Day 2 saw us view a number of spectacular pieces from the likes of Chopard, Speake-Marin and Dewitt. We've found a lot of great independent companies who are doing some amazing work and they have been taking the headlines here at Baselworld 2015 so without further ado, here's a look at the standout timepieces from Day 2 of Baselworld 2015.
Chopard has unveiled a brand new line of Mille Miglia timepieces that will replace the existing range already available after this year's Baselworld watch fair. We got a chance to get a hands-on look at the pieces and boy do they look the goods! Particularly impressive was the Mille Miglia GTS Chronograph that has been a personal favorite of mine for as long as I can remember and the new redesign is spot on. The most impressive feature that makes it to the top of our list for Day 2 is the fact that they are finally introducing their own manufacture movement in the GTS Chronograph that just adds the icing on the cake. The new dial for the GTS Chronograph features all the iconic features found in the previous Mille Miglia variants with beautiful little detailing like the chrome rings that make up the outer ring of the sub-dials of the chronograph that is reminiscent of the old racing car dashboard displays. It's bold, sporty and stays true to its founding that made the partnership between the Mille Miglia 1000 race and Chopard. Add a bit of modern sex appeal with the new redesigned case lugs and car tyre textured rubber strap and you have a beautiful example of a classic sports watch fit for modern times.
DeWitt has unveiled its latest technical innovation, the Academia Grand Tourbillon watch, a limited edition, entirely conceived and assembled at the DeWitt Manufacture by its own master watchmakers.They have always been known as being the masters of not telling the time in the traditional sense of the word but more so displaying the time and marveling at how it jumps around on the dial through various crazy innovations. Fortunately Dewitt has brought the game with the Grand Tourbillon that displays time in the form of a jumping hour and minute indication that reflects DeWitt's unique creativity and ground-breaking approach, far removed from the codes of conventional watchmaking. For the setting of the hours, a rack mechanism is activated to give added mobility to the watch's dial. As each minute passes, a slip-spring moves into place, drawing the observer's eyes once again to the depths of this sophisticated mechanism. Just beautiful!
If you know the history of Omega and more importantly the history of the Globemaster you will know why this is such an important piece. It is both a beginning and an end for Omega. The beginning of a new chapter in terms of movements and an end in terms of waiting. The Two design features that define the Globemaster are its dial, which is created in a style that watch collectors have long referred to as a pie-pan dial, and the "fluted" bezel, an element that has decorated several famous Constellation watches. But its not the look that has been updated for this new release its what is hidden within. The new movement powering the Globemaster is the all new OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8900/8901 that is a brand new state of the art movement that has been developed in conjunction with METAS who put it through very rigorous testing including anti-magnetic and deviation of time in 6 different positions. Watch nerds will understand all the jargon but it's safe to say that has been another one of the standouts from Day 2 for us at Baselworld.
Kerbedanz although not as well known definitely has a say in this years Baselworld fair. We got a chance to see the beautiful Celtic Dog that is inspired after the various different symbols connecting Switzerland and the Celts. Completely hand-crafted, the dial and movement have been designed, manufactured and decorated by Kerbedanz and it really gives you a sense of hand-made craftsmanship when you get the chance to see it in the metal. On the dial made from solid white gold in three-layers and blue enameled, are depicted the reliefs of Celtic Dog topped by the applique in white gold from the background of decorative interlaces of La Tene style. This style has been used to connect the brand with Neuchâtel that also refers to the gorged area of history that gives its name to the second Age of Iron. Indeed, the excavations that were carried out there since 1857, unearthed Celtic remains. Hand-made, beautifully finished, a definite winner and the last highlight of Day 2.
Tune in again for our Wrap-Up of Day 3 coming soon exclusively to Man of Many.
