Round-UpThe 18 Best Watches of Baselworld 2016
'The Watch Guide' lists the stand-out watches and horological surprises from this year's Baselworld fair, and they are making their way to India soon!
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As Baselworld – the world’s largest and most awaited annual luxury watch fair – wraps up for another year, it seems as though this year the launches were evenly split between clever watchmaking and accessible luxury. The fair ended on a high and everyone’s (including our own) prayers had been finally answered with a long list of exciting launches for everyone. From the return of the steel Daytona with a black Cerachrom bezel, a much-redesigned and unusual Rado, to the most accessible perpetual calendar ever released, there’s a lot to look forward to for you as well, because The Watch Guide team is bringing the best back to India. So without further ado, let’s show you the best watches that were released and what’s coming your way from this year’s Baselworld.
To pre-order any of the new launches featured here, you can get in touch with our luxury watch consultants at +91 8725028889 or +91 8725028885.
Carl F. Bucherer
1. The new 2016 TravelTec
Announced earlier this year, the new 2016 TravelTec was the find of the fair. Inheriting all the positives of its predecessor, the celebrated traveller’s watch made a return in a distinctly smart black DLC coating on the stainless steel case and bracelet – which means, Switzerland’s and the world’s most popular travel watch now guarantees extreme ruggedness and high corrosion resistance. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the TravelTec, the first thing to mention about this watch is its ability to display three time zones at once. At a glance, you might find it slightly confusing how the watch indicates all three zones, but thanks to the patented “mono-pusher” at ten o’clock, one of the two internal bezels can be moved in hourly increments in either an easterly or westerly direction to indicate the third time zone via the red 24-hour hand. The in-house CFB 1901.1 movement doesn’t just do the math for you but also has a chronometer with an impressive power reserve of 42 hours.
Clever and smart, the powerful new TravelTec enables even the most regular traveller to easily keep up with time at home, abroad, and wherever in the world they may be. Carl F. Bucherer as a brand has been coming up with some unique options for watch lovers all around the world and we made sure this one came back home with us.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 1,000,000
Arrival in India: Approximately October’16
RJ-Romain Jerome
2. Romain Jerome Batman-DNA Gotham City
Romain Jerome’s collaborations are always hot sellers and just like last year, Warner Brothers, DC Comics and RJ-Romain Jerome have joined forces once again to pay tribute to the Dark Knight (a timely release considering Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice released this weekend). The 2016 Batman-DNA Gotham City has a unique 3D dial, depicting a raised Batman emblem watching over the skyscrapers of Gotham City at night, and the glowing blue-SuperLuminova gives it a surreal look. And knowing how quickly the original version sold out after Baselworld 2015, it won’t take long at all for this watch to find its way to its respective Bruce Waynes! The watch is limited to 75 pieces for the world and our team managed to secure the 75th just for you.
MRP (in INR):Approximately Rs. 1,270,000
Arrival in India: Approximately April’16
Limited Edition: 75 pieces
Omega
3. Omega Speedmaster Grey side of the Moon “Meteorite”
Omega never ceases to amaze and this year the Speedmaster “Meteorite” has nailed it at Baselworld. With an interesting historical element to it – the meteorite dial which is crafted from a rock that fell from space in Namibia many years ago, the watch is as unique as its name. The 44mm ceramic case features not just another bezel, but one that’s made of silicon nitride with a tachymeter scale that has Omega’s trademark Ceragold. In order to keep the element of the Speedmaster intact, Omega has made only one version of this particular watch. Definitely a collector’s piece, this one. Equipped with a solid 9300 movement, the watch has an iconic design, however, has been spared from the METAS certification. Out of all the Omega novelties launched this year, the “Meteorite” caught the fancy of The Watch Guide, and we’re bringing it to our boutiques, just for you!
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 860,600
Arrival in India: Approximately July’16
4. Omega Constellation Small Seconds
When it comes to Omega, how can we forget the ladies? Straight from Baselworld 2016, we present to you the ever evolving Omega Constellation, which now comes with a small seconds feature sitting comfortably at 9 o’clock. With four diamond markers, the display looks beautiful and the seconds can be easily tracked. The combination of stainless steel, 18K red gold, a mother-of-pearl dial and the diamond studded bezel, make the watch look divine. The new Master Chronometer Calibre 8704 can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. For a movement this small, it’s nothing less than an achievement to acquire the METAS certification. The date window is at 6’0 clock in a round display, adding a distinct look to the dial. Diamonds, gold and the METAS certification, what more can a woman ask for!
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 685,200
Arrival in India: Approximately September’16
Edox
5. Edox Chronorally
The Edox Chronorally has been one the more popular and successful chronograph watches of the past few years. Dedicated to the World Rally Championship (WRC), the look of the watch symbolizes a rally car, with the design also reflective of certain race car instruments. The new Chronorally takes many of the distinctive traits of the original, while updating the watch for today. The watch features very good legibility as the hour markers and hands stand out nicely from the rest of the dial. In fact, the red details on the dial along with the red pusher on top, with a “start/stop” imprint, make the watch stand out further. The Chronorally is a superb amalgam of strength, style, precision and functionality. We’ll have an in-depth review of this watch for you soon, but for now, you can pre-book this watch here.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 120,000
Arrival in India: Approximately March’16
Breguet
6. The Breguet Type XXI 3817
A sturdy and strong 42mm timepiece, encased in steel with a self-winding chronograph movement. That’s the Breguet Type XXI 3817 for you. The flyback function, bi-directional rotating bezel, 48 hours power reserve, calfskin leather strap, rounded lugs and a steel grey dial, make it a sight to behold. The luminescent Arabic numerals, the date window at 6 o’clock along with the updated 584Q/2 movement with a silicon escapement, add tremendous value to the functionality of the watch. The Type XXI 3817 is understated, individually numbered and signed Breguet making it a bucket-list buy for every connoisseur.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 890,000
Arrival in India: Approximately August’16
Bell & Ross
7. Bell & Ross Aero GT
Bell & Ross has far more than just a nodding acquaintance with the automotive industry (the brand is one of the Renault Formula One Team partners). With the featured Baselworld 2016 launch, Bell & Ross has upped their game by revealing a radical concept car and a watch that goes with it: the Aero GT. The watch comes in a skeleton dial to showcase its technical prowess and features a sporty red and black leather strap. Modern, bold and powerful are the key words that come to our mind when we describe the design of this watch. Limited to 500 pieces, this is certainly one of the best launches that we experienced at Baselworld 2016.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 371,520
Arrival in India: Approximately July’16
Limited Edition: 500 pieces
Hublot
8. Hublot Classic Fusion Berluti
Trust Hublot to come up with the most unusual combination of materials in their watches. This time on, they stunned everyone at Baselworld by revealing the first and only Leather Dial watch in the world, as a tribute to France’s most celebrated shoemaker – Berluti. The execution of the idea, however, was even more complex than it sounds. Using a living material in a sealed case wasn’t going to be easy and finding the perfect balance between the nuances of the dial and strap was also a big challenge for the brand. Yet, despite all that, Hublot delivered what they promised in the grandest manner. The Classic Fusion Berluti is again, a limited edition watch and apart from the watch itself, we’re sure you’re going to love the presentation box.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 2,000,000
Arrival in India: Approximately December’16
Limited Edition: 250 pieces
Movado
9. Movado Edge
Infusing the magic of modern aesthetics with a stunning new design, the Movado Edge is the newest and the coolest watch on the block! In collaboration with renowned industrial designer Yves Béhar, a force to be reckoned with in the world of design, the Edge has changed the very face of Movado. Inculcating his edgy designs in the classic beauty of the Museum Dial, Movado Edge stands by its new found name. Taking one of the most popular dial designs and changing it into an even more iconic one is a miracle in itself. Visually stunning, the Edge takes 3-D viewing to a whole new level. A perfect fusion of art and functionality, this inspirational piece of Haute Horlogerie is transformative and innovative. The dial has an unexpected shading effect that adds an exciting dimension to an already inspirational watch. A definite keeper for all you Movadoholics!
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 41,250
Arrival in India: Approximately June’16
Longines
10. Longines Equestrian
The Longines Equestrian collection, like its name, is synonymous with horse-riding or in the broader sense, adventure and sports. The latest collection of 2016 stays true in its style and design towards the brand’s long-standing passion for the equestrian world. The watch is inspired as always, by the classic rectangular buckle on the show bridle of the only Swiss horse breed- the Franches-Montagnes, and its unique design celebrates women riders all over the world. The watch beats with the rhythm and pace of the exquisite horses and forges a deep connection with them. The new Equestrian collection thus offers a timeless combination of elegance and the spirit of adventure. Available in four sizes, the new watches entail steel exteriors that house robust quartz movements. Both, the polished black lacquered and the mother-of-pearl with silver-toned checkboard patterned dials, house diamond indexes. Beauty at its best.
Model No: L6.141.4.77.6
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 97,000
Arrival in India: Approximately October-December’16
Model No: L6.141.0.57.0
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 206,500
Arrival in India: Approximately October-December’16
11. Longines Railroad
The Baselworld 2016 introduction for men, the Railroad pays tribute to Longines’s long-standing tradition as a designer of railroad watches, and is inspired by the legendary 1960s timepiece. A quality product, the Railroad is precise and aesthetically appealing. Strikingly legible, its stainless steel case stands at 40mm. As it has been specially designed for railroad engineers, the precision of the watch is par perfection. Faithful to the original timepiece, the Longines Railroad is a no-nonsense chronometer. The stainless steel case houses an automatic winding mechanical movement with an L888.2 calibre and a power reserve of 64 hours. The lacquered glossy ivory dial consists of 24 black painted Arabic numerals with shiny lacquer black hour, minute and seconds hands. The Railroad is one of the few watches from Longines that does not have a second dial. The slightly domed sapphire crystal with a multi-layered anti-reflective coating makes the watch eminently legible and scratch-resistant. The screwed case back has an engraving that has been inspired by the original decorations that were found on pocket watches, specially designed for railway companies in the 1920s. With a water-resistance of up to 30m, the Longines Railroad 2016 Novelty is available with a black alligator strap equipped with a stainless steel buckle.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 115,000
Arrival in India: Approximately October-December’16
Rado
12. Rado Hyperchrome 1616
A recreation of Rado’s vintage “Cape Horn”collection, the Hyperchrome 1616 is a tribute to the 400th anniversary of the discovery of its namesake – the Cape Horn in South America. This particular watch surprised us and everyone else at Basel because it was unlike anything we’ve seen from Rado in recent times. In terms of looks, it’s an ‘audacious’ timepiece to say the least! With a fairly big and unusually designed 46mm case, apart from its trademark ‘High-tech Ceramic’ version in black, Rado has also introduced the watch in a titanium variation, making the it lighter and stronger than stainless steel. Despite its overall chunky look, the watch is, in fact, extremely light. Apart from its design, the Hyperchrome 1616 is powered by an automatic ETA C07.621 movement which has a phenomenal power reserve of 80 hours.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 181,000
Arrival in India: Approximately October’16
Breitling
13. Breitling Avenger Bandit
A solid addition to the Avenger collection, the Bandit’s sturdy, highly legible and distinctive looks live up to Breitling’s strong DNA code. The 45mm titanium case presents a stealthy and tactical look to the watch. A grey dial that changes tones at certain angles and the red dial accents on the chrono registers, successfully match the professional instrument style of the watch. Featuring other hallmarks of the iconic ‘Breitling’ design, coupled with an extremely powerful technology, here is the tool watch every watch enthusiast will want to have!
MRP (in INR):Approximately Rs. 420,000
Arrival in India: Approximately June’16
Tissot
14. Tissot ‘Le Locle’ Regulateur
An ongoing series and one of the most satisfying novelties this year by Tissot, is the Le Locle Regulateur. The watch is a nod to the original “Regulateur”, a traditional clock used in workshops by watchmakers in the 18th and 19th centuries, as a reference to check the accuracy of the watches they were assembling. The 39mm case accommodates the Swiss-made automatic movement and presents a water-resistance of 30 meters. It is executed in two options – a stainless steel version and a yellow/pink gold PVD bi-colour one that has a classic black dial. In all of its renditions, the Le Locle Regulateur features a thoughtful design. The steel version comes with a 316L solid stainless steel bracelet with a clasp and push-buttons, and the black & gold one is mounted with a leather strap.
Overall, the watch has a very refined aura and is a more mature option for debonairs and watch connoisseurs looking to invest in a piece of history.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 47,500 (steel with silver-toned dial), Rs. 50,700 (gold with black dial)
Arrival in India: Approximately August/ September’16
TAG Heuer
15. TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 45mm
TAG Heuer has always been a favourite amongst many for its expertise in watchmaking. If we were to point out the signature chronograph watch from TAG Heuer, the HEUER-01 would be it. The metal bracelet is especially striking as it alternates the satin and brushed finishes, that aptly complement the watch’s large and stylish case. The two push buttons present a dual safety mechanism. The HEUER-01 calibre has attained a very high level of quality, making it a rare chronograph produced entirely in-house. Even with all the changes from its previous version, the model maintains its signature skeleton dial, revealing the chronograph controls and the openwork date disc on the dial side. How could we deprive our watch lovers in India of this horological masterpiece?
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 372,300
Arrival in India – Approximately June’16
Seiko
16. Grand Seiko Limited Edition
Considered as the ‘hidden gem’ in the world of horology, the Grand Seiko is a watch loved and admired by collectors and connoisseurs for many years. The Grand Seiko as a collection, has always been an example of the highest level of craftsmanship and precision across the world, and there was no way we could deny our customers in India of this brilliant timepiece. The 2016 version of the new Grand Seiko is pipped as one of the most attractive versions of the watch produced to date, featuring a new, completely in-house GMT plus Chronograph movement. It features a gorgeous green dial, and a case made from high-intensity titanium and zirconia ceramic (which is stronger and tougher than any other fine ceramic, and seven times harder on the Vickers scale than stainless steel). The combination of materials has, in fact, made the watch 25% lighter than stainless steel and virtually impervious to scratches. Once you get your hands on this, you’ll know why this watch is so loved across the world. And thanks to our team, this rare, limited edition watch will be easier to own in India than ever before.
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 1,363,000
Arrival in India – Approximately August’16
Limited Edition: 600 pieces
Victorinox
17. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Divers
A watch engineered ONLY to be indestructible, the I.N.O.X. from Victorinox has a reputation of raising its own bar each year – to be the toughest watch on the planet. There were rumours around Baselworld that the brand was going to come up with something big this year and as we too expected, the new I.N.O.X. now takes a plunge with you in the deep seas. As you may have guessed, the 2016 avatar is a diver’s version of the watch and is named the ‘I.N.O.X. Professional Diver’. Incorporating all the ruggedness of its previous versions, the new watch is now water resistant up to 200 meters and doesn’t just meet the rigorous 92-11 Swiss dive watchmaking standards, but exceeds them! Amongst the surprising new additions we’ve seen on this watch are the strong luminescent markers (for the extra bit of legibility you might need during your plunges), as well as the unidirectional bezel. The watch will be available in four different variations: a timeless black, an indigo blue, the trademark Victorinox red and the most visible colour underwater – a bright yellow, starting April exclusively at Ethos!
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 36,000
Arrival in India – Approximately April’16
Bulgari
18. Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Five-coil
The enchanting Serpenti’s connection with Bvlgari dates back to 1932, and come Baselworld 2016, this connection was cemented further and how! The Serpenti Tubogas Five-coil is one of the most spectacular timepieces launched this year. Offering a fresh twist, the Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas comes in three new interpretations. Imagine five rows of stunning steel and pink gold coiling from your wrist to the inner elbow! A watch, a bracelet, an adornment which coils around you like second skin. The adaptability and flexibility of the watch combined with the gleam of the steel and precious metals makes the Serpenti a spectacular piece. Interestingly, the watch consistently remains unique since Bvlgari regularly renews the range that represents one of its major creative signatures. The perfect accessory for any time of the day or any occasion, we had to bring this in for the ladies!
MRP (in INR): Approximately Rs. 2,097,000
Arrival in India – Approximately June’16
To pre-order any of the featured timepieces, you can also get in touch with our luxury watch consultants at +91 8725028889 or +91 8725028885.
Hey is any EMI option available on Edox?
Hi Vinay!
Thank you for getting in touch!
To get more information about the models, Pre-booking, EMI options, etc. please get in touch with our luxury watch consultants at +91 8725028889 or +91 8725028885.
Hi, are the prices mentioned for the watches inclusive of tax? And are there further rebates for tourists who purchase the watches?
Hi Amin,
Thank you for getting in touch!
We have stated the approximate MRP of the watches, which is inclusive of taxes.
To avail further information on discounts please get in touch with our luxury watch consultants at +91 8725028889 or +91 8725028885.
Regards,
The Watch Guide