It’s here! The world’s biggest annual watch fair is finally open and what an exhibition it should be. Rolex to Patek Philippe and everyone in between are ready to show off their wares and make their big announcements over the next 8 days. We will keep you up to date each and every day with the biggest announcements from the years most prestigious watch event.
Without any further ado, let’s take a look at day one of Baselworld 2016!
The Baslworld 2016 Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony for this years big watch bonanza took place with over 1,500 of the world’s most prestigious brands showing off their collections. This is incredible when you consider that almost 100 years ago at the first Baselworld only 2 brands attended. This year, 150,000 people from all over the world are expected to attend over the next 8 days to check out the latest trends in the Swiss watch industry.
The Managing Director of Baselworld, Sylvie Ritter, explained that Baselworld is unique because: “No other event in the world brings together so many famous and prestigious brands.” She added, “For eight days a year, Baselworld is the nerve centre for an entire industry that unites here to take the pulse of the business and discover trends.”
The opening ceremony was brought to a close by Swiss Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga.
Contactless Payment on A Mechanical Watch!
Italian watch manufacturer Bulgari unveiled something incredible – a mechanical smart watch. The device was produced in collaboration with Mastercard and WISeKey in order to bring contactless payment capability to the beautiful mechanical device. The Bulgari Diagno Magnesium watch was originally announced at Baselworld 2015, but it has been demoed in full working form at this years event. It is expected to be released by the end of the 2016.
More Smartwatches!
One question which was bound to be asked this year was what next steps were going to be made by traditional watch manufacturers to combat increased smartwatch sales. Well, from one manufacturer at least, we already have an answer!
Fossil, who produce a number of watches for a number of different brands, are set to release 100 wearable devices in 40 countries this year. On day one of Baselworld 2016 Michael Kors, who works with Fossil on his watch range, unveiled his new line of smartwatches.
The Michael Kors devices will utilise Android Wear technology whilst remaining as glamorous as you would expect from the fashion designer. The Michael Kors Access line will use Android Wear technology to link up to both Android and Apple devices. While launching the range Michael Kors said “I’m in the business of making people’s lives easier through fashion. I thought, ‘Why can’t tech accessories be chic and glamorous?’”
The new Michael Kors Access range is expected to hit stores in Autumn 2016.
Fossil have also announced that smart devices which will be released under their own Fossil brand as well as 6 other brands. These will be Chaps, Diesel, Emporio Armani, Kate Spade New York, Misfit and Skagen. Expect some more of these devices to be unveiled by the end of Baselworld 2016.
