The best watches from Baselworld 2018
Baselworld is one of the annual spectacles of the watchmaking world. We round up some of the best offering from this year’s show. One of the most coveted, and recognizable, Rolex watches, the GMT-Master II is back with a new reference
By Ishan Raghava
Baselworld is one of the annual spectacles of the watchmaking world. We round up some of the best offering from this year’s show.
ROLEX GMT-MASTER II
One of the most coveted, and recognizable, Rolex watches, the GMT-Master II is back with a new reference, featuring the iconic red and blue Pepsi bezel. Coated with blue and red Cerachrome, the new GMT is available in Oystersteel – the special grade of steel used by Rolex – making it much more affordable than the earlier White Gold version. The new reference also features a brand-new Jubilee strap, as well as a new movement – Calibre 3285 – which has been developed completely in-house and features a 70-hour power reserve. Needless to say, this is a welcome return of the iconic Pepsi GMT-Master with a design that looks as timeless as ever.
ROLEX RAINBOW DAYTONA
Probably the most recognisable, and coveted, Rolex timepiece is the Cosmograph Daytona – and its many iterations. But when it comes to luxury versions of the Daytona, nothing beats this Rainbow. Unveiled at Basel this year in Everose gold, the Daytona comes with 36 rainbow-hued Sapphires mounted on the bezel in a rainbow pattern. Bordering them are 56 brilliant-cut diamonds. Following the bezel’s pattern, the indexes on the dial are also rainbow coloured sapphires, while the dial is finished in black lacquer. Despite its high cost, expect this great looking Daytona to be sold out in a very short time – with it taking pride of place on the wrists of the ultra-rich.
TUDOR BLACK BAY GMT
The Rolex GMT-Master II is not exactly what you would call affordable. So, for those looking for a great looking GMT sports watch, the Tudor Black Bay GMT makes for a very attractive option. A new launch from Rolex’s more affordable brand, the Tudor Black Bay features a Pepsi bezel and a clean design. With a 41mm case, the watch is powered by an in-house MT 5652 calibre with a 70-hour power reserve. And with its subdued look, courtesy of the matte finish of the dial and the brushed case, it’s a great looking watch – and one I that would personally love to own.
ORIS BIG CROWN POINTER DATE
Harking back to the design of its original pilot’s watches, retro style made another comeback with the Oris Big Crown. Featuring a bubble-shaped sapphire crystal glass, along with Arabic numerals and a clean looking dial, the Big Crown does have a lot of retro appeal. The dates on this piece are indicated by the fourth hand – no date window here! The 36mm version of the watch is available in a black and a light green, while the 40mm version is available in a blue-grey or a black. Needless to say, with its affordable price tag and classic design, this would be a great watch for daily use.
PATEK PHILLIPPE 5270P
A new watch from a coveted brand like Patek Philippe is always a big event, and the reference 5270P, with a Salmon dial in Platinum, certainly made headlines. An addition to their perpetual calendar range, the new 5270P features a polished Platinum case. Uncharacteristically large for a Patek at 41mm, the watch also features a day/night indicator, a moonphase display and has a rather vintage feel. However, given the exotic metal of the case and the fact that it’s a Patek perpetual calendar, don’t assume that the word affordable comes in the vicinity of the 5270P. This one is for serious collectors only.
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