Hot News from Baselworld

Hot News from Baselworld


by Olivier Müller

One month to go ! BaselWorld, THE watch fair, will open its doors on March 26th. However, many brands are already unveiling some of their novelties.

On the alien-watch side, HYT continues its quest for hybridisation, this time with a blue liquid that interacts with the mechanical movement through an interface of two bellows in a “V” arrangement. The central minute hand has a layered construction to run alongside the fluid system and sweep the bellows by making a jump after 30 minutes. The crown-position indicator (“H-N-R”) at 3 o’clock is balanced by another hand corresponding to a temperature indicator. This exclusive HYT innovation tells the wearer when the liquid is at the optimal temperature to adjust the watch. For who ? Fans of modern horology, but only 20 for this limited edition which should stand above 150 000 CHF ! (www.hytwatches.com)

HYT H2 Evo

HYT H2 Evo

Now a new comer, Da Vindice Geneve, in Basel for its second time. The brand introduces a watch combining a barometer and a tourbillon within a watch mechanism. Reminds something like Breva ? Indeed ! Again, the hermetically sealed capsule with a partial vacuum is influenced by variations in atmospheric pressure. Its movements are mechanically expressed through indications appearing at 6 o’clock on the dial. The tourbillon topped with a fleur de lys, the brand emblem, spins at the centre of this model, while the small seconds appear around the rim of its carriage. (www.davindice.com)

Da Vindice Barometre Tourbillon

Da Vindice Barometre Tourbillon

If you want to fly high instead of staying on the ground, let’s move to Breitling. 1964 saw the birth of the Patrouille Suisse, an aerobatics team composed of professional air force pilots, which established itself from 1995 onwards as one of the rare supersonic jet teams, flying on six F-5E Tiger II hunter planes. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this squadron, Breitling is dedicating a version of its Chronomat in a dual-time versions. Issued in a 1000-piece limited numbered series, this wrist instrument for pilots features a caseback engraved with the Patrouille Suisse official 50th anniversary logo, a dial personalised with the squadron logo at 9 o’clock, while the additional hours hand is tipped with the outline of a red F-5E Tiger II. (www.breitling.com)

Breitling Chronomat GMT Patrouille Suisse

Breitling Chronomat GMT Patrouille Suisse

Still outstanding : Arnold & Son ! Seemingly suspended between two sapphire crystals, the A&S1615 calibre at the heart of this fascinating watch borrows its pyramid structure from the historic regulator clocks made by John and Roger Arnold. Like the watch’s indications, the different components of this vertical, linear movement are set out on three levels, producing a three-dimensional effect in a skeletonised composition that is inspired by nineteenth-century English table clocks. A true feat of mechanics, devised and built by Arnold & Son, this movement has a separate power-reserve indicator for each of the two barrels. (www.arnoldandson.com)

Arnold & Son Time Pyramide

Arnold & Son Time Pyramide

Last but not least, Hublot will also unveil a new tonneau-shaped watch, a format that has not been seen for a while. The case’s ingenious sandwich construction paves the way for innumerable combinations of materials and colours, while the case middle’s satin-finished sides and micro-blasting create a unique style in the world of Big Bang. Inside this sophisticated exterior beats a high-frequency, skeleton chronograph movement – also new. Superlative mechanics, powerful lines, fusion of materials: the spirit of Big Bang strikes again! (www.hublot.com)

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang

More News from Baselworld on the Official BaselWorld Website.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Olivier Müller

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Olivier Müller is a professional journalist specialising in horology. He divides his time between Geneva and Paris, covering horology-related topics for a dozen or so magazines and specialist websites in Europe. He is also a regular speaker at various events. In 2008, Olivier Müller set up Delos Communications to manage the writing side of his business, spanning five European countries. Delos Communications also provides consultancy services for horological communication, helping brands as they define and implement their strategy in terms of positioning, messages and audience. In addition to the world’s two largest watchmaking groups, Delos Communications’ clients include a broad range of emerging independent brands, as well as public-sector bodies keen to promote their local watchmaking heritage. Five people work for the agency, including a journalist, a photographer, a community manager and a translator, all with expertise in the world of watchmaking.