For a few days a year Basel, normally a modest provincial capital on the Swiss borders with Germany and France, is the capital of the world, the watch world that is. This year is particularly strong in terms of new offerings. The vast majority of the brands exhibiting at Baselworld introduced watches that are very pure in their DNA, while at the same time in tune with what the market currently desires, like these four watches:

Two months away from 2018 FIFA World Cup, luxury watchmaker Hublot hosted a soccer Match of Friendship that united legendary athletes and brand friends.

Baselworld has started, and one brand that was bound to make a buzz is Hublot. Not only did they declare their love for football, by introducing the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ smart watch for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia, but also did they put together two amazing all-star teams coached by Diego Maradona and José Mourinho to compete in a friendly match during an exclusive event

A Breguet fitted with a tourbillon is always holding a special position in the world of watches. This is not only thanks to the fact that it was Abraham-Louis Breguet, the brand's founder, who invented this complication, which he patented in 1801 but also because the brand never stopped innovating. Perhaps the best example of this is the Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique.

Grand Feu enamel remains a unique material. While challenging to make, this doesn't stop certain watch brands to create dials from it. Reason for this is that rich, glossy look, that tells connoisseurs that they are holding something special. Last year Jaquet Droz introduced at Baselworld the Grande Seconde Moon in a red gold case and with an ivory Grand Feu enamel dial, and this year they are extending the collection with the Grande Seconde Moon Black Enamel.

Brands exhibiting at Baselworld are gearing up for the fair and releasing previews of what is to come. Among them Blancpain, who already showed us images of the new Villeret Quantième Complet GMT.

This month Baselworld will open its doors again, and it will be different from previous years. While the fair will not only be a few days shorter, it will also be smaller, as some brands have either moved to the SIHH or forgo the Swiss fairs at all in favour of more targeted, local events. The independents will, however, solidify their position further, and become a more prominent, and integrated part of Baselworld.

2017 was a good year when it comes to watches. As we already discovered a few of Haute Time's favorite watches of this year in Part I, there were simply too many to put all in one article. That's, why in part II we showcase a few other favorites that have been released this year!

When it comes to Patek Philippe, there is a lot to love. They represent the nec plus ultra of the Haute Horlogerie and combine this with an extensive collection that has everything from exquisite complications to robust and iconic sports watches. Choosing four of our favorites is not easy, hardly decisive, but at least fun to try!

The ladies watches at Baselworld ranged from functional, elegant every day watches to elaborate Haute Joaillerie creations and everything in between. Selecting a top five among them is quite a challenge, but one we always like to tackle.

Continuing where we left off in Part I, these are the last of our ten favorite watches from this year's Baselworld watch fair!

At this year’s Baselworld, ‘The Big Dance’ of all watch fairs, a select few novelties stood out as favorites. But rather than one trend dominating, the belles of the ball represented a wide variety of styles. So whether you prefer large sports watches, diminutive ladies timepieces, or cutting- edge tourbillons, you will soon find one of these exciting new watches at a Westime boutique in Southern California.

Can a complicated watch excel in simplicity? And if so, what is its appeal? Bell & Ross did this exercise with the new BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor, and we checked it out!

It doesn't often happen that a mere time-only watch takes away the limelight of a spectacular tourbillon, yet that is precisely what happened this Baselworld. Bulgari's Octo Finissimo Automatic did just that, and that is all the more reason to take a close look at the Octo Tourbillon Sapphire.

One way of sparking passionate debates in Haute Time's editorial department is to ask about putting together a list of the ten favorite watches from Baselworld. Some make a convincing case for the latest triple-axis tourbillon, while another thinks that a top ten is not complete without that gorgeous time-only. As personal and arbitrary as these lists are, they do give a good indication on where the watch world is currently standing, and which new watches made the biggest impressions.

The true test for any watch is the test of time. Are its design and concept still captivating even when it has been on the market for some time, and you have seen and handled it on several occasions? Perhaps the best testimony what happens when this is the case took place at Baselworld we were reunited with the Harmonious Oscillator by Rudis Sylva.