We’re just weeks away from the biggest event in the Swiss watch calendar and the excitement is beginning to build. All of the top watch manufacturers from around the world are heading to the Messe Basel to show off their new timepieces and what a show it should be! There are going to be a lot of exciting things to look forward to at Baselworld 2016.
Last years Baselworld was dominated by the question of the Swiss response to the Apple Watch which was just around the corner. This year is unlikely to be dominated by any such question, but it will be interesting to see if they react to the large rise in smartwatch sales during 2015. In today’s article we’re going to explore 7 things to look forward to at Baselworld 2016.
1. Smartwatches!
Although Baselworld 2016 is unlikely to be dominated by the smartwatch question as 2015 was, there are still smartwatches to look forward to. Casio have a smartwatch due for release at the end of March and it is possible that it will appear at Baselworld 2016.
It’s likely that some manufacturers may unveil a smartwatch during Baselworld. One manufacturer who will definitely be bringing a smartwatch to Baselworld 2016 is the Swatch Group. Three new smartwatches will be released by the Swatch Group before 2017. The first watch will appear in August under the Tissot brand but at least one of the other two may be a Swatch.
2. Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire
Hublot are a very interesting watch brand who have a history of using unconventional materials in their watch designs. It’s no surprise that Hublot would be the company to release a world first in the form of a series of large-scale watches with cases cut from pure sapphire blocks. This is certainly one of the best things to look forward to at Baselworld 2016.
Each of the exclusive 500 pieces will have the middle, bezel and back of the case cut from blocks of sapphire. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire is going to be priced at a cool $57,900 (around £44,783) – so you better get saving if you want to buy one!
3. Casio Watches
Casio are going to appear at Baselworld 2016 and they are looking to bring some incredible watches with them. They are promising to bring revolutionary new models and technologies from their G-Shock Premium Collection and the OCEANUS Brand. It will be exciting to see exactly what Casio come up with to show off at this years event, especially as their smartwatch has already been unveiled.
4. Bell & Ross BR-03 Desert Type
Bell & Ross are known for their range of military influenced aviator style watches. At Baselworld 2016 they are set to launch another three of these watches. The Bell & Ross BR-03 Desert Type watches are designed with the needs of air forces operating in in the heat of the desert.
The dial has been designed to be as easy as possible to read with the numbers and letters appearing in black on a beige background. The numbers are also coated in black photo-luminescent paint, making it as easy to read at night-time too. All three watches are slightly different, with two three hand versions of the watch and a chronograph. Prices for all three of the devices will be announced at Baselworld 2016.
5. Mondaine Watches
At Baselworld 2015 we saw the unveiling of Mondaine’s first Swiss Horological Smartwatch, the Mondaine Helvetica No.1 Smart. Mondaine are certainly going to be one of the things to look out for at Baselworld 2016. It’s likely that we will see the next step forward for the Swiss Horological Smartwatch this year. It will be very interesting to see how the concept is developed when the latest additions to the range are released.
6. Luminox Watches
Luminox have been updating their Facebook page with a countdown to Baselworld for quite a while now and it’s likely they’re going to have something big to share. Their innovative lighting system sets their watches apart from all of the competition. The micro-gas lights, exclusive to Luminox, ensure that you can read the numbers on your watch incredibly easy, even in total darkness.
What Luminox will bring to Baselworld is anyone’s guess – neither their website nor their Baselworld page gives much away. But it’s certainly going to be exciting to find out when Baselworld week comes around!
7. Rolex
Rolex are always one to watch and, as usual, we expect them to be something to look forward to at Baselworld 2016. Rolex always have one of the biggest and best displays at Baselworld and this year is going to be no different! They always have something incredible to launch at Baselworld and, while nothing big has been announced yet, its rumoured that something amazing will be unveiled at Baselworld.
8. Seiko Prospex Radio Sync Solar World Time Chronograph
Seiko’s Prospex line have been available since 2014 and this year they are due to introduce a unique Prospex watch which has been designed for pilots. This new watch features an ultra-reliable solar powered movement which is unbelievably precise. According to Seiko it only loses one second every 100,000 years… so you’ll always have the right time!
The radio wave function the watch boasts is much more advanced than previous Seiko watches. It is able to receive radio signals across a much wider area than ever before, giving you the correct time across the world. It synchronises automatically three times a day and can be synchronised manually whenever you like at the touch of a button.
The new Seiko Prospex watch will be available for around 640-730 Euros (around £495-£564) and will be available from August 2016.
Conclusion
Only a few more weeks to go until Baselworld 2016 and these are only a few of the things we have to look forward to. At last years event we also had Arnold Schwarzenegger watches, a watch made completely out of diamonds and a Fabrige egg! So, while these are 8 great things to look forward to at Baselworld 2016 – we’re sure that there will be much more to look out for.
Make sure to check back to the First Class Watches blog from March the 17th for updates from Baselworld.
Images: Kluka, DimiTalen, James, Noop1958, 663highland, Wladyslaw
