Baselworld 2018

Baselworld 2018

For the watch and jewelry industry, Baselworld, which has been held annually in Basel, Switzerland, since 1917, is an enormously important event for optimally presenting brands and products – after all, the company's future success can only be ensured if the new products are well received by the public. For fans, the event is therefore an ideal opportunity each year to take a close look at the watchmakers' ideas, as well as to stay up to date with developments in the industry and add one or two models to their personal wish list. It is therefore not surprising that Baselworld 2018 was well attended again. This year's exhibition is already over a month ago – high time to review the event of the year in watch and jewelry and summarize the current trends and most interesting highlights from your favorite brands!

The Renaissance of Cult Pieces

The annual public viewing event for the watch industry was once again a resounding success this year. Every brand strove to showcase its products in the best possible light and impress fans with their new releases – while, of course, standing out from the competition as much as possible. This was no easy task in 2018, as the industry is largely in agreement about fashion this year: models with a retro look are all the rage. To achieve this, well-known luxury brands are embracing the design of tried-and-true, ever-popular classics , increasingly models from the 1930s to the 1970s, and equipping them with the latest technology – a revival of cult watches, in other words. This "heritage" trend is particularly popular with long-standing collectors who appreciate the piece of history behind these old-school pieces of jewelry.

Rolex provides a perfect example: The Swiss watchmaker has been around for a proud 110 years. So it's no wonder that the sought-after luxury brand fits the above pattern so perfectly. Instead of creating completely new anniversary editions, the creative team is simply reissuing a legend from the 1950s: More than 60 years after its market launch, the Rolex Pepsi, aka GMT-Master II, is available for the first time with a Jubilee bracelet, even harder Oyster steel, and the new automatic caliber 3285. In addition, the brand has recently caused a stir in the watch world with nickel-phosphorus alloys and completely new laboratory developments to perfect new models.

Bright authenticity is the trend of the year

In keeping with the past, case sizes are also being kept smaller. Distinctive men's timepieces with a diameter of less than 40 millimeters exude understated elegance. Flashy, bulky XXL chronographs seem too intrusive and deliberate this year. For this reason, brands are keen to downgrade their 2018 collections. The same applies to the dial: the focus is on the essentials, with unnecessary frills deliberately avoided. The clean design ensures that the time is clearly legible at first glance. Distractions are out of place! Despite their simplicity, the new models are by no means boring, as vibrant colors, fitting for spring, were on display at Baselworld. Refreshing blue, trendy green, and bright red are in vogue. Despite their slim and simple design, the new watches are real eye-catchers without appearing overloaded. Omega and Frédérique Constant are just two of many well-known representatives of the watch industry who are jumping on this bandwagon.

Frédérique Constant, for example, released its world time watch with a dial and strap in a modern shade of green. However, the more extravagant case of the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture still houses the FC-718 manufacture caliber with automatic winding and world time mechanism. This allows the time, world time, and date to be set exclusively via the crown. This makes operation considerably more practical and easier than with timepieces with numerous different setting options.

Old meets new

In addition to discreet designs in striking color nuances, timepieces inspired by vintage cars, diving watches, and pilot's watches remain on trend. Omega's iconic Seamaster Diver 300M celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate, the company has redesigned several models. But that's not all: Discover other exciting new anniversary collections this year, such as those from the Speedmaster and Trésor series.

The large fan base of the military look can also breathe a sigh of relief, as the cult surrounding this special design continues. In the future, the watch will be enhanced with the finest modern mechanics, which are also readily showcased in skeletonized dials and calibers. This magnificent watchmaking craftsmanship can still be found at Tag Heuer, for example. The top Swiss company currently offers a more affordable alternative to comparable models with the Carrera Heuer 02 chronograph, complete with a new motor.

This attractive watch is available for under 5,000 euros. OMEGA is also continuing its major leap forward in watch movement technology with the 12th and 13th Master Chronometer calibers, which can also be found in the aforementioned anniversary collections. Patek Philippe has also been making significant technological advances recently: The Swiss team combined a world time watch with a minute repeater for the first time. This combination is unique in the watch industry, and the development process took several years. Last summer, the "5531" finally celebrated its premiere at the Manufacture Exhibition in New York. Since this year's Baselworld, it has also been available for purchase in unlimited quantities.

Clash of the Titans: Analog vs. Digital?

The traditional, special flair of luxury wristwatches should, of course, be preserved. Perhaps the trend toward the vintage look is a countermovement to the rise of the smartwatch and the generally rapid advance in digitalization in the watch industry. So, is the current trend largely a protest by traditional watch lovers?

The fact is, anyone who thinks the analog timepiece has seen its day is wrong. The "legacy" of the classic wristwatch remains intact, and iconic pieces are in demand. However, that doesn't mean that digitalization is being put on hold: Patek Philippe, for example, launched its new products this year for the first time via social media. In his opening speech at Baselworld 2018, WELT editor-in-chief Ulf Poschardt appealed to welcome digital change, but without losing sight of the industry's roots: "[...] in times of change, we must not forget where we come from." In the future, it will therefore be a matter of reconciling the two sides. We are excited about the upcoming trends and developments in this area and can hardly wait for Baselworld 2019!

This post is also available in: English