BaselWorld 1946: A Historical Perspective

Ubik · 2012-03-12T09:47:29Z

Explore BaselWorld 1946 with Ubik's historical photo essay. Compare the post-WWII watch fair to modern events and discover insights into vintage watch market evolution and collector preferences.

Ubik presents a fascinating comparison of BaselWorld then and now, featuring rare images from the 1946 fair, likely the first post-WWII watch exhibition. This historical perspective offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of watch fairs and the industry itself, inviting readers to reflect on how much has changed over the decades.

I was recently going through a magazine and came across some pictures from BaselWorld 1946. Blomman recently
posted some pictures from another old fair and I thought it would be interesting to contrast the two fairs, then and now.

I assume it was the first watch fair after the end of World War Two.

This message has been edited by Dr No on 2012-03-12 12:07:53

Key Points from the Discussion

In Singapore during the 1950s-70s, buying used solid gold watches carried a social stigma, while stainless steel watches (except Patek Philippe and Rolex) were largely discarded. Many solid gold pieces were melted down for their gold value.
The market for vintage watches has evolved significantly; even 20 years prior, UK dealers polished military marks off Milsubs, and large watches like Panerais were undesirable.
If given the chance to buy from the 1946 BaselWorld, a collector would seek out specific Breitling models from their 1946 catalog.
Another collector shares a map of the 1955 Basel Fair, highlighting their preferred location within the exhibition hall, and a 1956 Basel Fair image featuring a Solar equatorial dial, possibly in preparation for the International Geophysical Year.
A 1946 Omega Chronomètre / 30T2rg would be a highly sought-after acquisition from that era, with Zenith chronometers also desirable if the year were 1950.

The Discussion

DaMctosh

Mar 12, 2012

Very nice!

Thanks Ubik. It all seems so stately although a bit shop like back then. A lot more glitz (and people) now.

amanico

Mar 12, 2012

Nostalgy, nostalgy!

Nice series of clichés, very representative of their respective era. Thanks for this sweet moment, my friend. Best, Nicolas

Ubik

Mar 13, 2012

You have a little cash and can afford a couple of watches

What do you buy? I would have something from this page in the Breitling 1946 Catalogue. Then one of these Credit - Antiquorum This message has been edited by Ubik on 2012-03-13 07:16:52

amanico

Mar 15, 2012

762, 763, 764 or any of these Longines, for sure!

This is not cash I need, but a whole bank... Best, Nicolas

Ubik

Mar 15, 2012

Even then these watches

wouldn't habe been cheap. My guess is many of the Duographs would have been custom orders. I would have thought you'd be at the Omega stand thought!

amanico

Mar 15, 2012

I have too many things to do

Maybe I need more than one bank? Best, my friend. Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

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