Day two of Baselworld is usually much more exciting than the first days. For me, Fayssal, it's the day I get to take in all the watches being launched, not only the few that stole the show on day one.
The elephant is out, and so is the Rolex GMT Pepsi. But that's not all. Rolex has also launched a Tudor Pepsi, you know, because why not? As for Batman and Hulk owners, they will have to hold on a bit longer to their pieces.
But let's stop talking about Rolex for now, because there are outstanding new launches this year, equally important, albeit less widely known. A side note, it is absolutely fantastic and refreshing to see “mechanical watchmaking” being so nicely revived, and by mid-tier brands, mind you.
Oris continues to bring out outstanding watches with its Pilot and Diver launches, with in-house movements and their famous 10-day reserve! Wowsers! Omega, who should have stolen the show as much as Rolex, brought back the Seamaster 300M with a wave dial (the quintessential James Bond watch). Tudor went all out with a Black Bay GMT, but more impressively, a 39MM Black Bay, and the 58, which remained very true to the original form and size.
Going higher up, we have the Bulgari Octo breaking records again; Glashütte Original with the Senator Cosmopolite; and, of course, the undisputed horological master, Patek Philippe, launching the Aquanaut Chrono, a Perpetual Nautilus, and a gorgeous salmon dial Perpetual Calendar. Even Tag Heuer, went all out, introducing a certified Tourbillon within its Carrera line.
Getting a bit more independent, Moser continues to launch unique and rare watches with Fume Dials, finishing off the first order with a special Tourbillon Minute repeater! Hearing that was music to my ears.
Laurrent Ferrier blew us away with an outstanding minute repeater, and Czapek continued with their Guilloches mastery, introducing a Chronograph called “Faubourg de Cracovie” to celebrate its Polish roots.
What all the above tells me is that watchmaking is in full swing, and getting better with mid-tier brands upgrading, Rolex listening to their collectors, and high horology and independents doing exceptional work.
Start listing which piece talks to you and should be part of your collection. But perhaps, a GMT of some sort should be on your shortlist this year as it seems to be its year!
Happy collecting!