Comments:
Sampling the atmosphere in Basel
I arrived today, first time in my life one day ahead of the public opening on 'press day', where only the press is there to visit. To prepare for that I sampled not-so-great coffee...
On my way to the fair I stumbled across this new retail concept of drive-by-shopping:
On my way to the fair I stumbled across this new retail concept of drive-by-shopping:
Finally in Basel, first thing you notice is the new architecture devised by the world-renowned team of Herzog & de Meuron, architects of international repute. However, if you look at the new exhibition halls you wonder where their fame came from. Certainly not from these buildings...
So much about beauty! Inside was almost a vacuum. 'Almost' because there was really nothing important, just the usually like the one or the other industry tycoon preaching to the press:
Did I see any timepiece? Have I been sleeping? Time for something hot to wake me up:
And really, I finally found a fountain of watches - more on that later these days!
I really hope you liked those pics!
I will take a closer look at these during the next couple of days!
You want to hear expert comment on the architecture? Stepan Sarpaneva reckoned 'this looks like they used really bad quality plywood that bends already...'
You want to hear expert comment on the architecture? Stepan Sarpaneva reckoned 'this looks like they used really bad quality plywood that bends already...'
Speaking of which, how's he doing?
Well, appears to be in love with another genius, don't you think?
In stark contrast to this exuberance there are other master horologists who do not seem to be distracted at all. Instead, they seem to practice ZEN - or the art of finishing a watch in the last minute:
Which is of course a good thing particularly for famous watch (and many things more) photographers eager to get their hands on the latest novelties:
But I 'decided' to leave this scene as something inexplicably irresistible drew me away...
So much about beauty! Inside was almost a vacuum. 'Almost' because there was really nothing important, just the usually like the one or the other industry tycoon preaching to the press:
Did I see any timepiece? Have I been sleeping? Time for something hot to wake me up:
And really, I finally found a fountain of watches - more on that later these days!
I really hope you liked those pics!
Best,
Magnus
Superb!
Just superb, Magnus. Fantastic portraits and captures. Love the shot of Andreas meditating.
Now I'm excited!
Thanks so much.
Andrew
Wonderul initial report...
.. These, a bit of sideline impression gives me very important "information" in case I am going someday...
Thanks!
Ken
Thanks!
Ken
Who's the famous watch photographer?
I really like the drive through gas station watch store. When you buy a watch, you should get a discount on the gas! Free petrol for watch buyers! Never pay for petrol again!
It doesn't look like GaryG nor Jocke (nor any of the other fine photographers on PuristSPro, whom I know what they look like).
Google Ming Thien
Ming is based in KL, Malaysia. U should check out his watch photogrpahy .. sublime !
He has a great blog/website which I follow religiously 
The secret of the 'gas station watch store'...
can be found here: http://zenith.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-1123/pi-5851438/ti-860443/s-0/
Cheers,
Magnus
I can't tell you...
since I have no clue what a MOM lens is... But you are not referring to this one, right?
Cheers,
Cheers,
Magnus
What the hell is this? ...
What is going on? ... S instead of M?? 
MOM lens: M lens ... MO lens ... MOM lens .................................... MOMO lens ...
MOM lens: M lens ... MO lens ... MOM lens .................................... MOMO lens ...
Why INSTEAD?????
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... that's how a friend of mine decided - why instead and not as well? He now shoots with the S2 and the M (the new 240 model, that is). Fascinating stuff - I had the honour to test-drive them both yesterday while we had dinner together.
EXCELLENT, changed my view!
Magnus
I guess ...
I met him before. 24mm is coming tomorrow, but not for my Leica. Just for business
Absolutely correct...
it was a marvellous evening with excellent photography presented to me.
Magnus
Some more atmospheric images - inside the new halls!
Lets go back the new architecture devised by Herzog & de Meuron. Surfaces resembling certain guillochage-types dominate the facade:
Looking at the tiles of the bathroom in my hotel appartement I wonder where the inspiration came from ;-)
Entering the area I was quite impressed by the new, more generous impression:
This is particularly obvious in the new hall 1, where all the major international brands are located. The Basel Fair organisation cut down the number of exhibitors by 33% and gave the remaining ones more space. The benefit os obvious. Most brands have invested heavily in new booths:
Flowers illuminated by very accentuated spots optically divide the area and help your eye to keep orientation.
They also signal information booths and rest areas.
The latter are certainly used by watch executives:
I myself decided - before I 'hit the road' (i.e. sneaked into the booths) - to get a solid reinvigoration with calorie-loaded 'Luxembugerli'...
... and a 'naked coffee' (this is not a joke: one hostess replied to my choice of an industrial-strength ristretto with: 'oh, you like to have a naked coffee'! - well, naked everything, please ;-)
I hope you liked it so far!
Looking at the tiles of the bathroom in my hotel appartement I wonder where the inspiration came from ;-)
Entering the area I was quite impressed by the new, more generous impression:
This is particularly obvious in the new hall 1, where all the major international brands are located. The Basel Fair organisation cut down the number of exhibitors by 33% and gave the remaining ones more space. The benefit os obvious. Most brands have invested heavily in new booths:
Flowers illuminated by very accentuated spots optically divide the area and help your eye to keep orientation.
They also signal information booths and rest areas.
The latter are certainly used by watch executives:
I myself decided - before I 'hit the road' (i.e. sneaked into the booths) - to get a solid reinvigoration with calorie-loaded 'Luxembugerli'...
... and a 'naked coffee' (this is not a joke: one hostess replied to my choice of an industrial-strength ristretto with: 'oh, you like to have a naked coffee'! - well, naked everything, please ;-)
I hope you liked it so far!
Best,
Magnus
Great report!
I have never enjoyed more my Not-Being-There.
With these girls at my side - and adjusted to at least 5 positions - I would forget every other reason for attending such an event.
amerix
I'm enjoying a naked coffee while ....
.... browsing your images again. Well actually I'm wearing a watch.
Never heard that term before, but I'll be sure to use it more. Best coffee shop pick up line I've heard.
Loving the photoessays.
Thanks again, Magnus.
Andrew
This is a terrific account
Is this hall used for other events throughout the year (as I'd imagine)? Do the manufacturers' booths get disassembled and stored somewhere until next year, or do they have something designed and built each year? Are there any tourbillons being shown this year?