Baselworld 2017 | Our Highlights — The Beaverbrooks Journal

We get excited about Baselworld every year, but we realise not everyone has been, seen or even heard of it.

So, before we get into some of our favourite new launches from this year, we thought we’d tell you a little bit more about the world’s largest watch and jewellery trade show.

1. Baselworld is held each year at the end of March in (yes, you guessed it) Basel, Switzerland.

2. It’s where thousands descend to see the new collections and launches from the biggest luxury brands.

3. Think of it as the biggest New York Fashion Week, but for watches. It sets the trends of watches and jewellery for the year ahead.

4. Brands like TAG Heuer, Omega and Breitling all showcase their latest and upcoming launches.

5. Around 1,500 companies and more than 150,000 guests and 3,600 journalists attend from all over the globe.

Baselworld 2017 was no different for us. We had a brilliant time and we’ve returned armed with some very exciting new launches. Here goes…

TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer-01 – 43mm

First introduced in 2015, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01, with a 45mm case, became a firm favourite of TAG Heuer fans all over the world… which you can read more about here.

This year, the well-loved skeleton chronograph is being launched with a slightly smaller case size of 43mm. While overall very similar to the larger version, this new 43mm Calibre Heuer-01 comes in Intense Black, Deep Navy Blue and Cognac Brown and also offers the option of a leather strap.

Intense Black and Deep Navy Blue versions coming soon to Beaverbrooks.

TAG Heuer Beaverbrooks Exclusive Calibre 16

We’re very excited to announce a new and exclusive-to-us TAG Heuer Carrera watch. Entirely exclusive to Beaverbrooks in the UK, this TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 is a true Carrera – classic, contemporary and sporty. It's crafted in stainless steel and boasts a 43mm case, surrounding a new anthracite coloured brushed dial.

Coming soon to Beaverbrooks.

TAG Heuer Autavia

The legendary driver’s chronograph from the sixties, the TAG Heuer Autavia is making a comeback this year – as chosen by you. On social media, TAG Heuer asked which first generation 1960s Autavia should inspire the rebirth of its iconic watch, and more than 50,000 TAG Heuer fans answered.

Coming out on top was the famous Autavia Ref. 2446 Mark 3, designed in 1966. It was affectionately nicknamed the “Rindt” in honour of Formula 1 driver Jochen Rindt who often wore the watch while racing.

The new 2017 model is a slightly more imposing design, with a 42mm case instead of 39mm. It also houses TAG Heuer’s new Heuer-02 calibre, a proprietary chronograph movement, which powers a new date window.

Coming soon to Beaverbrooks. You can view in more detail on our site here.

Omega

Omega 1957 Trilogy Limited Editions

In 1957, Omega released three watches that would all go on to become absolute classics; the Seamaster 300, the Railmaster and the Speedmaster. With this year being their 60th anniversary, Omega haven’t disappointed with their Baselworld launches.

Paying tribute to these three iconic timepieces, Omega is launching special 60th anniversary editions of each model. Each watch is limited to 3,557 pieces and is delivered inside a presentation box inspired by the original 1957 packaging.

All coming individually to Beaverbrooks.

Breitling

Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante

This is quite a big one from Breitling, and should excite a lot of fans. Housing the Manufacture Breitling Calibre B03, this is Breitling's first in-house split-seconds chronograph movement... Ever. Actually regarded as one of the hardest watchmaking mechanisms to create, this movement powers two superimposed central chonograph hands. One can be stopped so as to measure an intermediate split time, before "catching up" (rattraper in French) with the first one still sweeping onwards.

Breitling have chosen its world famous watch, the Navitimer, to house this latest in-house movement, with the option of either a stainless steel or rose gold case.

Coming soon to Beaverbrooks.

Tudor

Tudor Black Bay Steel And Tudor Black Bay Steel & Gold

Tudor’s famous Heritage Black Bay divers’ watch is launching in a new steel version as well as a steel and gold version, both complete with a new MT5612 calibre movement. These two models also showcase the introduction of a date function for the first time in the Black Bay family.

Tudor Black Bay 41

Still retaining the shape and feel of the Heritage Black Bay, this new Black Bay 41 is a slightly dressier design and a greatly versatile watch. The slimmer case means it’s perfect for wearing with a shirt and suit.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono

The Black Bay family welcomes a new model this year, with the brand’s first in-house chronograph with the Manufacture Calibre MT5813. The iconic characteristics of the Black Bay are kept unspoiled in a 41mm steel case, fitted with pushers inspired by the first generation of Tudor chronographs.

Coming soon to Beaverbrooks.

Longines

Longines Flagship Heritage 60th Anniversary

Another watch marking its 60th anniversary this year is the Longines Flagship, first introduced in 1957, which was an iconic representation of a men’s Swiss dress watch.

longines-heritage-collection-L4.795.4.78.2-350x720.png

This year, Longines has unveiled three new anniversary versions in steel, gold and rose gold, all powered by the calibre L609. The most noticeable design update is the slightly larger case size, which is still relatively modest at 38.5mm.

Beautifully elegant, the absence of a date window keeps the dial strikingly clean, and there will be a small sailing ship engraved on the caseback. By largely leaving the design alone, we think it’s still a pretty perfect representation of a men’s dress watch.

Coming soon to Beaverbrooks.

Raymond Weil

Raymond Weil David Bowie

A music watch brand through and through, Raymond Weil are launching a very special Limited Edition David Bowie watch, designed to be a tribute to one of the most legendary and influential musicians of all time.

Created to celebrate what would have been Bowie’s 70th birthday, the dial is super stylish and looks similar to a vinyl record, beautifully finished with the iconic Bowie lightning bolt at 12 o’clock. The famous 1974 Terry O’Neil photograph of Bowie is etched into the caseback. A really, really nice touch and the perfect way to pay homage to an immortal music icon.