SIHH 2016 turned out to throw in some great wrist stunners from Swiss watch makers. Will Baselworld 2016 prove to be better? Here are the top drool-worthy timepieces announced before the big event kicks off, by leading watch brands that will hit stores later in 2016. Get ready to save your big buck for these beauties. Top ladies watches from Blancpain, Longines, De Grisogono, Rado and more..
1) Blancpain Basel 2016 launch:Blancpain Ladybird 2016
The evergreen Ladybird model celebrates 60 years in 2016. Blancpain has unveiled a 60-piece limited-edition dazzler. A dazzler, not just because of 32 diamonds that dot the bezel but also the dial that is crafted with luminous contrasts and displays an elaborate foliage motif that truly glimmers. You have to see it to believe it. The purple/mauve strap exclusively crafted from the small scales of Louisiana crocodile leather pairs beautifully with the white gold watch. If you love your new leopard-print, fox fur scarf, then this watch will be on your lust list!
2) Breguet Ladies Watches Baselworld 2016: The Moon’face’ from Breguet
The moon gets a new lease of life in this Breguet number. Breguet’s Classique Phase de Lune Dame 9088 features the brand’s ubiquitous moonphase complication with a little face peeping amidst the golden stars. If you love that pure and classic style of watchmaking, this Breguet is your best bet. The fluted sides of the white-gold watch, the white ‘grand feu’ enamel, the traditional ‘Breguet numerals’ and famous open-tipped Breguet hands are all oozing class. The diamonds add a touch of much-needed bling. What’s your Love factor apart from the handsome moon man? The tiny stars used for the five-minute fractions, eh?
3) Basel 2016 Ulysse Nardin Royal Python Skeleton Tourbillon
If there is one brand that jumps out of its skin, once in a while and comes out with exceptional timepieces, it has to be Ulysse Nardin. For 2016 Baselworld they have lined up yet another stunner in design evolution, the Ulysse Nardin Royal Python Skeleton Tourbillon in rose gold. ‘Skeleton’ because it is a transparent marvel. ‘Python’ because the watch is snakeskin-inspired and is teamed with a python strap too. Why are we not surprised! The dial is totally gorgeous. It allows light to radiate through the infinite maze of movements, parts and bridges. The flying tourbillon adds to the mechanics. The hand-painted movement bridges are dotted with rubies and showcases the brand’s artistic prowess. Just one hitch. What ensemble do we pair this with.? Beats me!
4) Bulgari Basel 2016 Watch: A hiss from Bvlgari
While Ulysse Nardin’s snakeskin-inspired watch is all about the fearless spirit, Bvlgari tames the serpent. It drenches the reptile with a generous shower of diamonds and precious stones and makes it oh so desirable. This year’s serpentine addition to Bvlgari’s Baselworld 2016 launches is the not so creepy Serpenti Incantati. And for the very first time, the snake actually coils around the dial. It gives it a sense of perpetual motion. All the variations are interesting. The dial in snow-set pave with 116 brilliant-cut diamonds is paired with a satin strap or a diamond-set bracelet. For the weak-kneed, the pink gold, diamond and rubellite combination is a tempting pick. We succumb.
5) De Grisogono Baselworld 2016: A ‘First Lady’ Kinda Watch
So de GRISOGONO is back with what they do best. Take a piece of galuchat and transform it into a gorgeous piece of hororlogy. This time they are unveiling the New Retro Lady line, especially crafted for the princesses, actresses and fashionistas. The 1950s inspired watches boast a large rectangular case that’s minimalistic. And the subtlety ends right there. With diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds adorning the watch and teamed with richly hued galuchat straps, the timepieces are definitely head turners. What we truly loved about the watch is what is within. Powered by a black PVD-coated mechanical self-winding movement, the watch displays an elegant, gold, openworked oscillating weight featuring the brand’s quintessential scrolling motif. The women minus tiaras who simply love their watches are in line too.
6) Chanel 2016 Ladies Diamond Watches : Mademoiselle Prive Coromandel Glyptic
Halo of diamond love. What’s new this year is that Chanel has added some more pretty and delicate artwork on the face of it’s dial. Chanel maisons have used the glyptic, which is an ancient Egyptian jewellery technique. It is the art of sculpting semi-precious gemstones both in intaglio and relief. In the Mademoiselle Privé 2016 collection, the glyptic gives the watch dials inspired by these renowned Coromandel screens, a unique depth and realism. In coral, turquoise, cornaline and lapis lazuli, the birds of the glyptic appear as though ready to take flight. Represented in an onyx miniature, they alight on fine branches in sculpted gold. Each dial is unique and requires more than a hundred hours to produce. Chanel has so many more gorg. watches for 2016
7) Baselworld 2016 Longines DolceVita collection
The DolceVita line has been Longines’ most sought after collection for women. Bringing together steel and gold in a timepiece became a sensation. This Baselworld, Longines’, true to its heritage, has upped its elegance quotient. A gorgeous blend of rose gold and steel, the new Longines DolceVita collection is elegance personified. Read More>>
8) Rado True Open Heart watches for Baselworld 2016. The all new Rado True Open Heart is super light thanks to its high-tech ceramic monobloc case, the brand’s signature characteristic . It features, clean, light lines, inspired by the Rado True line of watches. The timepieces are crafted in polished white or matt black high-tech ceramic.Read More>>
*Blog by Anushya Mamtora
