Photos: Baselworld watch preview

Posted Mar 07, 2012

By adallas

An advance look at some mechanical watches to be shown at Baselworld, the largest international display of timepieces, from March 8-15, 2012.

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In 2012, the Villeret collection welcomes its first model featuring a flinque lacquered dial. Several layers of translucent blue lacquer are applied to the dial to create an incomparable depth effect. Blancpain adopts a subtly balanced approach by introducing this original touch while preserving the pure lines of its most classic collection. Housed within its 40mm diameter white gold case, the ultra-slim Calibre 7663Q with its 244 parts and 34 jewels has a three-day power reserve. This new self-winding movement powers hour and minute hands as well as an equally central serpentine date pointer, while the retrograde seconds appear at 6 o'clock. The under-lug corrector at 5 o'clock enables fast date adjustment, while the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the collection's distinctive guilloche oscillating weight. This new model (Ref# 6653q-1529-55b) is water-resistant to 3 bars and is accompanied by an alligator leather strap with an alzavel lining, matching the dial color and fitted with a folding clasp to ensure enhanced wearer comfort.
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BreguetŐs emblematic ŇTraditionÓ collection is being enriched this year with an original model in 18-carat rose gold. This ŇGrande ComplicationÓ timepiece featuring a tourbillon, fusee and chain transmission, and a Breguet balance spring in silicon, joins the existing models in yellow gold and platinum. Inspired by the legendary souscription watches created by A.-L. Breguet, this objet dŐart symbolizes both a return to roots and a resolutely forward-looking brand vision. ItŐs pure, modern aesthetic sets the stage for the tourbillon and the fusee and chain transmission located on the upper part of the mainplate. This sculptural piece highlights the contrast and relief effects, giving vibrant life to each component. These technical accomplishments symbolising BreguetŐs horological excellence are duly protected by four patents.
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One of the most poetic models in the prestigious L.U.C collection bearing the initials of the founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard returns decked out in new finery. The L.U.C Lunar One Grande Complication model, a perpetual calendar with an orbital moon-phase display, embraces the lineŐs new aesthetic featuring generous curves, optimal readability and absolute comfort. It already caused a sensation at the time of its launch in 2005. While losing nothing of its mechanical excellence, the L.U.C Lunar One has undergone a transformation that ranks it among the great classics of Swiss Haute Horlogerie. The voluptuously rounded 43 mm-diameter case in 18-carat rose gold embraces the new curves of the L.U.C collection. The polished and satin-brushed lugs have been entirely redesigned to ensure enhanced comfort and perfect stylistic equilibrium. The crown, engraved with the L.U.C logo, is slender while remaining perfectly ergonomic. The case-back with its generous glareproofed sapphire crystal central opening is engraved with the inscriptions ŇChopard ManufactureÓ, ŇLunar OneÓ and ŇL.U.CÓ.
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The HL 2.1 wristwatch is on display at the Hautlence booth, at the world watch and jewelry show "Baselworld" in Basel, Switzerland, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Baselworld opens it's doors from March 8 to 15, 2012. 1815 exhibitors from 41 countries will show their latest collections. (AP Photo/Keystone/Georgios Kefalas)
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An Omega De Ville Ladymatic wristwatch is on display at the Omega booth, at the world watch and jewelry show "Baselworld" in Basel, Switzerland, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Baselworld opens its doors from March 8 to 15, 2012. 1815 exhibitors from 41 countries will show their latest collections. (AP Photo/Keystone/Georgios Kefalas)
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An employee adjusts an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold wristwatch that is on display at the Omega booth, at the world watch and jewelry show "Baselworld" in Basel, Switzerland, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Baselworld opens its doors from March 8 to 15, 2012. 1815 exhibitors from 41 countries will show their latest collections. (AP Photo/Keystone/Georgios Kefalas)
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View of the Patek Philippe booth at the world watch and jewelry show "Baselworld" in Basel, Switzerland, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Baselworld opens it's doors from March 8 to 15, 2012. 1815 exhibitors from 41 countries will show their latest collections. (AP Photo?Keystone/Georgios Kefalas)
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Historical Montre d'AŽronef Zenith Type 20