BASELWORLD 2016

Each year at BASELWORLD is displayed a dazzling array of the latest jewelry and timepieces from top watch makers. Some of the stunning pieces that will be displayed are featured here. This collection was selected by our editor in chief as her picks. She chose them based on their characteristics of artistry, beauty, elegance and design excellence.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Top 10 Timepieces at BASELWORLD 2016

L. LEROY AUTOMATIC TOURBILLON REGULATOR

L Leroy demonstrates the full measure of its expertise with the Automatic Tourbillon Regulator. A large flying tourbillon freely orbits at its summit, unobstructed by any bridge. Its heart is in diamond with an openworked structure. The pure technique behind this regulating organ ensures a degree of precision that is certified by Besançon Observatory. The entire movement, oscillating weight and dial of the Automatic Tourbillon Regulator have been delicately skeletonised and chamfered by hand. A meticulously fashioned rosette, with echoes of the early 1900s, adorns the off-centre hour dial, signalling the regulator configuration of this seven-piece limited series. Hand-finishing extends even to the heat-blued slender hands. Leroy respects the elegance and ornamentation of French style, and Swiss standards of precision, which remain unequalled. Movement: Mechanical automatic, hand-skeletonised L512 calibre, chronometer certified by Besançon Observatory, 23 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 22K gold oscillating weight, flying tourbillon with two balance springs, diamond escapement, 52-hour power reserve.

HARRY WINSTON MOON PHASE 36 MM

Harry Winston presents the Premier Moon Phase 36 mm, a poetic and surprising timepiece. Whereas in the majority of moon-phase mechanisms, the moon disappears completely before beginning a new cycle, here the golden moon takes cover behind a delicate mother-of-pearl lattice, hidden but not completely out of sight. This supremely elegant design echoes the light and shade cast between Earth and the sun in a completely unprecedented manner. The deep blue mother-of-pearl sky forms an eloquent contrast with the immaculate white mother-of-pearl dial, a composition that irresistibly draws the eye to the centre of the watch. Bringing this magical tableau to life, 18 brilliant-cut diamonds are set just above the date at 6 o’clock, like a sunbeam reflecting the halo of precious stones that adorn the dial, bezel, arches and buckle. Together they form a dazzling ensemble of 104 diamonds for 2.58 carats. Model presented at Baselword 2015. Movement: Quartz, HW5201 calibre.

CHOPARD HAPPY FISH

It was in 1993 that Caroline Scheufele created one of the Chopard icons, the Happy Sport watch. Ever since, recurrently reinterpreted over the years in occasionally humorous and consistently elegant ways, it has appeared under countless highly evocative identities. Today, the beautiful Happy Fish collection is enriched with a splendid model. This watch vividly evoking the underwater world showcases artistic crafts applied to creating a poetically romantic effect. The textured mother-of-pearl and gold leaf fish swims gently amid an ocean of blue sapphires, appearing to make its way around seven moving diamonds. Amid the darkness of the depths, a gentle turquoise light suffuses this splendid luminescent décor. The exquisite jewellery craftsmanship continues on the bezel, set with diamonds of three different alternating sizes for a softer effect. This 25-piece limited edition is exclusively available in Chopard boutiques and corners. Model presented at Baselworld 2015. Movement: Mechanical automatic, 25 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève, 42-hour power reserve.

BVLGARI SERPENTI INCANTATI

The spectacular and flamboyant Serpenti Incantati once again puts our ability to resist to temptation to a stern test. In this original interpretation of the snake theme, Bulgari teams the sensual curves of the legendary reptile according to an entirely revised and redesigned aesthetic. For the very first time, the serpent actually coils around the dial. The softer and more contemporary stylised silhouette surrounds the wrist with the shimmering sparkle of diamonds and rubellites. The result is an enchanting jewellery watch whose perpetual motion conveys its charm through four versions in pink or white gold paved with precious stones. A delicate combination of gemsetting techniques ensures supremely refined effects. All that remains is to succumb to the irresistible and delicious poison instilled by the iconic reptile from the Rome-based Maison.

Movement: Quartz, adorned with the Bulgari logo, B033 calibre.

ARTYA CUMBERE TOURBILLON

The new Cumbere Tourbillon is undoubtedly the most avant-garde watch in the entire Swiss watch business. Well-known industry maverick Yvan Arpa, founder of the independent ArtyA brand, unleashes a one-of-a-kind model with a powerful character. Delicately hand-carved in the exclusive ArtyOr alloy, this Cumbere Tourbillon is shaped like a guitar. The baguette-type movement equipped with a flying tourbillon appears at the centre of an entirely skeleton-worked X-shaped structure. This light-flooded watch thus reveals all the subtle details of its Haute Horlogerie finishes, notably including hand bevelling and artisan-style ageing of the engravings. This one-off piece is the ultimate embodiment of what happens when art meets luxury. Movement: Mechanical hand-wound, exclusive MHC calibre, 19 jewels, 21,600 vib/h, 100-hour power reserve.

KERBEDANZ TREE OF LIFE

The horological creations by Kerbedanz are infused with powerful symbolism. These messages are conveyed through an artistic interpretation of the cases and dials on Kerbedanz watches. The Tree of Life is a jewellery anthem to immortality, symbolised by the tree after which it is named. With its deep roots and spreading branches, it unites heaven and earth, spirituality and eternity. Framed by a case entirely set with green emeralds that are the colour of life itself, a hand-sculpted gold tree adorns the green enamelled dial. This scene is suffused with the light of sparkling diamonds. These dainty chatons embedded into the gold and enamel are the fruits of the tree, each a token of immortality. Kerbedanz has also decorated the original Technotime base calibre with equally meticulous care. This 41-piece limited series speaks of mystery, life and hope, making the Tree of Life a complete and rare work of art. Movement: Mechanical automatic, KRB-03 calibre, 35 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, twin barrels, 120-hour power reserve.

SARCAR THE TREASURE ROYAL STALLION

In stating the importance of being “large enough to be strong… and small enough to be free”, Carlo Sarzano, the founder of SARCAR Genève in 1948, was to carve out the trail for his brand over the coming years. Dedicated to cultivating superlative craftsmanship, it has made a speciality of prestigious limited editions. This Royal Stallion from The Treasure collection is no exception: the magnificent stallion sculpted in 18K gold and adorning the dial pays tribute to man’s oldest friend, without which the world would not be what it now is. For centuries, the horse has facilitated countless conquests and the economic development of many regions. Today, its natural nobility remains as admirable as ever, whether in the field of sport such as polo, or in magnificent ceremonies. 9-piece limited edition. Movement: Mechanical automatic, Frédéric Piguet.

GEOVANI CATHERINE

Mingling gemsetting, precious materials and refined design, Geovani has been cultivating authentic expertise in the field of jewellery watches since 2005. Like all models composing the brand’s collection, Catherine is an anthem to diamonds and exalts the beauty of this precious stone through a dainty gemsetting. The bezel adorned with four concentric circles displays a pleasing contrast between the white colour of the steel and the warm shades of the pink gold or yellow gold PVD plating. Thus framed by a sparkling exterior, the bluish mother-of-pearl dial gives an exquisitely shimmering glow to the passing of time. This contemporary and classic composition clothes the wrist with a singular blend of radiance and softness that delicately enhances its femininity. Around the clock, for daily wear or shining evenings, in every moment of life, Catherine clings like a second skin while exuding unmistakable elegance and style. Movement: Quartz.

GENIE MOTHER OF PEARL

Aesthetic refinement and horological complications engage in a subtle dialogue on this watch in pink gold PVD-coated stainless steel that gives pride of place to the graceful charm of mother-of-pearl. The romantic touch of an elegant moon phase is complemented by the useful day and date indications. The shimmering iridescence of the white mother-of-pearl dial is softened by a wave motif that glows in the light of the hour-markers set with Swarovski crystals. The pink gold PVD-coated stainless steel bezel is also adorned with a halo of 60 Swarovski crystals. The dainty elegance of this timepiece extends onto the bracelet featuring a pleasing contrast between the warm shades of pink gold PVD-treated stainless steel and the sporting touch of white ceramic. The feminine wrist is thus gently caressed on any occasion, whether in daily use for sparkling evening wear.
Movement: Quartz, Ronda 706.1.

GIRARD-PERREGAUX 1966 SKELETON

The new 1966 Skeleton invites us on an enchanted journey into the mechanics of time. The large 13¼”’ (30 mm) movement has been skeletonised with the stylistic imperative of creating a perfect visual balance. The contrast between the rhodium-plated gear train and the anthracite treatment chosen for the plate and bridges is an exhortation to travel deeper into this fascinating labyrinth. Inert matter springs to life, organs breathe, and suddenly we are confronted with the details of this meticulous staging – chamfering, drawing, polishing and satin-brushing – all hand-executed by artisan-watchmakers. Time becomes a pretext to reveal the mechanical watch as a piece of art, in which the 173 parts are akin to the brushstrokes of an old master. Movement: Mechanical automatic, GP01800-0006 calibre, 173 components, 25 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 54-hour power reserve.

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