Baselworld is typically a blur just after it ends, but this year I made sure to note down the watches that caught my eye when I saw them, knowing I had to list my top five shortly after the fair. I am focusing on some off-the-beaten-track watches this year, because the high profile watches from brands like Rolex, Patek, Omega and others will be getting a lot of ink.
First up for me is the Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator. Porsche Design has always specialized in chronographs and this year the brand has changed the game by making part of the actual case the pushers for the chronograph. Inspired by the valves in a Monobloc Porsche engine, this innovative solution just makes so much sense.
Second on my list is the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver. Most dive watches are round, so when another is introduced, it really isn’t that big of a deal. With the BR 03-92 Diver, however, the shape of the brand’s iconic square timepiece is preserved, and is water resistant to 300 meters. You can now take your Bell & Ross anywhere you want, above or below the water.
Bronze watches have been popular for a number of years, and one of the best is the newly-introduced Eterna Kon Tiki Bronze Manufacture. The Kon Tiki bronze version celebrates the 70th anniversary of Thor Heyerdahl’s famous expedition, for which the original was made. Limited to 300 pieces, the timepiece features an interesting “no decompression” bezel, something not many diving watches offer.
Corum’s great Bubble is back and after the success of the relaunch last year, the brand brought out a bunch of new Bubbles. My favorites are the Disconnected Bubble, mimicking the old Texas Instruments push button watches from the 1970s, and the Corum Matt Barnes Skull Bubble, featuring a stunning picture by photographer Matt Barnes. Keep these Bubbles coming, Corum.
Lastly, I want to feature the new Lunova collection from Mühle-Glashütte. Simple and classic, the Mühle-Glashütte Lunova is the perfect first watch, work watch, casual watch, or anything watch. I thought it was something bold for this Glashütte-based brand, because the collection is so classic and just right.
