Checking Out Baselworld 2015
The tri-national city watch fair returns.
Last week, the city of Basel was home to the world’s largest annual watch trade show. Regarded as a tri-national city, as the Swiss city of approximately 170,000 borders both France and Germany, Basel saw an influx of some 90,000 visitors made up of press, buyers, brand representatives, staff, suppliers and all-around watch connoisseurs. Bouncing mainly between halls one and two, the difference in atmosphere of the two venues was quickly felt as hall one was reserved for the larger, multi-million dollar players (with obviously more marketing budget) whereas hall two consisted of a more reserved crowd — fine watchmaking was the common thread. At hall one, Rolex made headlines with its release of the Everose Gold Yacht-Master with Oysterflex bracelet, which ushered in the announcement of its sister-brand Tudor‘s first in-house movement for the North Flag model. Patek Philippe raised some brows with its Calatrava Pilot Travel Time, whereas Omega stole the show in terms of releases with the Globemaster, new Speedmaster variations, including the Apollo 13 Snoopy, and the Seamaster Aqua Terra James Bond edition.
Hall 2 saw some amazing displays with longtime watchmakers such as Sinn, Ingersoll, Ronda, Ernest Borel and Miyota, to name but a few. Gaining much attention and stirring things up was Edwin Watch. Known traditionally for its classic denim, the brand has since branched out in injecting its classic DNA into its watches — such as was on display with Canadian Barber, Jon Roth of Crows Nest Barber, and the Edwin Watch booth’s complimentary haircut to visitors — something not often seen at these types of trade shows. Click through the images above to get an inside look at the world’s largest watch fair and be sure to check back next year for Baselworld 2016.
