[ 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.
[ 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.
[ 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. MORE>>
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.
Glashütte Original recently introduced their new Sport Evolution Perpetual Calendar at Basel. This model offers a calendar display that displays day, date, month, moonphases and leap year, automatically adjusting itself for the varied length of months. The 42mm case is made of stainless steel with a brushed finish and polished accents. MORE>>
Read "Sport Evolution Perpetual Calendar by GLASHUTTE ORIGINAL" »
[ via N.O.A. ]
N.O.A ("None Of the Above"), founded in 2003, has introduced its first dive watch. The N.O.A Scyllis 4.80 Diver is a 45mm stainless steel watch that features an internally rotating bezel, a helium release valve, and a rubber strap. The Scyllis 4.80 Diver is water resistant to 300 meters, and utilizes a self-winding ETA 2892 movement. Even among the already distinctive N.O.A. collection of watches, the sporty design and professional dive functions really make this watch stand out. Retail is $5500 USD.
Here are some more N.O.A. watch photos taken at Basel 08, view here.
[ via Ebel ]
This is one of the two special edition watches created to celebrate Ebel's partnerships with two major world soccer organizations: FC Arsenal and FC Bayern Munich. The version shown above is the Bayern Munich edition, of which there are only 250 available worldwide. Both special editions have Ebel Caliber 245 automatic chronograph movements with 45-minute period displays, with an overtime feature. The movement's oscillating weight is football shaped and each watch comes personalized with the corresponding club logo and edition number. There is even a counter for number of periods. Oh and this is not your standard Ebel case, they maxed this one out to 48.5 mm. The case and folding buckle both have a black treatment and the strap is a black technofiber.
The Ebel 1911 Tekton Limited Edition Bayern Munich retails for $12,900.
[ via Gérald Genta ]
The Gérald Genta Arena QP GMT features a (45 mm x 13.9 mm) titanium case topped with a platinum bezel. The contrast of the brilliant platinum and matte titanium looks really good in person. At first glance, this watch looks a lot like a chronograph, but there are actually four subdials that display the GMT and perpetual calendar functions. These subdials are part of the sophisticated multi-layered dial, that consists of black and silver brass and a perforated red base. If you take a closer look at the perforations in the dial, you will see parts of the exclusive Gérald Genta Potter finished movement. On the back, the Automatic Caliber GG7044 movement and solid gold rotor are visible through the sapphire caseback.
There are two versions available (titanium/platinum) $71,600 and (white gold/platinum) $92,050, a red alligator skin band with folding clasp comes with both versions.
[ via Carl F. Bucherer ]
A new dimension for time travellers: 1 watch, 3 time zones, 4 materials. Palladium, titanium, ceramics and rubber: with the Patravi TravelTec FourX, time materialises differently. Selected materials turn the latest complete watch movement from the Patravi collection by Carl F. Bucherer into a talking piece and design statement for......
[ via Oris ]
Oris recently introduced the new Williams F1 Team collection, at Baselworld 2008. The new F1 Team Chronograph has the same case dimensions 45 mm x 14 mm and the same reliable Valjoux 7750 movement as the outgoing model, but the new case is made of 316L stainless steel as opposed to titanium. The rubber bracelet appears to be unchanged, however the metal bracelet has been reshaped for a much cleaner look. The dial was changed from carbon fiber to a more refined black/rhodium finish, which looks great. The crystals are the same, a sapphire with an inner anti-reflective coating for the front and a mineral crystal for the caseback. The signature red Oris rotor remains visible through the caseback. The hands are now made of nickel, which further adds to the new look. To top it off Oris redesigned the lugs, making them more flexible, to ensure a close fit next to the wrist.
Basically Oris took a great watch, and made it better.
The F1 Team chronograph comes in four variations, with your choice of either a light or dark dial and a rubber strap or steel bracelet (the dark dial is pictured). The new Oris William F1 Team Chronographs Ref. 679 7614 41 64/74 RS should be available worldwide, for $2895 USD MSRP (rubber strap) and $2950 USD MSRP (steel bracelet), before the end of the year.
[ via Oris ]
The TT1 line has always been my favorite Oris collection, mainly because of the clean lines, beautiful design and affordable price. The new TT3 chrono, like the TT1, has a great design and affordable price. The biggest change, aside from the colors, is the shape of the case and pushers. The new design fits even more comfortably on your wrist.
This TT3 features an automatic mechanical chronograph movement, housed in a 44.5 mm black-plated titanium case. It is water-resistant to 100 M, has a quick-lock crown function and a carbon fiber dial. Superluminous coating is applied to the hands, indices, subdials and small seconds hand. Your only option is a rubber strap with folding clasp, which is the only way it should be. It is available now for $3750.
[ via Rolex ]
The Rolex Sea-Dweller, always my favorite Rolex, debuted at Baselworld 2008 with the new designation, "DEEPSEA". Its name comes from the "Deep Sea Special", the experimental prototype that in 1960 reached a depth of 10,916 metres in the Mariana Trench. For 2008 the engineers at Rolex SA made the Sea-Dweller bigger, more water-resistant and essentially changed about everything, except the ultra reliable 3135 in-house movement.
MSRP $8999
Here is a full list of the changes made to the original Sea-Dweller:
[ via TAG Heuer ]
Introducing the TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S Laptimer 1/100th of a second Chronograph! The TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S Laptimer Chronograph (47mm) is the first SLR that is not a limited edition. An important new permanent entry in the TAG Heuer catalog, the Laptimer 1/100th also represents a new advancement in TAG Heuer's exclusive Calibre S movement. The revolutionary Calibre S has been further evolved to create a unique motor-racing inspired mechanism: combining1/100 th of a second "flyback" chronograph, memory and indication up to 20 laps, and direct access to best lap time, the new chronograph meets the highest expectations of the true racing aficionado. Like the revolutionary and Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix awarded Microtimer in 2003, it's not only an ultra-accurate wrist chronograph but also a timekeeping system on the wrist, this time with analog time indications display. Along with the Carrera Calibre 360 and the Link Calibre S, the SLR Calibre S Laptimer is TAG Heuer third 1/100th second analog chronograph, making TAG Heuer more than ever the master of ultimate precision in the field of luxury watches.
PRESS RELEASE
[ via Victorinox Swiss Army ]
PRESS RELEASE:
The Air Boss, introduced in 2003, has always been a favourite in the Victorinox Swiss Army collection. This year, to celebrate the iconic watch's five-year anniversary, the brand is introducing the limited edition Airboss Mach 6 Power Gauge. This rugged watch, sized at 45mm, comes in a Black Ice PVD coated-steel case housing a Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. On the dial is a distinctive power gauge, with the hands coated in Black Ice PVD and the liberal use of Superluminova setting just the right technical tone.
Engraved on the exhibition caseback is the emblem of the Swiss Air Force and the number of the limited edition, out of 333 pieces worldwide. The watch comes in a special collector's box with a certificate of authenticity.
An attractive and very masculine watch imbued with the DNA of this very Swiss brand, the limited edition Airboss Mach 6 Power Gauge is sure to go quickly. The recent success of Victorinox Swiss Army's limited editions is a testament to the worth of its commitment to high quality, mechanical watchmaking.
[ via Favre-Leuba ]
Here is the official release from the re-launched Favre-Leuba.
More than 40 years after its revolutionary impact on the world of diver's watches, the legendary Bathy is making a major comeback in an automatic version! Its innovative depth gauge works on a beryllium copper membrane which contracts under the pressure of the water entering the double back. The deviation is less than 0.18%! Such precision - pushed to its limits in the most extreme conditions - is one of the hallmarks of Favre-Leuba, a company that has been making watches for almost 300 years.
PRESS RELEASE:
Exciting new Swiss watch brand Rebellion Timepieces makes its debut at Baselworld 2008 with a spectacularset of five calibres, including world premiere GMT Jumping Hour. Crafted in small quantities, Rebellion's bespoke, precision-engineered cases and movements offer cutting-edge style to a select few. The five Rebellion calibres to be unveiled are a manual wind with power reserve; a cam-lever chronograph; a column wheel chronograph; world premiere GMT Jumping Hour; and a stunning all-new tourbillon. In presenting five new calibres at Baselworld 2008, Rebellion Timepieces is making a clear statement of its long-term ambition, not to mention its extraordinary technical capability.
For any inquiries, contact Gianluca Cipolat Mis, pr@rebellion-timepieces.com
[ via Bell & Ross ]
The Bell & Ross Grand Minuteur (black) and the Bell & Ross Instrument Minuteur Tourbillon (gold) are the newest additions to the BR line. Both watches utilize the BR XXL 44mm x 50 mm diameter case. Both watch models share the same anti-reflective sapphire crystal (front and back), offer the same rubber or alligator strap and are water-resistant to 100m.
Hit the jump to see six more pics and the full specs.
Read "BR INSTRUMENT Grand Minuteur and Minuteur Tourbillon" »
[ via Bell & Ross ]
Bell & Ross recently released two Limited Edition Instrument wristwatch models. They released the BR01 Instrument Red and the BR01 Instrument Yellow, which actually consist of two versions each, so there are actually four models. The model numbers end with either a 92 or a 94. The models that end with 92 have automatic movements and the models that end with 94 have automatic chronograph movements. Each version is limited to 500 pieces, which is a respectable number for a limited edition. I hate when manufacturers make over 1000 pieces and then abuse the term "limited edition".
[ via Certina ]
Certina who is part of the Swatch Group introduced the DS Furious line at Baselworld. The case is made of stainless steel with a satin finish and a black PVD-covered bezel. The watch is very sporty and looks great with carbon fiber on the dial. The chronograph pushers are PVD-covered and add to the overall sportiness. It comes with a steel or rubber strap and in at least two colors, black/orange (pictured after the jump) or black/blue (pictured above). I bet the black and blue dial will look great with the rubber strap.
I took this shot of an Aprilia race bike at the Lotus watches booth at Baselworld 2008. Their booth was on the second floor of Hall 1, so they did not spend a million on their setup, but even the less expensive displays can look great. As far as their watch prices and specs I am waiting on a press release from Lotus. I will update the site once I receive the official images and prices, but for now hit the jump for a few more shots.
Here is a video I took at the Hublot booth during Baselworld 2008. The Bat Bang Tourbillon looks really good close up. I will be publishing some high-resolution images of the Hublot Bat Bang in the immediate future.
[ via Ball ]
Guillaume Nery is a three-time free dive world record holder and brand ambassador to Ball Watch Company. He makes dives without assistance or equipment on a regular basis to depths of 100 meters (330 feet). This is not only hard to do, it is hard to see while doing it. The ambient light is about 1% of surface light at these depths. This is where the 53 micro gas tubes (tritium) come in very handy and why he uses the EMII Diver GMT watch. The watch has a rotating inner bezel the utilizes 41 of the gas tubes with the remaining 12 being placed on the hands and dial. This illumination setup is very beneficial and allows divers to see their watch at any depth.
[ via Horomundi ]
Blancpain has just introduced a model that is much sportier than any of their past models. It is called the Speed Command Chronograph and this particular version has some nice specs. A 45 mm diameter case made of brushed Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) treated steel that is water resistant to an impressive 300m. The dial is made of carbon fiber and the black chrono has a choice of yellow (pictured above) or orange accents. Personally I like the contrast of the yellow over the orange.
As for the movement, it is a Calibre F185, a 308-part mechanical self-winding chronograph with a 40-hour power reserve. It has hours, minutes and small seconds at 6 o'clock. It also has a window-type date display as well as central chronograph seconds hand and 30 minute and 12 hour counters as well. Lastly the chronograph movement has a flyback function.
A few other notable features are a sloping inner dial ring with a tachometric scale and hour, minute hands and the central chronograph seconds with touches of red Superluminova.
Now I covered almost all the features of this watch, but I left one out. My favorite feature, the bidirectional (two-way) "countdown" bezel made of black sapphire. Just take a second look at the picture and tell me that this bezel is not cool.
[ via Citizen ]
Citizen introduces the Eco-Drive Super Chronograph 1000 Calibre U700/U70, which can measure 1/1000th second. Not the first company to do it, TAG Heuer was the first, but still very impressive.
As well as split time, lap time and speed, the watch also displays average speed if the distance to be covered is input in advance.
When chronograph operations commence, small hands on the dial begin to rotate rapidly, while the same information is also displayed digitally. Together, the action of the hands and the digital display generate a feeling of speed and excitement.......
Hit the jump for two more pics.
[ via HD3 Complication ]
HD3 Complication designer Fabrice Gonet created this revolutionary bi-axial tourbillon as a concept and it was so popular that they decided to make an ultra-limited edition of 11. Even at a price of $400,000 all watches were sold out quickly. It is made of titanium and platinum. It is water resistant to 50m and has an 80 hour power reserve. The coolest feature is the bi-axial tourbillon which rotates in 1 minute increments on the 1st axis and 30 seconds on the 2nd axis.
Hit the jump for rest of the original images taken in Geneva earlier this month.
[ via Baselworld/SwissTime ]
For 2008 the Baselworld Watch and Jewellry Show once again produced record numbers. Baselworld 2008 had 2,087 exhibiting companies from 45 countries spread across 6 halls and over 500,000 square feet of exhibit space. A record 2,981 journalists showed up this year which is up 8% from last year. Most importantly a record 106,800 (up 5%) visitors came to Basel from around the globe to view exclusive designs at the world's largest and most prestigious watch and jewellry event.
François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors Committee, said "Anyone who believed the reports of economic doom and gloom ahead of the Show has been misled: it may have been cold outside, but the sun has certainly shone in the halls. The results are excellent. Once again, 2008 has proved even better than previous years."
Baselworld 2009 - the World Watch and Jewellery Show will take place from March 26 to April 2, 2009 at the Exhibition Center in Basel, Switzerland.
Hit the jump for a slideshow image gallery.
TB Buti is an Italian watchmaker that produces some very nice looking timepieces. The one pictured above is a 48 mm concept watch made of pure carbon. These are exclusive images taken from Baselworld earlier this month. TB Buti has not released any info on pricing or availabilty yet. Audemars has released a few carbon watch models, but this one should cost substantially less.
Read "EXCLUSIVE: Pure Carbon Concept Wristwatch by TB Buti" »
[ via SwissTime ]
After a successful Baselworld debut the Meccanico by De Grisogono may be one of the most wanted watches available. Unfortunately it is not even available as all 177 are already sold out. I did not get a chance to find out the price, but well over $300,000 is a good guess.
This watch is not only eye candy, it also the world's first mechanical digital wristwatch. It was created using 651 elements and features two time zones, one is traditional analog, the other is a mechanical digital display. This is a hand-wound DG 042 movement, exclusive to De Grisogono. It has a 35-hour power reserve and makes 28,800 vibrations per hour. The analog hours and minutes display is in on the upper part of the dial and the mechanical digital display of a second time zone is on the lower part of the dial. It comes in titanium, titanium and rubber, titanium and platinum, 18k pink gold and titanium and 18k pink gold. My personal favorite is the titanium and rubber (pictured above), although I am sure there will be many desirable variations available in the future.
Good work DG!
One more pic after the jump.
[ via TAG Heuer]
The Grand CARRERA Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chronograph
as featured on the dashboard of the limited edition Ken Okuyama-designed K.O. 7 futuristic, high performance and eco-compatible sportscar. Indeed Ken Okuyama has managed to design an high performance GT sportscar with a limited environmental impact thanks to the systematic use of advanced light weight materials such as aluminum, titanium and carbon, enabling him to achieve an extraordinary horsepower to weight relationship. It offers a chance to enjoy the thrill of stunning accelerations as well as the pleasure of sporty driving while being environmentally responsible! Ken Okuyama's vision and commitment as shared by TAG Heuer may well become a must-have factor in the GT car industry in the near future.
Raptor Wristwatch Security System from ProfessionalWatches.com on Vimeo.
Here is the very cool Raptor Alarm System from the Hublot booth at Baselword 2008. Watch in slow motion and you can see the second your hand gets even close to the watch it automatically drops into a secure area below.
[ via Franc Vila ]
One of my favorite watches from the Baselworld show is the Franc Vila Concept Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero. The case is made of black titanium with a special elliptic and circular bezel, which is signature Franc Vila. The crystal and the caseback are both sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. It is water resistant to 100 meters. The movement is a FV Nº 6 mechanical movement with manual winding and 24 rubies. It is a flying tourbillon with inertial moment control mechanism and a wheel differential system. The watch is hand-made and hand-decorated. The bridge of the tourbillon and plate are made in red "Lightnium". It has hour, minutes and power reserve functions. The dial is a transparent sapphire. This is an ultra-limited edition of 8 pieces. The case is also available in a Black Diehard Extreme Steel, DieHard Extreme Steel, red gold, white gold and Titanium & Gold. I did not get a chance to schedule a meeting with Franc Vila this year, but I am sure all editions are sold out.
Read "Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept by FRANC VILA" »
The Hublot One Million Dollar Diamond Big Bang is already sold, but the owner was nice enough to allow Hublot to display it at their Baselworld booth this year. Of course it was under the condition that it would be protected by a self-concealing Raptor Alarm system. TimeZone.com "Hublot" moderator Amir raised the watch for about a minute so we could snap some pics and then lowered it right away. [UPDATE: Hit the jump for the rest of the pics]
Here is the new C1 line, taken at the Concord booth at Basel. These watches are big, sporty and absolutely beautiful. Concord has made a great product that is so different than anything they have ever produced. Times change and so do the smart companies.
Here is a shot from Baselworld 2008 Opening Day. Many of the watchmakers spend over $1 million Swiss Francs for a booth at Baselworld. This may sound high, but when you actually see how many people are here, it becomes obvious that it is worth every Franc. The Maurice Lacroix booth pictured on the bottom may have cost well over seven figures-- but it has 3 levels with VIP areas and even offices to meet with press, retailers and potential buyers.
