ShortList’s Barnaby Ash selects the finest timepieces on display at Switzerland’s prestigious annual Baselworld Watch Fair.
Grand Seiko 44GS Limited Edition
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Seiko has re-issued its 1967 classic the 44GS – the first watch to bridge the gap between functionality and design. With its elegant form, this hand-wound piece represents a pivotal moment in Seiko’s history.
£6,500 by SEIKO; seiko.co.uk
Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary
The Heritage navigator’s world timer means you can keep up with 24 time zones. Each numbered edition is fitted with a Swiss-made certified automatic chronometer, stainless-steel case and a sapphire crystal case back.
£5,175 from TISSOT; tissot.ch
Victorinox Chrono Classic 1/100th
With a new quartz movement, this edition can be made into a chronograph accurate to 1/100th of a second by double-pressing the crown. You can also check the normal time without affecting the stopwatch – just the tip of the functional iceberg.
£675 by VICTORINOX; 020-7647 9070 - available to buy from September
Mondaine Stop To Go
If you watch a Swiss railway clock as the second hand hits 12, it lingers there for two seconds before jumping two seconds on. The Swiss wanted to allow for the time it takes to press the accelerator to get the train moving, creating the illusion of perfect timekeeping. This watch mimics that effect.
£450 by MONDAINE; 0116-234 4656
Breitling Emergency II
The world’s first wristwatch with a dual frequency locator beacon, which means that if you’ve managed to get yourself monumentally stuck somewhere, not only will it send out an emergency alert to tell people you’re in danger, but it will also let them know your location.
£12,404 by BREITLING; 020-7637 5167
Raymond Weil Nabucco Cuore Vivo Special Edition
Inspired by the Giuseppe Verdi opera, the new Nabucco harbours an automatic chronograph movement in a stainless-steel and titanium case that’s water resistant to 200m on an alligator-print rubber strap. With a limited run of 400, you’ll need to move fast.
£4,475 from RAYMOND WEIL; raymond-weil.com
Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 GMT Baron Rouge Edition
Paying homage to fighter pilot Manfred Von Richthofen, AKA ‘Red Baron’, this limited-edition watch has his triplane engraved on the back. Limited to a run of 500 pieces with Zenith’s Elite 693 automatic movement, this 48mm case watch is not to be taken lightly.
£5,300 by ZENITH; zenith-watches.com
Bulova Precisionist Chronograph
Somewhat impressively, Bulova’s Precisionist is the only chronograph in the world that is able to combine such advanced features as 1/1,000th second timekeeping, being accurate to 10 seconds per year (most watches are accurate to 15 seconds per month) and chronograph timing of up to 12 hours. Its precision is down to its unique three pronged crystal for an increased vibration frequency and, importantly, it looks good to boot. Our favourite is the chain strap stainless-steel edition.
£545 by BULOVA; bulova.com
Dior Chiffre Rouge Nato Strap
This is the latest watch model to feature in Dior’s aesthetically indulgent asymmetric Chiffre Rouge collection. Them black leather Nato strap edition harnesses a Swiss-made automatic movement within its interior, which you can have the pleasure of seeing for yourself through its signature red sapphire crystal case on the back. This is a watch well worthy of making a dent in your bank balance.
£3,700 by DIOR HOMME; 020-7172 0172
Bell & Ross BR 01 Heading Indicator
Apeing the heading indicator of a fighter jet, this is the latest in Bell & Ross’s instrument-inspired collections. The display uses lightweight discs instead of hands to show the time. It‘s more complex to read, but confusing your arm for a fighter jet makes up for it.
£3,900 by BELL & ROSS; bellross.com
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