Basel/SIHH 2015 - Baselworld 2009 Report.

Baselworld 2009 Report.

This years Baselworld was more about variations rather than any new major releases. Main themes were apart from the ever increasing case diameters were rose (red)gold and diamonds. Interesting as many of the major manufactures recorded excellent sales of the "bling" watches, and were actually responding to demand from the buyers. At this point purists can get a reality check, that we are indeed a minority amongst watch buyers.

Rolex, nothing major from this giant. The bi metal sub was expected, perhaps more than the new 41mm Datejust. Available in yellow or white gold Rolesor only...for now? (they refused to elaborate if we would get an all s/s version next year). Interestingly, the bracelet is not 21mm but the standard20mm, so you could retro fit a Jubille on to it possibly. I think next year will be VERY interesting from this brand...watch this space.

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This year, the concentration was on Tudor. The association with Porsche motorsport, not to be confused with Porsche design which is still affiliated with Eterna, was sure sign of intent from Rolex at boltering the brand image. The UK currently does not hold Tudor, but will do from late 2010 when a new premises will be completed in Kent.

Did I like them? Well i think it is fair for you to make your own minds up. I personally think Rolex is creating a more affordable brand, while it raises the prices still further, in effect making Rolex a out of reach brand for the masses. I am only guessing of course, but not a good strategy in my opinion. Rolex has always had good entry level models, i would like to see a 40 (41mm)Airking Date at around £2,500.

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What was interesting about Tudor, was that Rolex were making some of the bracelet from ceramic, perhaps we will see an all ceramic watch case soon?

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Then there was Patek.

The 5970P. no pictures I am afraid, its rubbish, you really don't want one- GO AWAY, get a Lange or something, Okay, I'm lying. What can I say, Inever took pictures, because I could not move, with the watch in my hands. It is utterly breathtaking. The dial is not shiny, but Matt finished. its simply awesome, and a wonderful way to say goodbye to a story that started in the 1940's in the middle of the second world war with the ref.1518. What a way to say goodbye. I'll try and post the press pack pics later.

Then there was the amazing rose gold 5101, the new Plat/RG Celestial. All these no doubt heavily desirable. At a more affordable leve, and you have to trust me on this, the new 5960R. WOw WOW WOW. In the flesh it was amazing, the lighter dial compliments the rose gold beautifully.

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The RG 5960, is the first model to carry the new PP seal. I will discuss the seal in more deatil, after I have discussed it in more detail with Jasmina. I have some info already and will post in the Patek forum shortly.

The ladies were not forgotten, with the launch of the new ladies Nautilus, and the new Aquanaut on bracelet. And yes, the 5800 1/a is GONE.

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Then the brand of the fair, the show stealers, OMEGA. yes Omega, quite honestly they have improved so much the quality and variety of their product. Only the very fashion concious or just plain naive would not recognise the quality of their products. Especially the new Aquaterra with the coa-axial silicone cal. 8500 mvt. what an amzing caliber, and what an amazing watch. Here is a question for you all, 41mm Datejust, or 41mm Aquaterra cal.8500? I know which one I would want, and indeed will be buying! Even my good lady fell in love with the new ladies Planet ocean Chronograph.

Once Omega have fitted all their watches with this new caliber, i honestly believe they will be offering the best watch at this price point, and yes that includes Rolex.

The speedmaster celebrated 40 years of the moon landing with 7,966 pc limited ed (is that really limited????), with this model- with silver medallion, nice watch though...

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then a proper limited ed, 69 pcs in platinum, with a 24 carat gold medallion, this was one heavy mother.............

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Another limited ed in platinum, the 44m split seconds, a really fantastic piece, I loved the look of this one,

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It has a ceramic bezel as well as ceramic dial. the plo prof was really cool, but will have a limited appeal. Once the Omega WIS's get theirs, I can not see it selling well.

now, I discussed with Omega the possibilty, of a nouvelle Lemania Speedmaster with co-axial. No way they said, too exclusive Breguet would object! but they will take the idea forward. I think this would be one amazing speedmaster, so how about we get 1000 signatures to change hayeks mind? I'm serious, let meknow, i think that would be the most amazing Speedmaster ever.

I loved the Omega collection, and welcome the choice they bring to the market.

The best of the rest.

Breitling launched their new movement, and had some splendid pieces on display. They have become the tool watch specialists. The new 125th anniv Navitimer was very nice but my favourite was this, with a novel rubber bezel..

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Oris had a nice limited edition celebrating 1970's grand prix races....another watch I might like to get:

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Breguet, had some wonderful pieces, not least these two really caught my eye

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Longines....the best value brand on the market, history, real complications and all at an affordable price. This brand deserves far more recognition than it gets.

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Tag Heuer were very busy this year, with the Monaco limited edition and new cal.12 movements. the star of the show, was a new Monoaco, spolied I think by the round pushers, they should have stuck to square pushers in my opinion. The McQueen limted was very nice, not nearly as nice as the original of course! The new Aquaracers were very nice and a good first watch for a youngster, LOL

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some modern Carrera, very nice to see some of the concepts come to life.....V4 anyone still remember that one?

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A random selection of pieces that caught the eye....

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Elvis Originals,

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That new phone, US only for now, Europe later...

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will hopefully post more details, once I have read the press pack!

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nice to see some traditional watches from Zenith ;-)

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Touch of Hublot going on in Movado, in my opinion ....

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My top three for Basel 2009....

3. Longines divers in precious metal, now with date,

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2. Hublot, causing another bang....what a watch,

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Made from CERMET!

1. Could there be anything else? History, complication and drop dead gorgeous, end of an era, the 5970P

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and finally, some REAL space watches, just to be enjoyed, thanks for reading, take care every one, and here is to 2010! Cearamic daytona??? LOLOLOLOL!

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Baselworld/SIHH

Baselworld 2009 Report.

Baselworld 2009 Report.

Thanks for the report!