What New Watches To Expect At Baselworld 2018?

What New Watches To Expect At Baselworld 2018?

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote March 9, 2018

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.

Baselworld
Last year not only blue dials ruled Baselworld, but also many extraordinary watches where introduced and anniversaries celebrated. Hublot introduced the Techframe Ferrari, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the prancing horse, Rolex launched a new version of the Sea-Dweller, and Zenith showed the Defy 21 for the first time.

The Hublot Ferrari Techframe in white gold which was recently revealed in Geneva
The Hublot Ferrari Techframe in white gold which was recently revealed in Geneva

Writing these types of articles is sometimes challenging because as a journalist you know more then you are allowed to share. Recently Hublot already bolstered their current collection with new additions presented in Geneva. This was just an appetizer for what we can expect at Basel, where a major announcement is to be expected.

Rolex Cellini Moonphase which we precited last year
Rolex Cellini Moonphase which we precited last year

It will also be interesting to see if Bvlgari is making any new moves with its ultra-slim collection and if Zenith has a new technological breakthrough in store for us. Last year we predicted that Rolex would introduce a moon-phase and they did indeed, as part of the Cellini collection. This year it is probably the Datejust collection that will be expanded. Breitling is another brand to keep an eye on this Baselworld. Now with Georges Kern at the helm, they already introduced the new Breitling Navitimer 8 yet he is not the man to let an occasion like Baselworld pass by without making some noise. What will that noise be? Well, it might not be as aviation related as you might expect.

Breguet's Marine Équation Marchante 5887 introduced at Baselworld 2017
Breguet’s Marine Équation Marchante 5887 introduced at Baselworld 2017

With the markets up again, this probably has tempted many brands to bolster their current collections, with new colors and materials. Small complications, like annual calendars, might also be added with many brands to take advantage of the positive market signs. More complicated new watches will probably only be present with brands that have a distinct reputation in this field, such as Patek Philippe and Breguet. But no matter what, Baselworld 2018 will be an exciting event once again!

Baselworld 2018 will take place from March 22nd till 27th. Keep an eye on Haute Time to stay informed about the novelties!