Spring is in the air and timepieces are on the mind as that time of the year when haute horology is put in the spotlight by Baselworld in Switzerland. Some say that the timepiece industry was suffering from a lack of innovation and creativity, but as DiscerningGent.com found, there are some truly special watch launches this year. Take a look below for some standout picks.
Breitling Navitimer 806 1959 Re-Edition
Timepiece brand Breitling will be releasing a series of re-editions over the course of this year – the 1959 806 Re-Edition matches the original Navitimer from 1959. Although an exact match, under the bonnet has been updated to include Breitling’s first in-house handwound 12-hour calibre movement. This wouldn’t be a Navitimer without the chronograph feature and this version captures 1/4th second, 30mins and 12-hours within the sleek 40.9mm case. Available in May.
RRP £6,520 – Breitling
Chanel J12
The all ceramic J12 demands the attention when it flashes from the wrist – and in this case, it can be a genderless wrist, given this timepiece can be worn by either men or women. The model itself has be reimagined for this year, as much as 80% has been redesigned including the elongated watch links whilst the dial has updated features.
RRP £4,675 – Chanel
GyroGraff Endangered Species 48mm
Every year Baselworld throws up a handful of extremely unique timepieces and this year was no different. Graff’s new Endangered Species collection is eye-catching in every sense. A diamond marquetrie of tiger, elephant, gorilla or panda are available – each consisting of between 112 – 139 individual pieces and that’s excluding the movement itself. A double axis tourbillon along with a moon phase is also incorporated too. Only one watch each of the four animals is available although the cost maybe the biggest factor is whether one ends up on your wrist.
RRP £900,000 approx. Graff
Rolex GMT Master II ‘Batman’
Perhaps the biggest launch at Baselworld this year? Maybe even the biggest launch from Rolex for 2019. The GMT Master II black and blue aka ‘Batman’ as it has been unofficially dubbed has caused waves for its slick looks and universal appeal amongst timepiece fanatics. Featuring a oyster lock and a new generation movement within a 40mm case, demand will be high.
£7,150 – Rolex
Tudor Black Bay P01
The Black Bay is one of Tudor’s iconic watches and the P01 is the new kid on the block. Switching things up, what is most noticeable on this new timepiece is the shift of the crown – from 3 o’clock to 4 o’clock to give it that unique look. If that isn’t enough to capture the attention, the watch is inspired by a prototype designed for the US military in 1968 – although it never made it into production. Finishing touches include a hybrid leather and rubber strap. Available in July.
RRP £2,830 – Tudor
