Luxury stars at BaselWorld 2010

GLYCINE

Airman F 104 Regulateur

The first generation of the F 104 which came on the market in 2001 already had a strong association with flying – its appearance was reminiscent of the cockpit display in an aircraft. But the F 104 is now also available as a genuine pilot watch with corresponding functions. The second time zone can be seen on the rotating bezel with its 24-hour display. However, you only recognize features of the original when you take a closer look at the Airman F 104 Regulateur. At the latest when you notice the antique crown or the flexible, conspicuous lugs, it becomes clear that this watch has to be an F 104.

As a regulator – hour, minute and second displays run separately –the watch immediately attracts attention. Experts may be baffled by the particular arrangement of the hands. Here, the 24 hours are displayed from the centre in accordance with the requirements of a pilot's watch. Classic regulators, on the other hand, show the minutes from the central position. The Airman F 104 Regulateur has the minute function placed at the top at the midnight position and the second function below at the midday position. A further eye-catching feature is the luminous hour hand with red tip.

HARRY WINSTON

Project Z6

Featuring a zalium case – a material used exclusively in watchmaking by Harry Winston – Project Z6 announces the arrival of a new complication in the collection: a 24-hour alarm on a hand-wound movement specially developed for this timepiece and exclusive to Harry Winston. Adjusted by the crown, the striking-mechanism for the alarm is activated by a trigger at 4 o’clock. The hammer, which is fixed to the case, can be admired through an opening on the dial, while the monobloc bell is crafted from one rectangular piece, resulting in better sound amplification. The double barrels guarantee a 72-hour power reserve and ensure the complication will not disrupt the movement timekeeping. The two barrels can be wound at the same time, for added convenience. This series is limited to 300.

OMEGA

Seamaster ploprof 1200m

This year OME GA presents its white version of the Ploprof. It has all of the features professional divers have come to expect from OME GA: a white bidirectional locking bezel with chrome-coated Arabic numerals, an automatic helium escape valve and water resistance to 1200 metres (4000 feet, 120 bar). The watch, with its timeless white bezel and dial, is presented with either a white rubber strap or a brushed mesh “Sharkproof” bracelet.

At the 2 o’clock position is the Ploprof’s characteristic bezel-release security pusher with an orange anodised aluminium ring. Pressing the pusher allows the bezel to be rotated in either direction and then locked firmly in position, ensuring that it cannot be accidentally shifted during a dive. The Ploprof has an automatic helium escape valve located on the side of the case at the 4 o’clock position. This feature allows helium atoms to escape during decompression, and is particularly useful for professional divers operating from diving bells.

ROLEX

OYSTER PERPETUAL EXPLORER

The Explorer is the incarnation of the privileged relationship that has always existed between Rolex and the outside world. Since the late 1920s, Rolex has been using the world as a laboratory to test its watches under real conditions. In this pioneering spirit, it equipped numerous Himalayan expeditions whose observations have had a direct impact on product development.

Faithful to its heritage and unique identity, the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer exemplifies that strength in today’s world, imparting a new elan to the sober and elegant lines which have long established it as an icon. Crafted from a block of 904L steel with exceptional anti-corrosion properties, its slightly larger 39 mm case offers a bolder look and added comfort for the wearer.

ZANNETTI

Regent Collection – TreeOrgy

TREEORGY represents a delicious modern and psychoanalytic interpretation of erotic images, that are largely present in the watch history, and in which intellectual pleasure, strictness and divertissement merge magnificently. They become “serious” objects, for “serious” people, that with a big seriousness, doesn’t consider themselves too serious. This watch could be defined “parable” joyful and thoughtful. Refined hand-engraved dials are the distinguishing features of the Regent collection models. Imaginat ion, dreams and adventures are represented by suggestive designs which have been carefully engrav ed by hand on a silver base and the translucent red, blue and black colours have taken on pink, grey and light blue nuances. They have been produced exclusively in only 500 examples for each single subject and embody the sheer unadulterated delight of owning a unique piece.