Diamonds, dials and digital technology were all front and center at the year’s foremost watch and jewelry show.
As the world’s biggest trade show for luxury watches and fine jewelry, Baselworld is where big-name brands go to show off their new creations to nearly 100,000 attendees. Weren’t among the lucky few to attend this year? Here’s a look at the top three trends from Baselworld 2015, many of which can be found in the Design District Miami.
Photo: Frederique Constant
Let’s Get Digital
People want to stay connected, and luxury watches are becoming as much a part of the digital solution as smartphones. Apple’s new smartwatch, though likely not a favorite of wearers of brand such as Vacheron Constantin, did serve as impetus for the tech-friendly timepieces introduced during Baselworld 2015. Frederique Constant unveiled its collection of wristwatch/fitness trackers (powered by a technology similar to Jawbone), while Breitling debuted the B55 Connected, an app-controlled pilot’s that you control through your phone. For its part, Tag Heuer announced its partnership with Google to launch a luxury Android smartwatch by the end of 2015.
Photo: Tissot’s new T-Touch Expert
Blue Period
From cerulean to sapphire, blue was the color of choice for numerous watchmakers. Rolex introduced several blue-dialed creations, including the new generation of the Day-Date 40 with a concealed Crownclasp in ice blue. Blue was an important first for Italian label Bulgari, whose signature timepiece, Bulgari Bulgari, will for the first time ever be available with a sapphire blue dial and a leather strap. The special hue serves to commemorate the style’s 40th anniversary. While Tissot’s new T-Touch Expert is solar powered and therefore has a two-tone dial reflecting the horizon, so the forecast calls for a blue background at least once a day.
Photo: Hublot’s Big Bang Broderie
Bling Is In
Hublot’s new iced-out Big Bang Broderie is befitting of 2015’s 10-year anniversary of the brand’s flagship collection. The embroidered skull on the dial features 11 (white or black) diamonds accented by flowing arabesques on the bezel and strap. Baselworld 2015 also saw Rolex embrace bling with the new Cellini Time diamond edition, featuring the option for a double bezel set with 96 diamonds or a single bezel set with 62 larger stones—a thoroughly dazzling update of the normally understated, classic piece.
