When at a large watch fair such as Baselworld the term 'innovation' is used quite often. In most cases, it is debatable to what extent it is truly an innovation and not merely an improvement or another, but not necessarily better, way to solve a preexisting challenge. With the Zenith Defy Inventor, there is that some doubt, but differently. While we may indicate this watch, or more precisely its balance, as an innovation it is, in fact, closer to a revolution.

When one of the major introductions from Patek Philippe is crafted from stainless steel, it is almost always a sports model. But every rule needs to have an exception. In the past, Patek Philippe has veered a few times off the precious metals, towards the more common steel for their classic watches, but only on rare occasions. That is one part that makes the 5212A Calatrava Weekly Calendar so special, as the other part is the complication that it is fitted with!

Baselworld, the fair, is truly trying to dress for success, as its new layout and decorations have a more luxurious air. This was needed if only to match the atmosphere in which the brands that exhibit exist. While the classic dress watch might not be such a dominating segment of the market, new watches have taken over this position. They might not be gold, three-handers, but they are refined creations, often on the understated side, that feels most comfortable on the wrist of people who know that success is not an end station, but an everyday quest.

Sometimes progress is not that obvious. Especially in the world of watches details can make all the difference. Subtle changes have been part of the industry since its conception, and often fuel a constant evolution of excellence. Small varieties in finishing, color, or materials ensure an ever-expanding universe with even more, and better, options for watch enthusiasts to choose from. These watches are also an intricate part of Baselworld and often offer much more then meets the eye!

It was hard to know what to expect, as so much would be different this year at Baselworld. With the attending brands now down to just over a hundred, the show is more compact, yet the new fair management also took the opportunity to make good use of this space. Greenery, indoor ponds and more luxurious culinary options have given the fair a more upscale appearance, one that is matched by the amazing watches that are presented here!

Hublot is always the one to innovate and to push the envelope! They for sure have done exactly that once again this year. Again, it is not just the introduction of one new model, but a significant extension of nearly all the signature lines in their collection. In most cases we are talking here about completely new creations, which are bound, once again, to capture the attention of the watch connoisseurs!

Tomorrow Baselworld will open its doors once again. This year it will be a completely different animal altogether. The departure of the Swatch Group, as well as an exodus of other brands, has made the show much smaller than it was in previous years. The question that remains is if that is a bad thing?

An inside look at Haute Living's exclusive dinner with Michael Strahan at brand-new hot spot Philippe Chow Downtown with Zenith Watches.

To launch its latest timepiece—the Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti—Hublot hosted guests for an exquisite event in New York City’s World of McIntosh.

Inside Ulysse Nardin's Freak X Launch during Watches & Wonders Miami and the Miami Yacht Show at Island Gardens Deep Harbour.

Class pur sang, that is, and always has been the Piaget Altiplano. A refined case, which is so distinctly understated that connoisseurs immediately know that they are looking at something special, houses a movement that comes from a royal lineage of ultra-slim movements.

That the tourbillon remains one of the most popular, high-end complications was once again confirmed this edition of SIHH. Many brands expanded their line-up with one, sometimes as a completely new model, or as a new variety of existing watches. Its popularity can still easily be explained, as the 'dance' that the tourbillon performs in its efforts to fight the effects of gravity remains mesmerising. For brands, this still serves as an inspiration to take this complication to the next level, technically, visually, or both!

With the introduction of the new Santos de Cartier, in 2018, it was to be expected that the collection would soon be expanded beyond the time-only and skeleton versions it was launched in. It is not surprising that Cartier picked for this extension a chronograph, as this is still one of the most popular complications. However, the way that they went about to integrate this in Santos is surprising!

To celebrate Offset's success, Haute Living hosted an intimate dinner at Atlanta’s Cape Dutch restaurant partners Roger Dubuis, Louis XIII and JetSmarter.

Not all years are equal, and that also goes for the SIHH. The 2019 edition proved to be an excellent one, with a lot of top-notch watches, very few disappointments and even a few sweet surprises. These extend beyond the new Bonbon-collection from Richard Mille, who set the pace with his unparalleled creativity, as also the following watches made a big impression as they were presented to us!

With the fourth day, the SIHH is slowly winding down, but goes out with a bang! This is the only day that the fair is open to the public and a lot of people joined journalists and retailers from around the world to admire all the great watches. For us, it is the time to have our last appointments and do the final photoshoots, and once again we were delighted by what we got to see!