Pre-Baselworld 2014: Foretaste of Swiss creations presented at BASELWORLD
Just a few weeks from the opening of the BASELWORLD Show (27 March to 3 April 2014), preparations are speeding ahead in Swiss watchmaking and jewellery companies, as well as at the suppliers. The aim: to make the sector’s biggest meeting the best display of Swiss know-how. Spotlight on the first trends.
A blend of historical heritage and innovations prefiguring the watchmaking of tomorrow
Guardians of several centuries of tradition, Swiss watchmakers are putting the finishing touches to their most recent creations. Many of them will celebrate anniversaries in 2014, introducing special editions issued in limited series. Paying tribute to origins and legendary models, a large number of vintage inspired pieces are expected. However, innovations are once again promising to punctuate ‘Swiss made’ creations. Rather than seeking “art for art’s sake”, they are part of a drive to make mechanisms, materials and decorations ever more functional and resistant, bringing true added value to the client.
At the heart of movements
Like an invitation to dive into the heart of its gears, watchmaking mechanics is happy to be displayed in openworked compositions. On the complication front, the chronographs are still very present in creations, while power reserves are tending to be more high performance. Very fashionable this year, so-called “astronomic” complications stage original moon phases, as well as ingenious calendar models. Amongst the major complications, the tourbillon remains a favourite in prestige movements, while finding new expression in innovative constructions which defy the laws of gravity. Also present in the 2014 models, quartz movements power both feminine and masculine models, from sports to jewellery watches.
Sobriety and elegance
With a majority of diameters hovering between 40 and 43 mm, the size of masculine timepieces remains stable. While titanium and ceramics are now considered to be an integral part of watchmaking materials, pink gold and steel reign supreme in 2014 creations. After years of “total-black” offerings, the classic PVD coatings are taking on a gold colour, thereby offering more accessible alternatives to pieces actually made from the precious metal. Featuring mainly round lines, dials favour the timeless classicism of silver tones, or are adorned with a highly elegant anthracite grey, graced with a guilloché décor or sunray finishes displaying great attention to details.
Growth expected in 2014
After a year in 2013 which closed on the highest exports ever recorded, with volumes equivalent to 21.8 billion francs, Swiss watchmakers view 2014 with great serenity while expecting reasonable, measured growth.
Ambassadors of Swiss know-how, watchmakers, jewellers and representatives of related sectors are looking forward to unveiling the fruit of their passion-filled work at the 42nd BASELWORLD event. The not-to-be-missed meeting for this sector with its longstanding tradition of excellence will be held from March 27th to April 3rd 2014 in Basel. It’s a date!
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