Everything Old is New Again at Baselworld 2015
As some watchmakers furiously try to catch up with the fast-moving world of technology, other Swiss brands are showing new models that proudly wear the influence of classic pieces from the past. Here are five such watches that made their debut at this week’s Baselworld 2015.
Patek Philippe Ref.5370 Split-Seconds Chronograph
This watch is the latest incarnation of a model released by Patek Philippe back in the 1920s but with improvements that are all-new. The genuine black enamel dial is totally timeless but on the inside it’s all up-to-date with the CHR 29-535 PS caliber. This is a pure split-seconds watch with one pusher for basic functions like start, stop and reset plus an on-off button on the crown that controls the split-seconds function.
Longines Pulsometer Chronograph
Here’s another watch with a 20s-style dial, this one adding a bright red pulsometer scale and wrapped up in a sleek 40mm steel case. This automatic monopusher timepiece includes some pretty impressive features like a column wheel for the most accurate measurements possible. For the look of a vintage watch with modern performance and a price tag of $4,200, Longines has a winner.
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, Vintage Edition
Another dream watch for lovers of vintage chronographs, this big, handsome model from Omega comes in four versions: Double black, Sedna black, Pitch black and Vintage black. The latter just reeks of cool from the black dial with creamy markers to the softly aged leather strap. This Omega Speedmaster looks like the watch James Dean would have worn while exuding bad-boy charm back in the 50s but has a 2015 price tag of $12,000.
TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 18
You’ll have to wait a little longer for the TAG Heuer smartwatch that everyone at Baselworld has been talking about but you can pick up the latest version of the classic Carrera right now, provided you have $6,300. The new Caliber 18 Carrera is a dead ringer for the original model from 1963 so if you weren’t born back then or just couldn’t afford a watch from TAG Heuer, now is your chance to indulge yourself. Borrowed from the first version are the logo, angled lugs, faded grey markers and domed sapphire crystal but on the inside it’s all brand new.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40
This style was first introduced back in 1956 and quickly became a favorite with U.S. presidents and other world leaders, which is why the Rolex Day-Date watch has come to be known as the “President.” Now the old favorite has gotten an update with four new editions. In addition to sporting refined lugs and middle case plus a redesigned bracelet, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is available in new colors and a variety of dial designs. In addition to Rolex’s proprietary Everose gold, the watch comes in 950 platinum, 18K yellow gold or 18 white gold. New dials feature laser-etched motifs of diagonal, stripe or quadrant styles on the familiar sunray finish as well as new colors including Champagne, Ice Blue, Sundust and Silver. On the inside is the new caliber 3255, a patented shockproof hairspring and a 70-hour power reserve.
