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.

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.

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!

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?

Once upon a time, tool watches relied on a specific design language for practical purposes. Take the pilot watch for example—their large legible numerals (for easy reading), oversized crowns (for handling with gloves), and extra long straps (to wear over thick leather jackets) were all explicitly chosen to serve the airmen that wore them.

Zenith has always had a passion for fine cigars. Although a completely different product from watches, the craftsmanship, knowledge and passion needed to create a top quality product isn't. It is, therefore, no wonder that Zenith joined Habanos in celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Trinidad cigars with four very special Pilot Type 20 Chronographs to mark the occasion.

There are many ways to say 'I love you!' but giving a watch to your loved one is a way that lasts. Particularly for men, it is often one of the few items of jewellery that they wear, so it is a daily reminder of that someone special. But which one to choose? Especially in the last few years ceramic has turned from a trend into a staple in the watch industry. The material was pioneered in the watch industry by Rado and IWC, but now also an intricate part of the DNA of brands like Hublot and Zenith. It is light, scratch resistant and heats up to the same temperature as the skin quite fast. But while the choice for the material might be obvious, the specific model might still be a quest of its own in which these four suggestions might help.

When the Zenith El Primero hit the market, now fifty years ago, it immediately gained the status of being a benchmark. This is not only because it was the first automatic chronograph, but also because it combined this with an integrated column wheel and a high frequency of 36.000 vibrations per hour. This made it possible for the watch to measure time with an accuracy of 1/10th of a second.

In the last few decades, it has become a common practice for watch brands to team up with actors, athletes, and other well-known individuals as a part to market their products. In the beginning, this approach was often quite simple, combining a famous name and face to a watch model already existing in the collection. In some cases, special limited editions were made, but again it was usually the watch brand that decided on the design, with limited influence of the celebrity.

Haute Living celebrates Swizz Beatz x Zenith Watches launch and magazine cover reveal at Mynt Lounge for Art Basel Miami Beach.

While there are quite a few watches that command the status of an icon, there are fewer movements that can do the same. Even when they can do that, the vast majority is only known among a group of very dedicated collectors and no so much to the mainstream consumers. There is, however, an exception to this rule. A name that is often used synonymously for both the movement, as well as the watch that it powers: Zenith's El Primero!

Every year the SIAR, Salon Internacional Alta Relojeria, grows bigger. Held in Mexico-city, it is the stage on which bold new designs, often highlighting the unique culture of its host country are introduced. Also, this year we were not disappointed, with several incredible new watches, as well as interesting news!

Collaborations; the watch world is full of them, but to be honest, they not always work out. More often than not it is simply putting famous names together and thinking that because of this the sales of the model will soar. But to reach true synergy both the artist as well as the brand needs to give it a lot more to take it to the next level. The following three watches are excellent examples where neither one rested on the laurels of their previous successes, but simply went to work, and worked hard, to create something truly spectacular.

Zenith supports the 2018 Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride, in honor of The Movember Foundation, which backs prostate cancer research and men's mental health.

Ever wonder how a watch looks that has nothing left to prove? Then look no further than the Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic! An utterly understated creation that will elevate the pulse of those people who know, but will probably be completely ignored by those who have little passion for watchmaking. That by itself can be a reason to strap this watch around your wrist, but there are so many more!

Instagram: for many of us it has become an ever-renewing visual database to the people, brands, and products we love. Many watch brands have also realized that it is the perfect platform to highlight what makes their products so special, as well as keeping their fans up to date with the most recent developments and events. Next time you are on Instagram, make sure that you check out the following brands!