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Baselworld is the world’s premiere show for the jewellery industry. The finest luxury watch, jewellery and gem brands come to Switzerland every year from across the globe to dazzle jewellery houses and retailers with their latest products and designs. Baselworld 2019 was no exception. The team at Hamilton & Inches included Danny Mitchell, Head of Watches, and Ian Malone, Watch Technician. Confirmed horophiles, here is their pick of Baselworld 2019.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe’s 2019 collection is nothing short of inspirational. A range of technical and design changes were announced, notably the 5520 Alarm Travel Time (combining a 24-hour alarm with a second time zone), the 5168G Khaki-Green Aquanaut and the new yellow gold case for the 5231J World Time. 
The Hamilton & Inches star of the show is the 5212 Calatrava Week Calendar (right). The first of its kind, the face features a handwritten day, week and month calendar which has been replicated in the designer’s handwriting from the original design. No two letters are the same.
Thierry Stern, the President of Patek Philippe, loved the concept art so much he didn’t want to change it for the final timepiece. Completely different to any other Patek Philippe in terms of design and function, the steel case houses a new self-winding movement (Caliber 26-330).
Matched perfectly with a calfskin, hand-stitched light brown strap, the Calatrava Weekly Calendar is a beautiful everyday watch. Our heart, on the other hand, lies with the 5172G Complications Chronograph.
Hamilton & Inches’ favourite Patek Philippe of 2019 is a classic 1950s style with a host of contemporary features. With an art deco stepped case and new blue varnished colouring with white gold Arabic luminescent numerals, the manually-wound movement with exhibition case back shows the beauty of Patek Philippe’s hand finishing.
Rolex
The hands down, star of the show for Hamilton & Inches is the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 (below). The first of its kind with the new 42mm case size, you can definitely see and feel the difference versus the Yacht-Master 40.
The white gold case and the matte black Cerachrom ceramic insert makes a real statement. With an improved movement (70 hour power reserve), the Yacht-Master is now fitted with an Oysterflex strap for comfort and longevity. The 18ct white gold folding clasp has now been fitted with the glidelock system, allowing the wearer to alter the strap size with considerable distance.
Our favourite has to be the 18ct White Gold Day-Date with blue ombré dial. With a new-generation 3255 movement, the traditional 36mm case has been refined around the lugs and sides while still retaining its timeless look. The president bracelet has been improved with a wider centre link, but has not lost one inch of its appeal. This is a stunning, understated timepiece with a blue diamond dot ombré dial created using a black lacquer fade on the outer dial. A fantastic dress watch for those who don’t want a large, oversized timepiece but still want to make a statement.
Urban Jurgensen
Urban Jurgensen has always stood for exceptional, uncompromising craftsmanship. After 254 years and 4 generations of family master watchmaker excellence, 2019 does not disappoint. Our favourite and star of the show is the 5541 GMT Urban Jurgensen One (right). Designed using an ellipse and circle pattern to create a style with no flat edges, this luxury stainless steel model could be worn as a dress watch or a sports watch. Its handcrafted, iconic Grenage and guilloche dial houses a subtle GMT and easy functionality. Water resistant to 120m, it boasts a 7 piece 41mm case with satin brushed and hand soldered lugs.
Chanel
A brand synonymous with eternal, classic style, Chanel’s 2019 watch collection is a triumph. The Hamilton & Inches star of the show is the Chanel J12 38mm (below). The 2019 J12 has an upgraded, bespoke self-winding Chanel movement and an exhibition case back. Its circular-shaped oscillating weight allows the wearer to see more of the movement itself. The case and bracelet have been subtly updated without compromising Chanel’s iconic identity, and the collection comes in black or white ceramic. Each colour has the option of a diamond dot dial.
Our favourite Chanel watch of 2019 is the Neo Tweed Boyfriend. Limited to 1000 pieces, the tweed pattern dial brings an abstract design to a classic style. Impossible to get bored of, it’s a thin and sleek timepiece that can be worn both casually and formally.
Nomos
Geman engineering at its finest, Nomos has started 2019 with some seriously stunning collections. Our favourite and star of the show is the Club Sport Neomatik. The Club Sport Neomatik features the first bracelet option for Nomos. In-keeping with the classic, sleek design of Nomos, the bracelet complements both the case design and the brand. It is an incredibly unique, statement watch that can be engraved by the manufacturer with a bespoke message or name - just to make it even more special. If you wish to discuss any of these timepieces, please contact us at [email protected], or +44 (0)131 225 4898.
