If there is one thing that Van Cleef & Arpels excels in, it is in creating classic watches with a twist. Even this twist is often subtle but sets the watch apart from others. An excellent example of this is the legendary 'Pierre Arpels'-model, which is essentially a very classic wristwatch, yet by fitting it with Vendome-lugs, it obtained a timeless appeal that still lasts today. The same can be said of the Midnight Heure d'Ici & Heure d'Ailleurs, yet with this watch, the twist can not only be found in its design but also in its movement.

A remarkable number of watches in Grand Seiko's collection feature a second time-zone complication. That makes them a perfect companion to have around the wrist when you travel the globe. Even more so because Grand Seiko offers them in a variety of different styles, so no matter where to you go or for what reason, you are bound to find one of your likings.

The Tonneau is one of Cartier's oldest wrist-watch designs that are still in production today. It was launched in 1906, two years after the legendary Santos was introduced. Unlike the Santos, has the Tonneau spend most of its career outside of the limelight. In its early years, it was made in small numbers, often on request and as of 1998, it was part of the legendary CPCP-collection, which La Maison discontinued in 2008.

Evolution or revolution? Where most brands pick one or the other as their strategy, Grand Seiko doesn't like to be held back by such a choice, and simply applies both. While the Spring Drive movement that powers the new GMT was most certainly the latter, the watch itself is more of an evolution, as a welcome addition to a style that we were already familiar with from Grand Seiko's sport collection.

A watch that offers a second time-zone can be indispensable when travelling, but you truly have to take it through its paces to see if changing the timezones can be done with ease. In many cases, this is overlooked by its manufacturers. It either requires a special tool to get through a tiny pusher on the side of the case, or you have to use the crown. While the latter is already more convenient than the first, you still run the risk of changing more settings than you intended to on the watch. Hublot cleverly solved these problems in its Big Bang Unico GMT.

With the Angelico has Christophe Claret created yet another masterpiece. In his own unique style, he puts the mechanical aspect of the watch on center stage. The result is a watch that is very modern in appearance, although many of the technical ideas behind it are rooted in the history of watchmaking. Christophe Claret often reinvents them, refines them, or gives them an unexpected twist. This avant-garde approach has become his signature and is also clearly visible in the Angelico.

When it comes to men's watches, most brands expanded their lineup during the 2019 edition of Baselworld with some solid additions. Some of them favoured evolution over revolution, further perfecting what are already great watches, while others developed breathtaking technical novelties. One of the great difficulties of any fair, and especially Baselworld, is to pick from this wide array of often very different watches the favorites that truly stand out.

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!

From every aspect, the mechanical watch is an obsolete instrument, yet we continue to have a love affair with it. It is, therefore, a passion that drives the industry and that is also clear when you look at the creations of many of the exhibitors at de SIHH. Because of that passion, they went above and beyond to create movements, complications, finishes and decorations that were not possible before, or continue a tradition that is often almost forgotten.

The beauty about perfection is that it often looks so easy. This is quite deceiving as getting to this point means that you need to be one of the best in the industry and an absolute master of your chosen craft. Jaeger-LeCoultre is just that, as it is a manufacture whose name is even spoken with great respect by its competitors.

The Saxonia Dual Time from A. Lange & Söhne is in many ways a very discreet watch. This starts with its size. Measuring just 38.5 millimeters in diameter, and with a height of only 9.1 millimeters, is this watch modestly sized. On the wrist, it wears slightly larger as the vast majority of its diameter is dedicated to the dial. While also available in pink gold, the white gold version adds even further to its discretion.

Imposing yet practical: that is probably the best way to describe the Graff Grand Date Dual Time Tourbillon, and mind you, we are talking here about even about the version without the signature diamond setting of the brand. With its 43 millimeters faceted case, the Grand Date Dual Time Tourbillon is an eyecatcher, but by no means a poser, as it backs up its good looks by a complex movement featuring some very practical, and pleasing, complications.

Blancpain has been a very fortunate brand. As one of the pioneers in the field of diving watches and that of automatic watches, they have a tremendously rich history. Even when the quartz crisis almost made an end to the brand, there was Jean-Claude Biver, who together with Jacques Piguet, son of Frédéric Piguet, took the company to new heights. Since 2002 the brand is in the capable hands of Marc A. Hayek, who has carefully build upon the history of the brand, yet with a keen eye to what modern consumers are looking for. While their current collection is vast, these are our Haute Time favorites.

It is hard to believe but the Richard Mille RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne Dual Time has already been on the market since 2010. Even among the progressive and impressive line-up of Richard Mille, it is a model that gets noticed. As is always the case the brand, the reason for this is the complications in combination with unusual high-tech materials and a futuristic and flawless execution.

When you have something to celebrate, you better do it right! That is what Grand Seiko must have thought when they created the Blue Ceramic Hi-beat GMT “Special” Limited Edition to mark the 20th anniversary of their highly acclaimed 9S-movement. With a diameter of 46.4mm, and being 14.6mm thick, Grand Seiko has created a serious sports watch, fully committed to performance and wearing comfort.