BASELWORLD 2013: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Baselworld 2013 - Entrance to the Global Brands Hall 1.0
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There have been some pretty significant changes at Baselworld this year.

The new stands are greater, grander and more luxurious than ever, and the new policy to combine jewellery and watch brands in the same halls, and dividing them according to their reach makes much more sense and reflects the actual situation in the market.

Baselworld 2013

Hall 1 now accommodates the watch and jewellery brands that are of worldwide significance and have a global reach whilst Hall 2 accommodates the brands that are internationally active in the watch and jewellery industry.

A completely new layout now welcomes us at Hall 3 which included a section dedicated to the exhibitors of diamonds, precious stones and pearls "PEARLS & STONES", whilst Hall 4 has the representatives of the machinery and supplier industries, as well as housing the NATIONAL PAVILIONS where individual countries have staged their displays. 

Hall 1 is certainly the most popular with visitors and each year managing to upstage the previous year, this year was no different.

Swatch Group Stand with an imposing Omega at Baselworld 2013

The SWATCH Group stand which houses OMEGA amongst its other brands is so vast it could in our minds quite easily accomodate the inhabitants of an entire Swiss village.  It is the without an ounce of doubt an impressive construction which stands to represent the leading position of the group within the watch industry.

This superstructure imposes itself over many of the other brands, in particular Rolex which appeared somewhat obscured by the omnipotence of the Omega logo and stand (possibly a reflection of the sign of the times which have seen Omega catch up on its rival in an impressive form!).

Harry Winston Opus XIII
image via Watchonista.com

Noticeable absentee from the Swatch Group 'family' was newly acquired Geneva watch brand HARRY WINSTON (which launched its Opus XIII) which was located on the upper floor of the building, but this was apparently due to the fact that it was too late to accomodate the new acquisition into the Swatch group stand.

Baselworld 2013: Hublot Introduce the MP-05 La Ferrari from The Watch Gallery on Vimeo.

HUBLOT's stand as always was an eye-catcher, (and loved as the queues stood testament to this!) and it was the perfect setting to introduce the MP05 La Ferrari, whose movements were designed to look like a 12 cc engine!

Bulgari stand at Baselworld 2013

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BULGARI's new stand at the entrance of Hall 1.0 Global Brands was a delight and was a perfect surrounding for the newly launched limited edition (only 250 pieces to be made) 2013 Bulgari Roma series. 

Developed and created entirely in-house the 2013 Bulgari Roma features an 18kt pink gold case and black alligator strap. 

Swarovski's new stand at Baselworld 2013 in Hall 1.1
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SWAROVSKI's new stand was simply breathtaking! Circular and immense, it reminded us of Rome's Colosseum (aside from the thousands of sparkling crystals covering the entire stand) so we nick-named it the 'Swarovski Frosted Colosseum'.

Located in Hall 1.1 Global Brands the aim of the stand is to act as showcase for new products as well a fabulous welcome area for press and clients alike with press rooms, a rather plush lounge area with a catering team dedicated to serving champagne in champagne flutes with crystal filled stems and exquisite mini cakes.  (Watch this space for our exclusive interview with Swarovski CEO Robert Buchbauer)

Dior Stand at Baselworld 2013
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The presence of 'fashion' brands appears to be ever growing.  Hall 1.1 was testament to this with the fashion brands taking a greater presence than ever before. 

Hermès Stand Opening at Baselworld 2013
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Admittedly we were impressed by the BURBERRY stand which stood out for its 'British Elegance' which was the perfect setting for the presentation of THE BRITAIN.

Burberry Stand at Baselworld 2013 - Hall 1.1
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The International Brands Palace is once of our favorite areas of the Baselworld show as it is often dedicated to independent brands whose technologically advanced proposals in watchmaking generate a huge amount of interest particularly with investors looking for the 'next big thing'!

International Brands Palace - Baselworld 2013

After the success of its H1 which saw it gain international recognition thanks to its ground breaking Hydro Mechanical Horology HYT were present this year introducing their H2 as well as diffent declinations of the H1.

Geneva Independent Watch maker LAURENT FERRIER, a favorite particulary with the Asian market was also present at the show where it launched the latest development the Traveller Dual Time Zone Watch

Laurent Ferrier Traveller Dual Time Zone Watch

More to come........