[ via TB Buti ]

These are some photos I took at the TB Buti booth, at Baselworld 2008. I am looking forward to photographing their new models at the 2009 Baselworld show, in March.

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TAG Heuer introduced the Formula 1 Grand Date Chronograph collection at Baselword '08 this past April. It comes in a variety of styles, but for the purpose of this post, I picked the all black version.

Features:
-44mm diameter case
-the stainless steel case is PVD plated (very resistant to scratches and corrosion)
-the bezel is titanium-carbide coated (even harder than PVD)
-Circular Guilloche Pattern on chronograph subdials
-the rubber strap/buckle is comfortable, sporty and secure
-sapphire crystal (best scratch resistance)
-200m/660ft water resistant (suitable for swimming, snorkeling, skin diving)
-Rhonda 5040B ETA quartz movement (very precise/low maintenance)

This is a quality swiss watch with an accurate ETA quartz movement and a very hard treatment that protects the case and bezel. It is currently available for purchase online here for $1350.

[ via Blancpain ]

Introduced at Baselworld 2008, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Sport is now available in all black. The new model, Ref. 5015-11C30-52, uses an exclusive Calibre 1315 movement housed in a 45 mm polished steel case with a black exterior. The dial is all black and protected by a cambered sapphire crystal. The hands, hour markers and numerals are made of rhodium-plated and polished steel, coated with a luminescent black material. The caseback is made of sapphire crystal to protect and display the self-winding in-house movement and its nautilus-shaped oscillating weight. The crown screws down to ensure 300 meter water resistance. The strap is a sail canvas strap in black fitted with a black steel buckle. The "Fifty Fathoms Sport" features Blancpain's signature sapphire unidirectional bezel, in black of course.

If you like this watch, you might also like this Speed Command Chronograph.

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[ via U-Boat ]

Hit the PDF link below to see all of the new U-Boat watches that were presented at Baselworld this past April. Prices range from $2000-$8000 and higher for gold models.

[ PDF 2008 U-Boat Catalog / BUY U-Boat Watches ]

[ via Ulysse Nardin ]

The Ulysse Nardin Freak Blue Phantom is a unique timepiece with no crown and no hands. The case is made of 18 ct white gold, inside the case are the bridges and metal parts that are treated with a very cool stainless blue titanium based alloy. The crystal and bezel are actually part of the movement. The time for this 7 day Carrousel Tourbillon is set via the locking bezel, since there are no crowns or hands. Click here to learn more.

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[ via Corum ]

What more evocative name could one imagine for a legendary watch than that of ROMVLVS, founder and first ruler of Rome? A legendary watch because, right from its introduction in 1966, it was the first to dare to display the hour numerals on the bezel instead of the dial. It now ranks as a classic model built on the noblest watchmaking traditions and has become one of the four main pillars of the CORUM collection.

Romvlvs Chronograph is a new development in the Romvlvs line, adding a complication that provides traditional functions and features even more refined finishing details which enhance its classic, stylized and elegant design. Romvlvs Chronograph is also a first in the current collection, since it is the initial chronograph in the Romvlvs line by CORUM.

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[ via Jaquet Droz ]

Jaquet Droz introduced their newest edition to the "Hommage Genève 1784" Collection, the Réserve de Marche Céramique, during the Baselworld fair this past April. The 44 mm case is made of black ceramic. The use of ceramic, a very hard and scratch resistant material, creates a shiny finish that will maintain its original color. The black opaline dial is simple and elegant. The power reserve indicator at nine o'clock displays the impressive 68-hour power reserve. This exclusive "Grande Second" timepiece is limited to only 88 pieces worldwide.

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[ Glashütte Original ]

The Glashütte Original PanoInverse XL was introduced at Basel 2008. It uses a manufacture Caliber 66 hand wound movement. The hand-engraved duplex swan-neck bridge is visually impressive. Although what is even more impressive, is the large balance wheel that oscillates below the bridge 28,800 times per hour.

The case is made in a polished 18k white gold (shown) or 18k rose gold. The time is displayed by two gold on black off-centered subdials. A blued-steel hand at one o'clock indicates the amount of power reserved in the mainspring. Blued-steel screws and gold jeweled settings around the dial, give this watch a nice finishing touch.