The Best of Baselworld 2016

Every year with spring comes the promise of sunshine, flowers and of course arguably the most important date in the watch world's calendar - Baselworld. Just like the season, Baselworld is perfectly timed to breathe new life into the watch industry and 2016 has been no exception. This giant of a show boasts over 145'000 visitors from around 100 countries all eager to be the first to witness the unveiling of the latest releases from some of the biggest names in the watch and jewellery industry. Our directors got some first-hand experience of all the delights the key players at this year's fair had to offer, so without further ado here are Laings' top picks of Baselworld 2016.

Patek Philippe

Hot on the heels of Patek's 175th anniversary year, 2016 saw the release of a variety of new and exciting models from the luxury Swiss brand. One of the biggest trends spotted at Baselworld this year was blue colouring in dials and straps. Two of our favourite new Patek Philippe releases perfectly incorporate this trend into their exquisite timepieces. The 5930G-001 men's Complication is expertly crafted with a 39.5mm white gold case playing host to a blue opaline dial with gold applied hour markers complete with luminescent coating. The caliber CH 28-520 HU mechanical, self-winding movement includes a chronograph functionality and 24-hour day/ night indication for the 24 time zones. Set on a matte navy blue alligator strap with fold-over clasp this model is almost certain to become a much sought after collector's piece.

For those couples who love to co-ordinate their styles, the 2016 white gold ladies Calatrava 4897/300G-001 is the perfect choice. Once again utilising the blue trend this elegantly refined timepiece features a 33mm white gold case with sparkling bezel set with 48 baguette cut diamonds with a total weight of 1.21ct. The caliber 215 mechanical manually wound movement is housed under the guilloched night blue dial with powdered gold hour markers. A midnight blue brushed satin strap complete with diamond set prong buckle completes this stunning model.

Rolex

This titan of the watch industry never disappoints, and this year the buzz centered around the release of the updated Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 904L steel. This iconic model was first created by Rolex in 1963 and was originally designed to meet the timing requirements of professional endurance racing drivers. The 2016 version is powered by the new Superlative Chronometer - the new Rolex standard for precision which is more than twice that required by COSC - with approximate 72 hour power reserve. Also updated for this year is the modernised design with Monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic which has been developed and patented by Rolex. The Monobloc Cerachrom bezel is extremely resistant and its colour unaffected by UV rays. The white and black dial with strong contrast offers maximum legibility. The only downside we can see to this magnificent timepiece is the undoubtedly long waiting list that is sure to follow!

TUDOR

Another trend spotted at Baselworld was the use of Bronze as a case material, exemplified by the TUDOR Heritage Black Bay Bronze. The Black Bay
Bronze is one of four new models introduced in the Heritage family which sees some of the iconic references in the history of the brand reworked into contemporary timepieces. The Heritage Black Bay Bronze is a 43mm diver's watch fitted with a mechanical movement developed and produced in-house by TUDOR. Key design elements of the watch are borrowed from previous references. The lines of the case along with the domed dial and crystal take inspiration from TUDOR's first diving watches while the prominent winding crown is reminiscent of the "Big Crown" (reference 7924) of 1958. The 43mm bronze case with brushed finish lends a functional appearance to the watch and guarantees that over time the case will develop a subtle and individual patina. Available with two straps - one leather and one fabric - this watch offers a rustic aesthetic that would make a fantastic addition to any collection.

TAG Heuer

While we are only in March, 2016 has already proven to be an exciting year for TAG Heuer who have a wealth of new releases already lined up. Perhaps most impressively is the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T, a COSC certified automatic chronograph combined with a titanium, and carbon flying tourbillon. The tourbillon - which is French for 'whirlwind' - so called because the mechanism literally spins on itself was originally patented in 1795 and has a long history at the very top of the high end watch market. This model from TAG Heuer forms part of a new concept: affordable Haute Horlogerie. The watch is a perfect combination of technology, exemplary quality, performance, manufacture expertise and the perfect mastery of industrial processes and manufacturing costs which have allowed TAG Heuer to produce the only COSC automatic chronograph with tourbillon produced by the Swiss watch industry for under £15'000. While still certainly an investment not to be considered lightly this model truly represents affordable luxury - at least in the world of the tourbillon!

So there you have it, the excitement of Baselworld is over for another year but it has certainly left us all with plenty of food for thought for the upcoming year. We can't wait to see what is in store for us at Baselworld 2017.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about any of the brands or models featured in this post please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We hope you enjoyed our top picks from Baselworld 2016. Thank you for taking the time to read it! Keep up to date with our latest news on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, or send us an email us at [email protected].

'Til next time, Laings