Heavy footfall on opening day of Baselworld
BASEL, March 19, 2015 – Footfall was strong on the first day of Baselworld 2015, especially in the main watches halls where retailers crowded to look at the latest collections from the top brands.
Stands such as Rolex were the busiest as retailers from around the world took their turns to order the latest timepieces.
Baselworld is one of the world’s leading watches and jewellery trade shows, attracting 1,500 brands.
“Baselworld is the most significant rendez-vous in the watch and jewellery world today,” said Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard.
Baselworld is a major showcase for the Swiss watches industry, which has faced a challenge from the recent surge in the Swiss franc on forex markets.
Francois Thiebaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee, told a news conference on the eve of the fair that 2014 was a year in which Swiss watch exports consolidated.
Swiss watch exports grew 1.9 percent to 22.2 billion Swiss francs in 2014, compared with a year earlier.
2015 started well, with January exports reaching 1.6 billion Swiss francs, up 3.7 percent year-on-year.
At Baselworld 2015, Rolex unveiled new-generation models, and a new mechanical movement which raises the level of chronometric performance.
The new 40-mm Oyster Perpetual Day-Date redefines the Superlative Chronometer, established by Rolex in the late 1950s.
Its modernised design comes in 950 platinum or in yellow, white or Everose gold, with elaborate new dials, including ice blue.
It uses the new mechanical movement, Calibre 3255, whose chronometric performance criteria surpasses those of COSC, the official Swiss chronometer testing institute.
Patek Philippe unveiled a pilot watch at Baselworld 2015.
The new Ref. 5524 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time pays tribute to the courageous pilots of all time with its vintage inspired appeal and precise air-travel functions.
A masculine watch, the Ref. 5524 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time houses the brand’s easy-to-use two-time-zone mechanism that was refined and further patented in 1996.
Omega’s new Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M pays tribute to James Bond
Ahead of the debut of the new James Bond film, “Spectre”, in cinemas this autumn, Omega presented at Baselworld a limited-edition of the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M.
In homage to the suave action hero, the blue dial features the Bond family’s emblem, which is also reflected on the tip of the yellow seconds hand.
Breitling commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first independent chronograph pushpiece.
When the founder’s son, Gaston Breitling, invented it in 1915, he set a milestone in the brand’s history and helped to define the look of modern chronographs.
India Pavilion showcases gem, jewel manufacturing skills
The 200-square-meter India Pavilion at Baselworld 2015 presents 11 leading Indian manufacturers of loose diamonds, gems and jewellery, Vipul Shah, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said.
The Pavilion at Baselworld is a platform for India’s competitiveness as a gemstone and jewellery exporter.
Shah noted that Indian manufacturers deliver highly skilled labour and competitive labour costs, as well as harnessing advanced technologies.
“Baselworld offers a unique and perfect platform for Indian manufacturers and traders in Europe, which is one of the most important export markets for India,” he said.
Baselworld continues until March 26.
