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.
Hublot Classic Fusion Berluti
Bulgari Diagono Magnesium Chronograph
Ulysse Nardin Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze
Watchmakers are always finding new ways to pique our interest, and the use of unconventional materials is one way to do it. A number of brands were sporting new elements this year, such as Tudor, with its use of bronze in its latest Heritage Black Bay watch. In its quest for more durable but lightweight watches, Bulgari used a combination of magnesium, ceramic, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK)—materials used widely in aviation and F1 racing—in its Diagono Magnesium Chronograph. Hublot, meanwhile, partnered with leather specialist Berluti in fashioning the dials and straps of the Classic Fusion Berluti. Ulysse Nardin, on the other hand, used wood marquetry on the dial of its Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon beautifully to evoke a ship’s deck.