Global events have had an impact on traffic at the show and the thoughts of many were with Japan and other regions hit by disaster which stands as tribute to the close knit nature of the industry.
Lydia and I returned to the show this year to visit our suppliers and catch up with the latest trends and developments in the world of timekeeping. This short overview is a review of what some of our brands are up to and how they presented themselves this year at Baselworld.
Trend Alert: back to “normal sized watches” and lots of aviation models – I do love them anyway as they are just great to wear...
A frosty change from the hot (and wet) Brisbane weather – driving into Switzerland
Baselworld 2011 – pre-opening day and the press and exhibitors are gathering at the main entrance of Hall 1
Our first stop was MeisterSinger where we caught up with Mr Manfred Brassler (CEO and founder) and Mr Marcus Arens, sales/marketing director. The news from MeisterSinger was extensive with a planned 10-model range in the new trend colour anthracite by end 2011 and several updated models including a one-handed 24hour watch.
But the big news was the release of the newly developed NEO collection. A stunning and very edgy-retro collection of timepieces to mark the continual development of the MeisterSinger brand. Neo comes in the full complement of MeisterSinger colours, features domed acrylic and a slightly smaller more streamlined case than the usual. Details are still coming to hand so stayed tuned for more or check out our upcoming newsletter for all info about new models/releases.
Marcus Arens (MeisterSinger) and Peter Petzold (Define Watches) with the NEO range
Next on our agenda was Muehle-Glashuette- lots of new faces, both living and mechanical! Thilo Muehle (CEO) walked us through the new look Marinus collection and discussed plans for a top secret release to coincide with the company’s 150th anniversary next year. The Teutonia range has been topped up with a stunning centre second model and the successful Terranaut family received a new member “Trial” which is a great looking and highly functional timepiece.
The Muehle-Glashuette stand
The Muehle brothers, Margret Hillmann, Peter Petzold previewing the new look Marinus
We are all human and who can resist a good German sausage!
The afternoon lead us to Sinn and Joerg Schauer. Sinn was so interesting I didn’t have time to Photograph so you’ll just have to wait for the newsletter to read about the new models but here is a sneak preview. All very technical, packed with functions and brilliant value for money – very Sinn.
Below, from L to R: 358 Anniversary model, U200W – ltd Ed, 243 Titanium/diamonds
Sinn’s anniversary model 358 is limited to 500 pieces and almost sold out already despite the fact that the watches will not be delivered before June.
Joerg Schauer’s pieces were as stunning as ever and it was great to catch up with Joerg who, from all reports, is a very busy man with waiting times up to 6 months for some of his pieces. Joerg reported that the Edition 10 silver dial model is now in production and two pieces have been delivered to Australia – to happy customers.
Last stop of the day was the Armin Strom stand where reputedly the best chocolate was on offer – a gorgeous 4 pack of pralines made to match the 4 elements watch collection: Fire with dark chocolate and chilli, Air in white chocolate – you get the picture!
The big news was the release of the 2011 Elements collection which was one of the highlights of the show for us – such magnificent handwork, detail and quality. Armin Strom also released a skeletonised Blue Chip chronograph, hand worked by Armin himself as well as the details of the Virgin Racing collection.
Full details of the collections plus our visit to the impressive manufactory in Bienne are in the upcoming newsletter.
Until then we’ll leave you with the smiling face of a true legend in the watch world – Master watch ennobler Mr Armin Strom.
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