Great Watches Come Together

In Switzerland, watch presentations are so passionate that they can be compared to haute couture shows in Paris. Here is our report from Baselworld, a spectacular event that attracts people from all over the world.

Events, sophisticated exhibitions, presentations, conferences and cocktails. It’s the end of March in Switzerland. Influential editors, top buyers and watch lovers have come together in this city, which has been a commercial hub since the 13th century. Welcome to Basel, where we are walking through the giant halls that make up Baselworld, the most important watch fair in the world. Founded in 1917, Baselworld has no parallel in the fashion industry. It’s like all the world’s fashion weeks took place at the same time, once a year, in the same city. Over 1,500 watch and jewellery brands showcase their models to 1,50,000 visitors, in a space spread across 1,41,000 square metres. Professionals learn about upcoming trends; deals are signed and smiles are exchanged. Everyone is here to meet people, socialise with colleagues and spend time in the massive brand stands, each designed by top architects of the world.

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GREAT ENERGY

Like in every industry, certain issues do crop up. But we won’t let that dampen our spirits. After all, the Swiss watch industry was born during a time of religious wars: when, at the start of the 16th century, Calvin forbade Huguenot refugees from wearing any form of adornment, in keeping with the Protestant spirit. This led the goldsmiths to reinvent themselves as watchmakers. It was only later that Louis the 14th promoted artisans in France, where they could work peacefully. In the King’s court, they were valued for their talent, patience and perseverance. This is how Swiss watchmakers became famous the world over.

WATCHMAKING AS AN ART

At Baselworld, people prefer to talk about challenges as opposed to issues. The smartwatch is on everybody’s lips and has got age-old watchmakers sitting up and taking note. Some of the biggest names have enthusiastically taken inspiration from Tag Heuer’s Connected (Bernard Arnault isn’t letting it go), the brilliant “Horological Smartwatch” from Frédérique Constant or even the graceful “Samsung Gear S2 by de Grisogono”, special edition. Yes, the challenges are many. Because watches are not merely mechanical objects, but are also designed to reflect the needs of society, they are also a way of expressing a multitude of art forms. This is what we are trying to showcase in this special.

1. “SERPENTI JOAILLERIE” ROSE GOLD WATCH WITH DIAMONDS, MOTHER- OF-PEARL AND CORAL BRACELET; TURQUOISE, ONYX AND CORAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE, BULGARI. 2. “HAPPY DIAMONDS” WHITE GOLD WATCH, MOTHER-OF-PEARL DIAL, 15 MOBILE DIAMONDS, FABRIC BRACELET, LIMITED EDITION OF 150 PIECES, CHOPARD. 3. HOROLOGICAL SMARTWATCH, NEW VERSION, 42 MM, ROSE GOLD PLATED BODY, ALLIGATOR BRACELET, FRÉDÉRIQUE CONSTANT.

From the June 2016 issue of L’Officiel India.