What Stood out at Baselworld 2013

The significantly important Swiss convention has been renowned for hosting the cream of the watch world. So, of the 2,100 exhibitors from across the globe showcasing their finest wares – what do we feel really stood out as the most iconic watches?

Ten years is a long time in any relationship and Breitling for Bentley celebrates 10 years of partnership for the two brands. What better way to showcase the anniversary than with three new chronographs equipped with in-house calibres.

Breitling introduced the Bentley B06 with its 30 second chronograph, while the B04 and B05 Unitime models also came to the fore, showcasing their dual time zone and world mechanisms. These are three wonderful watches and the perfect way to celebrate this great relationship.

Tag has always been at the pinnacle of watch making technology and the Carrera has been one of its foremost mainstays. So, what do you do to celebrate this pillar like achievements 50 year birthday? Celebrate it with a 50 year model to mark its half centenary. The mechanical chronograph model comes with an 1887 movement, as well as a range of women’s models with plenty of precious gems and stones in addition.

Swatch own a lot of the big luxury brands but the giant announced two new mechanical watches under its own brand these are aimed at an affordable cost. It’s a first for the brand and one that will be sold for between 100 – 200 Swiss Francs (£70 - £150) according to reports. The two models are expected to be released in 2013.

No watch show would be complete without a glimpse into what Rolex is up to. Baselworld 2013 allowed the brand to show off a number of variations of some of its most popular watches and we saw Day Date, the GMT Master II, Daytona and the Yacht-Master II add some colour to the show.

Rolex’s Day Date was given a range of new colours, all of which looked wonderful and complemented to watch’s gold. The new GMT Master II came with a split colour bezel for the first time, while Rolex also have created a Yacht-Master II with a wholly steel case to accompany the full gold 116688 and the bi metal 116681.

The Daytona has also celebrated its 50^th anniversary with a the release of a platinum and ceramic version. The RRP in switerland is going to be 60,750 CHF.

This watch is amazing. The time piece offers the world’s first escapement that creates impulses to the balance wheel. This creates a perfect and constant force and is something of a pinnacle for watch makers. It’s a revolutionary piece and allows the watch to provide a week of power. In short, it’s an amazing feat of engineering.

It also seems that the luxury watch segment is in fantastic health, 2012 saw the Swiss watch industry break all previous records. There has been a doubling in export figures since 1999. In addition expectations for the coming 12 months are high, even in spite of gloomy economic predictions – good news for those who love luxury watches.