Baselworld 2016
By Ahmed Kofi Edusei
My first Baselworld was a fantastic experience! Permit me to share with you the timepieces which most delighted me.
Linde Werdelin Spidolite:
I cannot indicate a specific variation of the modern Spidolite that I like the most; they are all super cool watches! The construction of the Spidolite’s case camouflages its 44mm size and optimizing the weight of the timepiece to an astonishing degree of lightness. Furthermore, the relatively new skeletonized dial adds an extra layer of uniqueness to what has quickly become an iconic case design. I have never mused over a 40mm plus timepiece the way I have the Spidolite, especially after trying it on [I am usually put off after trying on a 40+ mm piece]. Although I am not sure what it would be like to live with, I envisage the Spidolite easily being the most worn piece in one’s collection.
Gronefeld 1941 Remontoire:
This piece was designed to appeal to the purist [due to the rarity and complexity of the remontoire movement] and I must say that Bart and Tim over-delivered. The Gronefeld 1941 Remontoire represents craftsmanship at the highest level, as its creation required superior technical know-how and inventiveness. The harmonious combination of the unique case design, the sterling silver dial with blue lancette hands, and the rotation of the speed governor (positioned at 9 o’clock) every 8 seconds makes for an object to marvel at; especially when one wants to escape the madness around. With the Gronefeld 1941 Remontoire on my wrist, I could see myself taking moments out of my days to admire the dial and ponder the meaning of life.
Christiaan Van Der Klaauw (CVDK) Planetarium:
The CVDK Planetarium is a timepiece that achieves an astronomical feat, and does so quite literally. This timepiece allows its wearer to observe the solar orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The version of the Planetarium with the Aventurine dial is just spectacular! It evokes the feeling of having a window into space right on one’s wrist. For a watch this complicated, CVDK have done an excellent job with the pricing. Compared to its cousin, the Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Planétarium, the CVDK Planetarium will set you back as little as c16% of the Van Cleef ‘s cost; therefore making the Planetarium a must-have for any collector who appreciates non-conventional complications.
RESSENCE Type 3:
The groundbreaking ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) technology encapsulated within this timepiece speaks volumes of the endless possibilities attainable in watchmaking. It is truly a timepiece for the contemporary man who perceives luxury beyond polish and appreciates innovation and complexity. A stunning all blue version was released this year, however, I must say I am still in love with the black versions.
Bremont Solo 37:
As a man who prefers watches sized between 36mm and 40mm, pilot watches have generally been pieces I have admired without a great desire to acquire. However, the Bremont’s Solo 37 has finally given me a means to partake. Beyond the classic pilot design is the appeal of owning a testament to the high quality of British watchmaking; the price tag also makes it ever more irresistible. This year Bremont introduced a version for ladies – the Solo 32 along side new variations of the 43mm Solo for men.
Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch:
This reality-check of a timepiece embodies a “f*** you” sentiment towards the notion that smart watches are here to wipe out traditional horology; a sentiment I genuinely share. Seeing and feeling this watch in person reinforces this. Smart watches and mechanical watches are two distinct things that appeal to different senses/desires. The two may be seen to be in conflict, but both will coexist going forward; which is what the Swiss Alp watch puts into perspective. H. Moser & Cie produced 50 pieces that have all been sold.
Meistersinger Pangaea Day-Date:
Three years after its unveiling here at Baselworld, the Pangaea Day-Date continues to enchant watch enthusiasts, myself being one such. My favorite combination of complications within a timepiece is without a doubt the day-date function; and Meistersinger have won my heart with their reorientation of the dial to present their day-date function. Aside bearing the trademark single hand dial (which creates an alternative perspective of time), the Pangaea Day Date possesses two rotating disks which indicate date and day respectively just below the 12 o’ clock point, making the watch an eye-catching conversation starter. At a glance, the dial suggests precision, an aesthetic that reminds all observers of the utilitarian instrument a watch once was, and to a large extent still is to many of us. Backing the Pangaea Day Date is Meistersinger’s German engineering and sweet price positioning, which makes it an utter must-have!
Klokers Klok-02:
I find this watch quite refreshing, as it is an interesting timepiece which bears a sub 1000 USD price tag. The innovative designs seen at Baselworld all seemed to command a high premium, whilst this Kickstarter-born watch was contrarian. The retrograde minutes and seconds are a treat to observe, and although the Klok-02 is 43mm in size, its docking key system allows it to be worn in myriad ways (I prefer it as a pocket watch). The Klok-02 is far from essential to one’s collection, however its accessible price begs the question, “why not?”
Julien Coudray 1528 Manufactura Masterpiece:
What timepiece do you buy when you have sh** loads of money? You buy an all-platinum (fine; 95% of the watches composition) Julien Coudray 1528. Beyond the platinum construction and the limited number of 28 pieces, this piece oozes accomplishment. Its intricately enameled dial and notched case subtly communicating to bystanders that you are the man, and require no validation. The 1528 Manufactura also possesses a service indicator window at the 12 o’clock position, which displays a teardrop every 4 years to indicate that the watch is due for servicing. This is a true luxury timepiece by way of how it merges unique design, with precious materials and uncommon functionality.
