As March 17th approaches on the calendar, curiosity lights up the watch world with the highly anticipated annual return of Baselworld 2016.
Every year thousands of people gather in the small city of Basel in Switzerland where watch houses showcase their new and inventive products that will be released that year….
…And it does not disappoint.
Just last year we saw the release of some iconic timepieces; From Rolex’s Everose Yacht Master that swept the watch industry of its feet, to Tag Heuer’s racing inspired vintage Carrera.
Omega went glamorous with the Globemaster whilst Tudor started their climb to the top with its North Flag timepiece featuring a never seen before in-house movement.
Pictured above: 2015 was a hugely profound year involving some much anticipated releases from Omega, Rolex, Tudor, Victorinox and Tag Heuer.
Here at Robert Gatward Jewellers we share the same passion as you for new watch releases and are already, eagerly packing our bags with excitement for this years Baselworld trip.
But before we do, we decided it would be a good idea to feed our curiosity and fuel our excitement with some of our top picks and predictions for the 2016 Baselworld show.
Below we have listed 10 of our favourite items to share with you, from popular rumours surrounding the watch world, confirmed items to be released, and the courageous ideas that the Robert Gatward Jewellers team would like to see.
Please have a look below and comment with what you would like to see.
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 1 – Gucci Spring Summer Collection
Gucci have confirmed their pre Baselworld release for 2016. The Spring/Summer collection features all new models inspired by their very own creative director Alessandro Michele and every model features a new honey bee design on the case back, which is Gucci’s new motif. With double length straps and petite, colourful dials available, these new watches are sure to spring in to life in the coming months.
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Gucci Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 2 – Omega Speedmaster Moon-Phase and Planet Ocean Sedna Gold
Speedmaster Moon-phase
With an all-new blue Speedmaster being released, it really could steal the show at this years Baselworld. Bringing a brand new movement to the collection, the Speedmaster will feature its own moon-phase complication, which is accurate to within 10 years. The detail used for the moon-phase is a high-resolution picture taken by NASA and apparently a closer inspection can reveal a hidden detail. With a dark blue tone surrounding the piece and its overall features such as sapphire crystal and the brand new automatic movement (which achieves the highest level of chronometer certified: Master Chronometer), this Omega Speedmaster is certainly the one everyone is talking about.
Sedna Gold Planet Ocean 600m
For the first time in history Omega are releasing a Planet Ocean available in the patented and scratch resistant 18ct Sedna Gold. Water resistant to 600 meters, this new Omega Planet Ocean is a purebred diving watch but one that maintains an enormous amount of style and finesse.
At 39.5mm it would be an impressive size to satisfy both the ladies and gents, and featuring a brand new master chronometer movement, it has a lot of bragging rights too. From the pictures we can tell it has a chocolate coloured leather strap and a date window at 3 o clock viewable under its sapphire crystal glass. Much has been kept under wraps by Omega on this new model so we will have to wait until the day to see what the new Planet Ocean has in store for us.
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Omega Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 3 – Rolex GMT Root Beer/ Clint Eastwood
Rolex are always a hit with the predictions for Baselworld, and almost too often, they come up with the goods.
Monochrome are pinning their hopes on a brand-new steel Rolex GMT master with the ever so classic root beer combination of gold and brown. Featured numerous times on Clint Eastwood’s wrist, this model can take his name and displays a two-tone style with 18ct yellow gold and a brown dial and ceramic bezel. An updated version of this model with the new oyster bracelet is an exciting prospect that we all hope to see at this years Baselworld.
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Rolex Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 4 – Tudor North Flag Chronograph
Tudor have paved the way in recent times whilst the watch world stood back and gasped. They have introduced show-stopping timepieces throughout the last year in the UK and are constantly and consistently updating their products to keep up with the ever-changing market, and are dominating it by doing so.
A healthy prediction for this year is that for a Tudor North Flag Chronograph. Recently released with Tudor’s first ever in-house movement, a North Flag Chronograph would be an excellent addition to the Tudor family as well as a tremendous step in technological advances for the company. Predicted with two sub dials for counting seconds and chronograph minutes, it would certainly be a must for us here at Robert Gatward Jewellers.
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Tudor Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 5 – Tudor Pelagos GMT
Recently proposed was an idea of Tudor presenting a GMT version of its iconic diving watch, The Pelagos. Featuring a third hand and a GMT bezel for the operation of a second time zone, it certainly would offer the brand an alternative to the aptly named ‘Ultimate Tool Watch’. With a GMT Tudor high on the wish lists of many Tudor enthusiasts we feel this will be a smart move by the Rolex-owned company, if the rumours are true of course.
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Tudor Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 6 – Updated Omega Railmaster
Currently being a distant dream, it seems a wide proportion of the watch world is aching for a new version of Omega’s Railmaster. Based on the classic detailing of the original Railmaster released back in 1957, Omega enthusiasts are relishing the idea of a more modern and updated version of the classic watch. Similar to what they have done with the Seamaster 300, it could prove to be a wise move for Omega and who knows, perhaps a new model may be on the cards.
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Omega Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 7 – Longines Dolce Vita 18ct gold
Introduced last year, the updated version of the Longines Dolce Vita featured stunning curved lines on its iconic rectangular design. Now the company has confirmed its original intentions by producing the Dolce Vita with an 18ct rose gold two-tone finish available with diamonds and without. Information is proving difficult to source but according to some rumours the range will be released with a choice of leather straps available in black, red or white as well as the original rose and stainless steel bracelet.
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Longines Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 8 – Rolex Datejust updated
One of the more likely predictions so far has been Rolex’s possible adjustment to the Datejust. Having last year released the Day-Date with an updated movement and slimmer design, enthusiasts alike are hoping for the same with the Rolex Datejust for 2016. A more compressed movement with more technological advances would gain more power reserve time and become an overall, more accurate timepiece. Refining the case size and updating the features slightly would be a perfect upgrade for the already perfect Rolex Datejust.
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Rolex Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 9 – Rolex Submariner Steel Blue Dial and Bezel
Judging by the picture, the Rolex Submariner has been available in blue for sometime. But there has always been one problem. It has only ever been created in white gold. Unless you do have the funds for such a watch, many have been dreaming of an alternative that won’t break the bank, and thus we came up with a very clever and thoughtful idea here at Robert Gatward Jewellers. Adding to the already impeccable and most recognizable watch in the world, the black and green model variants of the Rolex Submariner are crying out for a third steel model to join them in concurring the world. A Rolex Blue Submariner in stainless steel would be the perfect alternative choice to the Rolex Submariners already available, and would be a prominent and affordable timepiece for all to own. Lets see if we are right!
Shop Robert Gatward Jewellers Rolex Watches
Baselworld 2016 Predictions No. 10 – Rolex Explorer 18ct Everose Gold
A favourite prediction of ours is taking inspiration from Rolex’s highly sought after Everose Gold Yacht- Master and combining it with the Rolex Explorer. An Everose Gold Explorer would be an exciting new option for the already iconic design, and possibly bring life in to a model that never seems to get the attention it deserves. Imagining the Rolex Explorer with a dark leather strap and a rose gold case, I believe it has potential to create a much more refined and formal version of the sports watch. It would certainly be something we would love to see appear at this years Baselworld 2016.
And there we have it! These are just a few items to get you in the mood for Baselworld 2016. Our watch team will be covering the event LIVE on our social media channels so make sure you follow us below for all the latest news and live footage of the biggest watch event of the year.
