BaselWorld is a state of mind…an idea…an ideal... a habit that becomes an addiction. All you watch lovers and connoisseurs, rejoice as you get set for the best of the best, the first amongst equals and the freshest amongst newest interpretations of design, technology and style! This year, the annual watch-fest in Basel, Switzerland, brought a deluge of high-tech timepieces from the super accurate to the frankly incredulous, with each brand using micro mechanics to create tiny ticking objects of desire. This year, BaselWorld set a new standard to what the ultimate watch fair should be.
Baselworld 2011 took a walk down memory lane, revisiting classic models and vintage styles, and making the most of the “return to heritage” trend pervasive in the global fashion and accessory markets these days. At Baselworld 2011, the trends pointed to brands debuting in classic styles, cleaner presentation in line with what today’s consumer craves: a well-made product that is liberal, stylish yet understated. Gone were the days of the oversized cases and diamond heavy bezels and everyone welcomed simpler, less complicated time machines!Watchmakers took a trip down the memory lane to re-discover the simplicity and beauty of clean dials and marker shapes of bygone eras. History, tradition and legacy became the design philosophy. Once again, the Exhibitors vied with each other in terms of creativity, drawing on the traditional values that have forged the success of Swiss watchmaking through the centuries.Models with simple, elegant lines directly inspired by the Art Deco style of the 1920's and 30's and by the classic years of the 1950's and 60's have made a strong comeback.
This post-recession “looking back to move forward” strategy, led to retro styling, smaller sizes and a return to basics in the new timepieces being exhibited. Although there were some truly remarkable time tellers to satisfy hard-core collectors, there was also a more generalized affordable count of every millisecond that could fit any wallet or aspiration.
BaselWorld is the Mecca for watch lovers. And for those who missed the trip, Our Vision presents a list of the hottest debuts and the trends in the most adorable watches unveiled at Baselworld 2011, besides our top picks from the show. From finest timepieces to jeweled delights, our list features options fit for royalty. And of course, you, the consumer are the Kings and Queens of this world.
Happy reading.
Sunil KarerEditor