Baselworld 2011

Baselworld 2011 – World Watch and Jewellery Show

After eight spectacular days, the 39th Watch and Jewellery Show in Basel is over. With 1,892 watch and jewellery producers and representatives of the supplier industry, 103,200 visitors and over 3,000 journalists, Baselworld 2011 confirmed its key position, as the World leading show for these prestigious industries.

About 3.000 journalists came to Switzerland to be the first who will report about latest trends, new designs and revolutionary technological innovations, from March 24 to 31. According to announcements from key watchmaking brands, we should expect a lot of breakthroughs.

This year’s exhibiting companies, which presented newest innovations and trends in watch, jewellery and precious-stone industries are highly pleased with outstanding sales they achieved at Baselworld 2011.

After several years of recession, caused by the global economic crisis, watchmakers announced a significant recovery, presenting the very best we could expect from top world brands. A few breakthroughs marked this year’s show in Basel, starting with the Tag Heuer’s revolutionary concept – the Mikrotimer Flying 1000 Chronograph, world’s first mechanical wrist chronograph, which counts and shows 1/1,000th of a second.

Omega proudly presented the new in-house Co-Axial calibre 9300/9301, the first of its kind that incorporates a chronograph function, announcing the next revolutionary step in mechanical watchmaking.

The Ventura SPARC MGS also found the place among innovations at Baselworld 2011. Luxury manufacturer of hi-tech timepieces launched the first watch that uses Kinetic technology to power a digital display.

Classic Models and Vintage Styles

The beck-up for new growth, watchmaking companies found in the past, with a smart move back to classic models and vintage styles, which gave strong bases for innovative technologies and advanced materials.

Famous Swiss watchmaker Rolex expended its Oyster Perpetual line, with the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, the Yacht-Master II, the Cosmograph Daytona, the Datajust Special edition and the new Lady-Datajust. These watches are upgraded and redesigned version of brand’s flagship models and caries out brand’s tradition and ever-lasting quality.

Seiko presented its commemorative collection, celebrating company’s 130th birthday. Beside the beautiful Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater and new models from Ananta, Premier and Sportura collections, Japanese watchmaker launched the new limited edition to pay tribute to the very first Grand Seiko.

Tag Heuer brought back the golden age of watchmaking, with the new Monza chronograph and the Carrera Heritage Collection – vintage designed automatic timepieces and chronographs, inspired by the legendary racing model from 1964.

The beautiful Hora Mundi Classique 5717, the Breguet Tradition 7057 and the Classic Moon Phase timepieces recalled the great Breguet’s history. Zenith did the same with the Elite Captain Central Second watch, based on the famous model from 1965. Movado reinvented the iconic Datron, first introduced in the 1970’s, while the Victorinox AirBoss series marked the return to fundamental values.

Omega refreshed the Seamaster Planet Ocean Collection with the new line of men’s and ladies’ watches, adding new designs and upgraded legibility to the remarkable base, which had already made the Planet Ocean one of the best professional diving watches in the world.

The Longines Master Collection Retrograde Moon Phase and the Longines Heritage Collection Flagship demonstrated the brand’s technical heritage and aesthetical appeal.

New Record

Once again, this time more than ever, media representatives recognized the importance of this remarkable show. They set a new record, with 3055 journalists, from five continents.

According to the number of visitors, Baselworld 2011 is the second most successful show in history (increase of 2.5% over 2010). 103,200 watch and jewellery enthusiasts, from more than 100 countries had the extraordinary opportunity to see the World very best.

For show manager, Sylvie Ritter, it is clear that “this was one of the best BASELWORLD of all times. We will do everything possible to ensure that we successfully establish ourselves at this new high level. This show will remain the most important and highest-quality event for the international watch and jewellery industry.”

New Baselworld 2012 will be organized from March 8 to March 15, 2012. More info about Baselworld 2012 you can find here