of the watch displays the time and the chimes, and the other the perpetual calendar. Only seven pieces will be produced, one of which is reserved for the Patek Philippe museum.
Haute Primates
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey
Jaquet Droz honours the mythical Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, with the Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey watch, where a monkey carved from gold is perched amid delicate foliage of cut and painted mother-of-pearl. Turn the watch over and you’ll find a rotor made from a slice of onyx with a gold monkey relief on top. The watch’s individual number is engraved on the case back.
Double Whammy
Chopard LUC Perpetual Chrono
The new LUC Perpetual Chrono offers a double dose of everything that makes a watch attractive. First, it combines a hand-wound chronograph and perpetual calendar in one. Second, it boasts two certifications: the COSC and Hallmark of Geneva. This limited edition watch is crafted in Fairmined white or rose gold and displays the Calibre 3.10-L through its open caseback.
Check out other Baselworld 2016 timepieces: