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Watch Industry Descends on BaselWorld 2013
The 2013 edition of BaselWorld, the world’s most prestigious watch fair, came to a close today having once again captured the imagination of a global crowd of watch enthusiasts, journalists and industry figures.
For eight days, the Basel convention center played host to around 2,000 exhibitors, including the world’s most famous watch brands, from over 45 countries, with visitors able to view some of the stunning new timepieces set to hit the market over the coming months.
World-renowned specialist watchmakers including Hublot, Breitling, Ulysse Nardin, Zenith, Omega, Breguet, Patek Philipp, Tag Heur and Rolex were joined by Swarovski, Baccarat and Hermès – better known as jewellers and luxury goods houses – to showcase their latest horological creations.
Amongst the stunning new timepieces on display at this year’s show was the limited edition “Snow Leopard Maria Höfl-Riesch” Big Bang by Swiss brand Hublot. Limited to just 50 pieces, the snow-white ceramic watch features a dial set with 8 diamonds and was created in homage to the German-born champion ski racer Maria Höfl-Riesch, who also serves as a Hublot brand ambassador.
Other notable watches presented in Basel included the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master by Rolex, the Constellation Sedna by Omega, and the Monte d’Aeronef Type 20 by Zenith.
Meanwhile iconic French luxury goods house Hermès grabbed plenty of attention with its striking Hermès Pavilion, created in partnership with Japanese architect, Toyo Ito.
The history of BaselWorld dates back to 1917 with the opening of the first Schweizer Mustermesse Basel (MUBA), of which a section was devoted to watches and jewellery.