There’s something about timepiece technology that allows people to walk the line between technical proficiency and individual fashion. Though watches are only a small part of one’s wardrobe, they speak volumes about a person’s looks. Plus, the wealthy know that long-lasting accessories are suitable investments and hold practical value.
For those who are enticed by luxury tickers, Baselworld 2019 was an event to write home about. Baselworld 2018 was known for its riveting wrist accessories and jewelry displays, and though 2019 may have lost vendors to SIHH 2019, it still delivered that same sense of prowess. For this reason, it was a pleasant time for many who attended.
Some of the best watches in the business were featured at Baselworld 2019, and it’s worth noting which ones you should keep your eye on. The options were equally excellent for both sexes and pushed boundaries for what timepiece technology can do. Below are some of our favorites.
Men’s Watches
A man’s timepiece is a statement of power, strength, and personality. Although smartwatches are currently very trendy in the United States, popular luxury wristwatches are still practical accessories, and they often combine new technology with a vintage aesthetic.
Rolex Yacht-Master II
The Rolex Yacht-Master II comes in several different color schemes, but each gives off an aura of technological knowledge. Notably, the watch itself is 2mm more prominent than the original Yacht-Master, a difference noted for creating a more significant wrist presence. The device can mechanically memorize all programming, and its countdown systems are excellent for measuring racing events.
TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 Golf Watch
The Modular 45 retains its luxury status practically, impressing upon bystanders its smartwatch abilities. Inside its titanium casing lies the watch’s Intel Atom processor. Known for its speedy use and energy efficiency, it was designed to be useful for an 18-hole kind of day (as the name implies). Though Apple Watch is approaching a luxury status market value, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 Golf Watch may be more worthy of praise for its specified use on the green.
Seiko Presage Line Arita Porcelain Dial
Using actual Arita Porcelain, this Seiko Presage Line pays specific tribute to the history of Arita porcelain in Japan in the early 17th century. The coloring of white and blue dials was decided upon to pay homage to the lineage, as mentioned above. Its mix of flexibility and strength makes it both practical and showy. The dials were created by Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, a craftsman who works in Arita.
Zenith Defy Double Tourbillon
The Defy Double Tourbillon from Zenith is notable for its ability to keep time despite gravitational changes accurately. It has two tourbillons, — one for the chronograph and one for the timekeeping train. The form works extremely fast, making its function as a timepiece extremely accurate. While its technological advancements do diminish battery life, the precision is worth it.
Joseph Bulova Swiss-Made Automatic Collection
The Automatic collection from Bulova was created to celebrate the life of Joseph Bulova, who died in the mid-1930s. The Bulova Swiss-Made Automatic has been noted for its technological prowess. If combining the ocular-serving LED lights with the vintage looks wasn’t enough, this timepiece also has a significant 38-hour power reserve. However, the chances of getting one may be limited, as there were only 350 produced of each variant. Still, the Automatic collection was one of the most durable, classy, and individualistic watches at Baselworld this year.
Women’s Watches
The elegant watches for women were remarkably stylish this year. We’ve singled out five that are notable for their beautiful aesthetics, as well as their technical abilities.
MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT
Before the FlyingT, there have been no women’s watches from MB&F. In an interview with aBlogtoWatch, Maximilien Büsser declared that “I’ve been creating just for myself for fourteen years. At some point in my life, I realized my only family was my mother, my wife, and my [daughters] … it’s time that I create something for a woman.” The use of diamonds was meant to distinguish the FlyingT with femininity. An MB&F spokesperson told Watchonista that the watch was designed with “a philosophical approach of what characterizes women we love.”
Chanel J12
Some have signified a relaunch of Chanel’s popular model that came out two decades ago, this new and improved J12 as a more mechanically complex watch for women. Considering its increased water resistance and a larger power reserve, the J12 can be noted for its durability as well. For luxury watch enthusiasts, it should be noted that the 12.1 calibers can be seen through the case back.
Bulova Rhapsody
Bulova describes their Rhapsody model as distinguishable via “fluidly feminine lines, round cases, and sleek bracelets.” The stainless steel structure comes in several different color designs: gold, rose, and two-toned rose and silver. Its design is based on a vintage Bulova watch, and each variant is set with diamonds.
Hublot Big Bang One Click 39 Rainbow
One of the most colorful options seen at Baselworld this year, the Rainbow is a 39mm watch that’s covered with different sapphires, amethysts, rubies, topazes, and tsavorites. Don’t be fooled by the close attention to style, though — this watch is as technically competent as it is beautiful. A 50-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 100m makes the Rainbow a particularly durable addition to the Hublot’s women’s collection.
Graff Oval Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Watches
Graff is known for the care and involvement put into the manufacturing of every watch. For this rarely colored Fancy Vivid Yellow timepiece, each diamond is set by hand. The diamonds weigh over 32 carats total, and each watch carries an elegance unmatched by Baselworld competitors. The Oval Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond model is sure to make heads turn, but you’ll need to request a price to get an idea of what you will expect to pay.
Summary
Baselworld 2019 was full of technologically advanced; durable luxury watches for both men and women. Whether you’re looking at the Bulova Automatic collection or the Chanel J12, the options are sure to keep you looking classy. If any of this has intrigued you, consider visiting Baselworld 2020 and see what luxury watches are on display next year.
