Written by Menswear Style in Events on the 9th April 2018

The world’s biggest watch fair came to an end this week and the choices from our favourite time purveyors seem endless. Baselworld is the place where many of the world’s top watch and jewellery manufacturers launch their new collections and is considered to be the Paris Fashion Week of the watch world. Some of the top brands to exhibit at Baselworld include Rolex, Omega, TAG, Breitling and many fine jewellery houses. Here are some of our top picks. Here are our top picks from this year’s show:

Rolex at Baselworld 

Rolex revelations have taken Baselworld by storm with the Swiss watch brand unveiling five new timepieces. The new designs all form part of the beloved Oyster range and place a contemporary twist on the collections signature features. 

GMT-Master II: The new Rolex is smartly encased in Oystersteel with a bi-directional bezel and 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic. 

Datejust 36: Introducing the new iteration of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in either Everose Rolesor, combining Oystersteel and 18 carat Everose gold, or yellow Rolesor, fusing Oystersteel and 18 carat yellow gold. Each version is available in a large selection of dials. 

Datejust 31: The Datejust 31 also receives some big updates this year, the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 features a redesigned case sides and lugs in a choice of 18 carat white, yellow or Everose gold. The watch also features calibre 2236; a new generation of movement fitted with a patented Syloxi hairspring in silicon and offering a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. 

Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona: An eye-catching version of a classic, Rolex introduces a scintillating gem-set version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. Originally created in 1963, this recognisable wristwatch established a successful track record in the world of motorsport and quickly became an icon. The new 18 carat Everose gold version is set with a gradation of sapphires in rainbow hues. The bright case is set with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds in the lugs and crown guard, while the dial features 11 baguette-cut sapphire hour markers; each matching a corresponding bezel colour.

Hublot at Baselworld  

The new novelties from Hublot who continue to innovate with a range of remarkable timepieces. 

Big Bang Unico Red Magic: In 2011, Hublot created Magic Gold, the world’s most scratch resistant 18 carat Gold, thanks to an alloy boron carbide (ceramic) and 24 carat Gold, the Swiss watch brand has devoted its innovative approach to ceramic. The invention of a new material – the first vibrantly coloured ceramic – Hublot has once again achieve a world’s first. Designed and produced in-house, by the Hublot R&D team, this invention has been patented. A triple tour de force, the coloured ceramic is innovative in both the material itself and the manufacturing process. In addition to the vibrant colour, it is also harder than conventional ceramics. 

Big Bang Unico 42mm: In 2010, Hublot launched its new manufacture movement, the Unico chronograph, which was fitted in its iconic Big Bang model in 2013. Fully designed, developed, machined and assembled by Hublot’s own engineers, micro-mechanics and watchmakers, this chronograph movement went under the codename of Unico HUB 1242. Five years on, the watchmakers from the Nyon manufacture have reworked the structure to offer the all new Unico movement that’s considerably slimmer; giving it perfect dimensions for the 42mm case of the new Big Bang. 

Big Bang Sapphire Tourbillon: This year Hublot takes the mastery of sapphire crystal to a new level. The in-house skeleton tourbillon movement is laid bare, help by a strip cut in sapphire. This innovative approach is also completely transparent, as is the case, dial and strap. Big Bang MP-11 Hublot; the alchemist of high tech materials present its new Big Bang MP-11 in 3D carbon. This ultra-light material has been reinforced with three-dimensional fibre woven resin, shaped into a case inspired by a race engine. Equipped with 7 series-coupled barrels providing 2 weeks of autonomy, this mechanical architecture reveals the in-line cylinders within a 3D case with sides in smoking black. 

Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia: This year brings the FIFA World Cup and for its 3rd participation as a Branded Licensee, Hublot has created the ultimate watch. A smart watch that will instantly connect you to every decisive second of the matches being played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Breitling at Baselworld 

Breitling have released a bevy of new models this week, with a focus on a vintage-inspired aesthetic. 

Breitling Navitimer Super 8: The Breitling Navitimer Super 8 was inspired by the Reference 637, a stopwatch that pilots in the 1930s and 1940s wore strapped to their thighs. The Navitimer Super 8 expresses the distinctive, practical design elements of the Reference 637 in a big, bold wristwatch that is set to be one of the stars of this year’s collection. 

Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38: For more than 65 years, the Breitling Navitimer has been the world’s most highly regarded pilot’s watch. The Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 is perfectly positioned to attract a new set of enthusiasts to this horological icon. 

Breitling Superocean Heritage II: In 2017, Breitling redesigned its Superocean Heritage line to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the brand’s legendary diver’s watch. This year, with some remarkable models in a new 44mm case, as well as a 42mm version in gold and stainless steel, the success of this iconic watch family continues to grow. 

Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44: The ultimate pilot’s chronograph, reimagined for air, land and sea. Breitling has launched a stunning interpretation of the Chronomat, featuring a satin-brushed case presented on a stainless-steel Pilot bracelet and equipped with the extraordinary Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01.

We feature Rolex, Hublot and Breitling at Baselworld 2018 in our Menswear Style Baselworld 2018 watch and timepiece Round-Up.