Laings' Picks of Baselworld 2015

Now that the excitement and splendour of Baselworld is over for another year we have put together our own top picks of the new models and news we discovered at the exhibition this year. If you feel we have missed one of your favourite models do comment below and share your thoughts with us.

1. Smart Thinking - The Age of The Smart-Watch

2015 it seems is definitely the year of the smart-watch. Several of the big brands have announced their intentions to launch a product into this booming market, and several more have already unveiled their wearable-tech offerings. Frédérique Constant, Alpina and Mondaine announced their own Horological Smartwatches which are fitted with a quartz movement (including a battery that lasts for 2 years) and MotionX which has the capacity to track activity and sleep patterns as well as being smartphone compatible.

Breitling also displayed their smartwatch offering, staying true to their brand statement "Instruments for Professionals", the new B55 Connected is a result of extensive research by Breitling into its core aviator market and the features and technology most requested by pilots. The B55 Connected is a chronograph watch with a Superquartz movement, backlit digital and analog displays and additional pilot-friendly functions such as recording and storing takeoff time, flight time, landing time and the date. The data captured and stored on the watch is transferable to a smartphone, allowing it to be viewed on a bigger screen. A smartphone can also be used to adjust settings on the watch. The smartwatch will have a battery life measured in months after a 2-3 hour charge and a techno-aesthetic black coated titanium case.

Gucci have also joined the smart revolution by announcing a collaboration with singer and entrepreneur will.i.am to produce the "Smart Band" - hot on the heels of the Apple Watch. The Smart Band will be able to make and receive phone calls, texts and emails as well as store music and track users' fitness.

With so many brands already joining the technical revolution there is no doubt that the smartwatch is going to be big - and we can't wait to see what comes next!

2. Breitling Chronoliner

Breitling in general had a strong year at Baselworld 2015 with the introduction of several exciting new models including the B55 Connected smartwatch mentioned above. While we were still impressed with the new Breitling Galactic Unitime, we can't deny that it was the revamped Chronoliner that really caught our eye. While the majority of modern pilots' watches are designed to emphasize the technical aspects of aviation the Chronoliner harks back to the golden age and expansion of commercial air travel in the mid 20th century. It finds its design inspiration in Breitling models from the 1950s and 60s, and asserts itself as an authentic captain's watch.

The Chronoliner features a second time zone that can be read in 24-hour mode thanks to the black bezel constructed in scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic, featuring an original star-shaped cut-out. The perfect function for a long-haul flight to anywhere in the world. The sleek black dial has luminous hour markers for a maximum degree of legibility even in the most testing of conditions while the chronograph performances are displayed on counters at 12, 9 and 6 o'clock. The watch is powered by a Breitling calibre 24 automatic movement with a minimum power reserve of 42 hours and a water resistance of 100m. The new Chronoliner certainly proves that design and function need not be exclusive traits.

3. Rolex Lady-Date Just 28

Rolex always triumph at Baselworld and this year was no exception. With a whole host of new models it was a tough choice, but one model in particular made an impact - the Lady-Date Just 28. Watches in general over the past few years seem to have become bigger and bolder with some models as large as 46 or even 48mm! This is why the Rolex Lady-Date Just is such a refreshing change. With a 28mm case this watch offers the ultimate expression of femininity, style, glamour and luxury without ever being ostentatious or pretentious. It's true what they say - the best things really do come in small packages.

4. Zenith Elite 6150

As we celebrate our 175th Anniversary this year, of course we can't help but admire other brands who are also celebrating milestones such as Zenith with their 150th anniversary. One of the models Zenith debuted at Baselworld in 2015 was the Zenith Elite 6150. This deceptively simple watch holds technological secrets within its sleek steel case.

The newly re-worked Elite calibre movement is no ordinary manual wind movement - it features a 100 hour power reserve, 30mm diameter and central sweep seconds hand. This ultra-thin movement is just 3.92mm in height - how's that for technological achievement? The Elite 6150 watch itself is a 42mm ultra-thin steel case set on an alligator leather strap with sapphire glass case back. Featuring a simple and sophisticated silver dial this model distinguishes itself in its field with classic lines and understated elegance.

5. Patek Philippe Ref 5524

No top picks list is complete without Patek Philippe - the holy grail of the luxury watch industry. There was one model in particular that caused a shock wave around Baselworld this year - referred to in Patek's catalogue as Ref 5524 the Pilot Travel Time seems innocuous enough until you see it.

A travel watch that displays the time in two different time zones with two pushers on the left hand side of its 18ct white gold case. The pushers are designed for improved water resistance, and undoubtedly are similar to those used on the chronograph pushers of the legendary Rolex Daytona. What's special however, is that this is the first time they have ever been incorporated in a Patek Philippe Watch.

What seems to have polarized opinion of the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time however, is the bold "aviator" aesthetic of the dial. The dial features large Arabic numerals crafted in solid gold and inlaid with luminescent Super-LumiNova which, combined with the large luminous hour and minute hands lends a vintage vibe to the timepiece reminiscent of models from the 1930's.

It is of course a departure from the sleek and subtle aesthetics of the traditional Calatrava models, but given that Patek Philippe are celebrating their 175th Anniversary it is clear that success requires innovation, and we can't wait to see what new advances the future holds for this brand.