Bringing you the latest from Baselworld
Photo: Courtesy of Baselworld
And that’s a wrap! Another edition of Baselworld is coming to an end, and we head back to Hong Kong more knowledgeable than before: we had the privilege of chatting with the CEOs, designers and creative directors of some incredible watch brands, whose insights gave us a clearer image of today's watchmaking landscape.
See also: The Watches We're Most Excited For At Baselworld 2017
We saw a comeback of vintage and iconic watches, re-released with modern touches. Rich fabrics also appears to be a running theme this year, with the worlds of fashion and watchmaking merging—a trend we’ll see more of going forward, as watch brands try to tap into a younger generation of customers.
Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent
Photo: Charlene Co/Hong Kong Tatler
When a collaboration involves one of today's most innovative watchmakers, a design company headed by “the most elegant man in the world,” and an Italian tailor with an expansive and jaw-dropping collection of fabrics, the end result will naturally be epic.
Enter the new Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent collection, where Hublot brings in Lapo Elkann’s design outfit, Italia Independent, and tailor extraordinaire House of Rubinacci. Together, the trio has developed an incredibly chic tartan-themed Classic Fusion collection that watch collectors and fashionistas alike will absolutely fall in love with.
TAG Heuer Connected Modular
Photo: Charlene Co/Hong Kong Tatler
The second generation of TAG Heuer’s Connected line is here, and it is just amazing in every aspect. Now running on Android Wear 2.0, its features include Android Pay and Google Assistant, among others. It now also comes with an OLED screen, GPS, and a 50-metre water resistance.
TAG Heuer also takes into consideration the fast-paced tech world and makes the piece modular. This means that all the components—lugs, buckle, strap, and the watch module itself—are interchangeable. Over smartwatches? No problem, just top up and you can swap it with a mechanical watch module. And in case your friends ask, your Connected Module is 100 percent Swiss-made.
Breitling Avenger Hurricane Military
Photo: Courtesy of Breitling
A fan of Breitling’s pilot watches from the 1940s to 1960s? Then the new Avenger Hurricane Military watch will make you giddy. The overall style and the patinated yellow-beige colour of the watch’s numbers and hands harken back to Breitling’s older models.
What makes this piece extra special, however, is the material used for its case: Breightlight, a high-tech material developed by the brand that's even lighter than titanium, and whose texture and “well-worn” appearance lends the piece that legit vintage look.
Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40mm
Photo: Charlene Co/Hong Kong Tatler
Another aviation-themed watch that earned an approving nod at Baselworld was Zenith’s new Pilot 20 Extra Special timepiece. The watchmaker pulls a tasteful twist to its much-loved Pilot collection, with retro-shaded straps of mustard, khaki, blue and burgundy.
A significant change to this new edition is its size, which has been downsized to 40mm, making it more suitable to a smaller wrist. The case is made from aged steel and fitted with a broad fluted crown, and features oversized luminescent numerals on a grained dial, making it one of the most romantic-looking pilot watches today.
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Check out our Baselworld 2017 highlights from Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.