The crowds at the world’s largest annual watch fair, Baselworld, have subsided. And the streets of the sleepy Swiss town of Basel would have probably gone back to their sleepy selves, which calls for a chance to chart the big trends that will dominate the watch scene in the next year.
Granted, the economy is gloomy, but this year’s crop of watches recorded a quieter showing. Steel (not your usual precious gold) was the standout evergreen material, while pared-down, slim and smaller watches stood out for their designs. Still, there were the gems and look-at-me pieces you’ll want as your next wrist candy. Imran Jalal rounds up the timepieces that you should start saving for.
It’s the year of the Oyster model, the brand’s flagship waterproof ticker. That calls for some nifty updates to the Pearlmaster line. Among them is a newgen watch movement that comes with a staggering 14 patents. These innovations not only make the watch more reliable, it comes with an extended power reserve of roughly 70 hours. Topping it off: the elegant aubergine dial.
It may be Swiss, but this is one brand that thinks like a Japanese when it comes to its radical aesthetics. Adding to its use of unconventional materials like denim and lace in previous years, the 41mm Tutti Frutti features hand-woven linen on the dial, a case and straps that are dyed in eye-catching hues like blue, turquoise, orange and purple. Note: only 200 pieces are available.
Quilting, camellias and tweed are just some of the house’s favourite motifs. This year, the latter takes centrestage on the masculine-inspired Boyfriend watch. The tweed texture is engraved on the bracelet for a rugged and at-once artsy feel.
You don’t need huge carats and an overly complicated design for your evening watch. The latest interpretation of the Diva line of watches features stone dials like blue lapis lazuli or the burgundy heart of ruby. The beauty of the watch lies in the sleek hour display at the 6 o’clock aperture, and the retrograde minute hands on the top half of the dial.
For the 40th anniversary of the Happy Diamonds, Chopard has encased the moving diamonds in a cushion-shaped case that recalls the original design of the watch when it was released in 1976. Plus, it’s limited to only 150 pieces.
This is the watch for the hardcore collector with an eye for feminine details. The exposed components of the watch, versus the Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial and the floral motif, act as an interesting contrast.
There were plenty of dark and black timepieces offered by Tag Heuer this year, including this ceramic number. The Aquaracer sheds its sporty vibe in regular steel with a more trendy look thanks to this all-black and rose gold combination.
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