Bremont launches the Supermarine 2000 or S2000 Dive Watch

Written by D Constant

Hello all, better late than never, and quite apt bearing in mind Bermont launched the watch only yesterday in the Cayman Islands with Diamonds International on Grand Cayman. So we see another Dive Watch from our British Aviator watch specialists in the form of the Supermarine S200, What can we expect from Bremont…

Well, Following the success of the Supermarine 500, Bremont have announced the launch of their new diving model, the Supermarine 2000. This model has been manufactured with professional divers in mind Bremont have increased the size of the original Supermarine case to a more robust 45mm and re-engineered it to withstand depths of upto 2000m/6560ft as per the name…

The design of the Supermarine was built using Bremont’s unique Trip-Tick three-piece case construction. As with the previous model, extensive testing in the UK by Bremont has lead to the design and construction of the ‘Anti-Shock’ COSC certified movement mount to help protect it against large shocks. It is also housed inside an Anti-Magnetic faraday cage to protect the balance, balance spring and escapement from any effects of magnetisation. The Supermiarine 2000 developed model also features a Helium Escape valve.

An elegant crown protector has been built onto the side of the inner barrel and following on from other Bremont models; the watchcase has been specifically treated for strength using Bremont’s B-EBE2000 technology.

The sapphire bezel and Super-LumiNova coated indexes and hands offer luminosity in low light conditions.

 Technical Details – Bremont Supermarine 2000 Dive watch

Movement – Modified calibre 13 1/4” BE-36AE automatic chronometer, 25 jewels, glucydur balance. Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex 1 mainspring, 28,800 bph, 38 hour power reserve, Bremont moulded and skeletised decorated rotor.

Functions – Hour/minute/second, date and day at 3H.

Case – Stainless steel case with sapphire uni-directional rotating bezel. Case diameter 45mm, lug width 22mm. Inner soft iron anti-magnetic Faraday cage to protect movement. Protective patented anti-shock movement mount.

Case back – Stainless steel screw-in and decorated case back.

Bezel – Sapphire uni-directional rotating bezel with SuperLumiNova luminous coating.

Dial – Metal dial with various ground colours and applied indexes.  SuperLumiNova coated indexes and hands.

Crystal – Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

Water resistance – Water resistant to 200 ATM, 2000 metres.

Ratings – C.O.S.C chronometer tested.

Strap/Bracelet – Integrated rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet.

Certification – Individually serial numbered with accompanying C.O.S.C certification.

The Supermarine S2000 Dive watch is available from the Bremont Boutique and also Jura Watches/CW Sellors online here

Another Year, Another Fab Salon QP has opened its Doors……

SalonQP is with us once again, and at its fabulous location of the Saatchi Gallery on Kings Road in London. Tonight 6th November 2014 is its opening Night and by some strange and unfortunate coincidence I double booked and was unable to attend…. maybe something to do with my Birthday, How inconsiderate of my mother all those (cough… cough…) years ago. But I will be there tomorrow, woo hoo.

Well we thought we would give you a little insight on what you can expect from London’s very own Fine Watch Show, this may not be exactly what you expect as we are going to try and look at some of the less publicised exhibitors along with the usual fabulous stalwarts of the show and fast becoming the UK’s go to watch guys.

So let’s begin with some of the more common known names to our readers Bremont – this fabulous British Institution (well it’s getting there) will be showing its wares at SalonQP again this year and I’m sure anyone attending will be welcomed as always by the Bremont team and Brothers, I’m personally looking forward to get to grips with the Bremont Boeing colab-watch,  I just really like the crisp clean look of this watch and along with other c0llaborations Bremont has achieved a fantastic timepiece in my opinion.

I do hope the Bremont collection makes it’s way to the Show, as production is on way and deliveries are expected in December… if its not we will still be able to take an up close and personal look at the Jaguar and Chivas Regal collaboration watches along with the lovely Wright Flyer Limited edition Timepiece too.

Yes, that’s the watch that has the new Movement in it and caused a bit of stir after its launch in July… In House movement or NOT… that’s all been cleared up now and a little miscommunication or words taken out of context a little shouldn’t take away from the fact that bremont have moved on with manufacturing watches in the UK and made great strides in getting the UK watchmaking industry back on track, So the Wright Flyer and it’s Part Developed and Designed movement the BWC/01 which will be making their debut at SalonQP. They have been busy in Henley this last year… Sticking with UK Watchmakers/designers and ones that have made significant strides in the past year and first time exhibitors and a Watch Review Site Favourite we have Christopher Ward, this affordable watch manufacturer has again in collaboration with Swiss watchmakers and ateliers, which they now own have created there own in house movement the SH21 which is housed in the C9 Harrison 5 Day Automatic which was launched in July 2014.

The C9 Harrison 5 Day is a lovely piece and stands along the C900 Single Pusher which we have reviewed hands on and the C9 Jumping Hour and C900 Worldtimer which both have Christopher Ward JJ movement which have been designed and made by a wiz of a watchmaker Johannes Jahnke, who you could meet at SalonQP and see him at work….

Here’s some of the collection you could be feasting your eye’s upon at SalonQP over the next few days from Christopher Ward.

Moving on but sticking with the UK, we have our lovely and formidable Giles Ellis from Schofield Watches…. Schofield has always Launched a watch at Salon QP and this year is no different with the introduction of the Beater, which comes in three metals… Bronze, Titanium and Steel and here is a photo from Schofield Watches own twitter feed of the watches from today’s SalonQP.

The Beater has been launched at SalonQP and the first look at these new creations by Schofield Watches was this evening, again a bad reason to miss tonight’s event, but I cant wait to get hands on tomorrow.

So The guys that brought us The Signalman, Signalman DLC and Blacklamp, with that fabulous case have stepped on again using more materials. Its not only the watches you get from Schofield its an experience when you purchase one of their timepieces, the selection of fabulous straps are amazing, not to mention the torches, pen knives and other accessories they have come up with, the latest being  a Schofield Pen, all of these accessories are made using only the finest materials and workmanship.

As I said I cant wait to see what Giles has up his sleeve for next year, but first tomorrow.

With time catching up to me, I thought I’d sneak in just a couple more for you to consider visiting…. well I would definitely visit the next two at SalonQP.

First up is a Belgium based brand who I first come across in Basel last year even though they have been around a tad longer than that… Raidillon 55.

Raidillon is a Belgium brand named after a corner/curve on the old Spa circuit, and the 55 was the maximum number of cars allowed to race on the Old Spa Race Track, so a very apt name for a race inspired watch brand.

All of the Raidillon watch collections are powered by Swiss Movements and the majority are Chronographs and come in 38mm and 42mm cases. Another great aspect is that all Raidillon watches come in strict limited editions of 55 pieces a very nice touch in my eyes, and they are priced well for the quality of design, build and movement.

Raidillon 55 are a first time exhibitor at SalonQP and as I understand it are a first time exhibitor in the UK, so its a great opportunity to get hands on with these great watches and see for yourself what I’m banging on about.

Think of it this way I have decided to add them to a post which has three of the best British watch brands we have available to us today so that must mean something… I hope.

Here’s a look at some of their pieces.

And the final place I would like to tell you to visit during SalonQP and its a must for all watch aficionados and that stand is Wolf… Wolf Watch Winders, I personally have one and they are great and fabulous value for money.

Oh and another of our favourites who will be there is Nomos Glashutte, again another must visit watch stand for the pure simplicity of design and fabulous cases, along with some amazing German Glashutte engineering.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few, probably a lot but I will give you a greater insight tomorrow.

Due to time and needing some sleep before venturing to SalonQP tomorrow I leave it there, but will be tweeting photos and providing a review of the event over the weekend, So why not tune back in to The Watch Review Site and see what I get up to at London’s only Fine Watch Show….

Our Take of SalonQP in Photos -Part Two…

 
Well if you follow us on Twitter and Facebook you will know we have been out and about at SalonQP at The Saatchi Gallery in London from Thursday evening through to yesterday, The Watch Review Site has already brought you some shots from the event, here are a few more to get to grips with.

So where shall we start today, well maybe with a few photographs of the event itself,

and here we have the Bell and Ross Stand with Community Ambassador Simon Cudd and Danielle…

and another

And this is Simon Cudd doing what he does best…. No not the one above but the one below on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram getting the Bell & Ross name out there as always.

moving on from B&R to the Bremont Stand at SalonQP

With a Bremont Pocket Watch, I do have to say they do put together a good stand at Bremont, Innovative, always something to look at and friendly as pie…

It’s a really nice piece we think… and here are a few more of the Bremont stand

and Don’t Forget the Bremont Victory on my Wrist…

and here is another taster of the Victory Watch, we will be issuing a detailed analysis of the Bremont Victory soon on The Watch Review Site

Moving on from our friends from Bremont Watch Company to DeBethune and William and Son of London who represent a number of brands and watchmakers out of their Mount Street Outlet.

and now for the De Bethune DB28, a nice watch not dissimilar in shape to the ZR012 Experiment Nitro Glycerine, or URWERK UR-200 series with their strange case lug fitments is that a far as they go in similarity, bearing in mind the movements and independent background of the later two… We have had the hands on pleasure with all, yes all including the Nitro Glycerine and UR-210.

Looking at it again, OK the crown is on the top and Lugs are different but that’s really it in comparison’s, anyway here are a few more pic’s of the DB28

and the back

We will do a more personal review on the De Bethune DB28 later on in the coming weeks… For now here are a few more De Bethune timepieces on show at SalonQP.

And now for a treat for the attendees at SalonQP, Vacheron Constantin had an engraving and enamelling positions within there stand and allowed the general public to even get to grips with the engraver and bearing in mind it is one of only 5 (I think that is what they said) in the world, it is something to be very proud of for Vacheron Constantin and SalonQP for getting it here to the event. We managed to get some photo’s for you of the engraving machine and enameller

and here is a little close up..

and a member of the public using the engraver

and now for the enamelling

I think that will be enough for now, but look out for more tomorrow on our adventure at SalonQP in pictures, we have a little hands on with the new Meridian Watches, British hand made watches and sticking to the British theme we have some great shots of the Robert Loomes offerings, and that is fully British made even down to the movement, we have not seen this for over 40 years… Along with a little more form our friends at Schofield Watch Company and even some Jaeger-LeCoultre and the link with Aston Martin.

SalonQP 2012 – Best of British

Following on from our Series of SalonQP related posts and Press Releases, we have taken the liberty to introduce you to some of the British watchmakers who will be present at this Fine Watch Event. We have seen an emergence or should we say a re-emergence of British watch making talent in recent years and this is highlighted at the key event of the UK calender in the watch world SalonQP 2012.

In respect “Swiss made” hasn’t always been the de facto mark of watchmaking quality. Many of the most significant advances in horology were made in London, not the Alps. It is fitting then, in this year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London’s Olympic glory, that visitors to SalonQP will witness the continuing revival of British watch and clock making.

Last year at SalonQp 2011 we saw Bremont steal the show with  a little help from Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, who collaborated with them for a limited edition marine chronometer, we also had the launch of the Schofield Watch Company with Giles Ellis and his Signalman GMT timepieces and both these British brands are back this year.

We have another British watch brand launching at SalonQP 2012 with Meridian Watches.. they have kept the final product undercover and your first chance to catch a glimpse of this new handmade British Timepiece will be at SalonQP.

This British Re-emergence is led by the Bremont brothers Giles and Nick English, the roster also includes Speake-Marin, Thomas Mercer, Graham London, Robert Loomes & Co., Schofield and Meridian, who will launch at SalonQP 2012. Not a bad list we think.

Bremont has been busier than ever, in 2012 the brand opened its first boutique in London and completed The Victory Watch, including wood and copper from HMS Victory, whose refurbishment is supported by proceeds from the watch’s sale. The Victory will be exhibited at the show alongside Lord Nelson’s Pocket Watch.

English watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin, takes a sentimental approach and uses emotional inspiration for his elegant and highly personal pieces; from the original The Piccadilly to his latest Spirit watch, whose conception came from his own hardship. Discrete luxury – bashfully British.

Robert Loomes & Co.’s Robin watch is British through and through. At its heart is a 1950’s English movement, whilst on show is a strap cut from a herd living 10 miles away from the watchmakers’ Stamford workshop and sapphires cut and polished by the brand itself. An extraordinary effort, resulting in a beautiful clear-faced dial that hides the years of perseverance. Watch geeks can (and will) pick the piece apart, but won’t find a foreign accent lurking anywhere.

Having launched to fanfare at last year’s SalonQP, the Sussex-based Schofield return in 2012. Founder Giles Ellis says his watches are a “testament to great British engineering”. Ellis is quietly proud of the oh-so-English eccentricity and individuality that courses through him and into his brand. The pieces’ impeccable timing and precision ensure the brand’s endurance.

Launching brand, Meridian, are keeping its cards close to their chest – with elusive stories of military commissions the only thing to escape from its workshop. The brand’s ‘handmade in Britain’ debut will be presented at the Saatchi Gallery in November at SalonQP.

Master Horologist George Daniels CBE, MBE, creator of the revolutionary co-axial escapement, was regularly described as ‘The Greatest Living Watchmaker’. SalonQP was honoured by his participation in 2010 and this year is privileged to host the preview screening of a film devoted to him, ‘The Watchmakers’ Apprentice’. This heartfelt tribute to the man and his legacy, completed in the year since his passing, explores the professional and personal friendship between Daniels and his only student, Roger Smith, who will introduce the documentary at SalonQP. There will be a few chances during the event to catch a viewing of the Documentary as demand has called for additional showing throughout the show.

SalonQP presents the best from the world of watchmaking right here in the UK and is fantastically proud to showcase the best of UK watch making right back to the world.

Please join us at the Saatchi Gallery in London 8–10 November to fly your flags (whichsoever they might be)!

And on that note about joining all the above at SalonQP, we have a special surprise, the guys and girls at Schofield Watch Company have made it possibly to offer one lucky reader of The Watch Review Site and a guest the opportunity to attend the show on Saturday 10th November 2012, along with attending the ‘Designing in Circles’ Talk by Giles Ellis and a chance to get up close and personal with the Signalman GMT. All you have to do for the opportunity to win this prize is enter your name, email address and phone number on the following page /schofield-watch-company-salonqp-2012-competition-entry/.

The winner will be notified on Friday 9th November 2012 at 10.00am by telephone and or email and your tickets will be waiting for you at the Saatchi Gallery on Saturday, all we ask is that you are able to travel to The Saatchi Gallery in London on Saturday for the show.4

So to recap you can win 2 tickets to SalonQP 2012 for Saturday 10th November 2012, attendance at Talk by Giles Ellis ‘Designing in Circles’ and a Hands on Experience with the Signalman GMT PR in the company of Giles or one of his team.

For your chance to win click here. Good Luck.

We just like to thank Giles and Schofield Watch Company for this chance to get one of our readers and a guest to SalonQP on Saturday.

Bremont, SalonQP and Lord Nelson’s Pocket Watch to Launch Bremont Victory

In the run up to SalonQP 2012 at The Saatchi Gallery on Thursday 8th November to Saturday 10th November 2012 we will be giving you a preview of what’s to come an some great hands on reviews of some of the exhibitors timepieces. Starting with a preview of the Bremont Victory and confirmation that Bremont will be launching their Victory Watch alongside Admiral Lord Nelson’s Pocket Watch on loan from the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.

First off here is the Press Release by Bremont regarding the Appearance of the Pocket Watch at SalonQP.

Nelson’s Pocket Watch makes an appearance at SalonQP

Bremont are pleased to announce that they will be exhibiting a special historic timepiece to accompany the launch of their Victory watch at this year’s SalonQP.

Leaving its usual station at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, Admiral Lord Nelson’s original pocket watch will be on display exclusively at SalonQP on Thursday 8th November and Friday 9th November.

The gold pocket watch formerly belonging to Nelson was passed down to his daughter Horatia after his death in 1805. This was then kept within the family until 1957 when it was presented to the Museum by one her great grandsons, where it remains today.

Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar have both been a great fascination as well as inspiration for the Bremont brand and they are delighted to be working closely with The National Museum of the Royal Navy. The launch of their unique, limited edition Victory watch features original oak timber and copper from the HMS Victory ship with parts of the proceeds going towards important restoration works.

To follow up we also have a little video from Bremont of Giles English one of the Bremont Brothers who founded the British Watchmaker talking to SalonQP about the upcoming show piece event.

Following on from Gile’s comments above we thought a little about the Bremont Victory would fit nicely here,

Bremont Watch Company has been working with The National Museum of the Royal Navy (Portsmouth) to create a limited edition watch unlike any other watch ever created in the Bremont Victory. Each mechanical retrograde Victory watch will be made with original parts of HMS Victory built into it.

HMS Victory is the only remaining 18th Century ship anywhere in the world and remains the oldest serving warship still to be in commission- she still retains her own Captain, offices and crew and flies the flag of the Second Sea Lord, Commander in Chief Naval Home Command. Laid down in 1759 and launched in 1765; she is most famous as Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. In 1922 she was moved to a dry dock at Portsmouth, England, and preserved as a museum ship. She continues to be flagship of the Second Sea Lord and is the oldest naval ship still in commission.

HMS Victory as with any ship has had constant work carried out on her over the years. The ship sustained considerable damage after the battle of Trafalgar and had a major re-fit in 1814 and 1888 and then in 1903 following an accident where she was almost sunk on her mooring as a result of being struck by another boat. In 1910 the Society for Nautical Research was set up and in 1922 she was placed into dry dock where she currently stands.

Many years of exposure have taken their toll on HMS Victory and in 2010 a major refit was commissioned to preserve her for future generations. To commemorate Nelson and HMS Victory, Bremont has produced a totally unique watch that includes parts of oak timber and copper from the original ship. A portion of the proceeds of each watch will go towards the refurbishment and preservation of the ship.

Giles English “Nelson went to my school and as a boy he always fascinated me, I remember clearly the first time I visited HMS Victory. Over the last few years both Nick and myself have been working with the Royal Navy Fleet air arm Heritage and that’s when we heard about the restoration of HMS Victory. With no hesitation we approached the Navy and discussed the possibility of creating a watch using original parts from the ship. Not only did we want to make the watch unique but we also want it to be a horological masterpiece.”

We also hear from The National Museum of the Royal Navy

Giles Gould of The National Museum of the Royal Navy, “We take any relationship such as this very seriously and we have to be very confident that both HMS Victory and Nelson will be honoured correctly. We have never released original wood/copper that is as old as this and we think what Bremont is building is an amazing tribute. Victory means a lot to us and the Navy and the fact some of the proceeds of the watches sales are going towards the preservation of the Ship all help preserve her for future generations.”

The watch was initially launched on a wet day on the HMS Victory on the 12th July, 2012 and even the weather did not dampen the proceedings, to further introduce the Bremont Victory to the world the British Watchmaker Bremont will be exhibiting the Victory alongside Lord Nelson’s Pocket Watch.

The Victory will be available in two variants Rose Gold and stainless steel. The Stainless Steel will be limited to 250 pieces worldwide and Rose Gold limited to 40 timepieces. Bremont state the Victory will be shipped towards the end of 2012 and therefore the launch at SalonQP coincides with this.

Bremont Victory – Technical Details

Rose Gold: Victory/RG
Stainless Steel: Victory/SS

Movement
BE-83AR chronograph with retrograde seconds and retrograde date.Diameter 13 1/4″, height 7.90mm,

39 Jewels,

three-legged Glucydur balance with Nivarox 1 mainspring

28,800 bph.

Incabloc shock protection and 46 hour power reserve.

Perlage and blued screwed decoration with hand crafted stainless steel and copper rotor.

Functions

Sweep hours, minutes, retrograde seconds, retrograde date, sweep chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter.

Case
Hardened stainless steel or 18 carat rose gold Bremont Trip Tick case construction with original hand engraved copper PVD treated inner barrel (material from HMS
Victory).

Case diameter 43mm, lug width 22mm and case thickness 17mm.

Case back
Hardened stainless steel or 18 carat rose gold case back with integrated hand etched sapphire crystal.

Case back inlaid with original oak from HMS Victory.

Dial
Etched metal dial with off-white ground colours and treated steel hands.

Crystal
Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

Water resistance
Water resistant to 10ATM, 100 metres.

Strap
Louisiana crocodile leather

All Photo’s provided by or obtained from Bremont Watch Company 

Bremont announces launch of HMS Victory watch at Basel 2012

12 March 2012 | By Kate Donovan

Baselworld watches: Dare to be different

27 February 2012 | By Alex Doak

The labyrinthine halls of BaselWorld reward their more adventurous visitors with a host of hidden gems and less-trumpeted oddballs. Alex Doak reveals the quirkier corners of the Messe

Titanic-DNA Chrono Tourbillon by Romain Jerome
Just in time for the centenary of the doomed White Star Line vessel, Romain Jerome is launching a new flagship (pun intended) for its signature Titanic-DNA Collection. A rare watch, each of the three steel, black PVD or red gold versions will be issued in a mere nine-piece limited edition. The metal of the bezel, which fuses materials from Titanic that were recovered from the depths of the Atlantic and steel from the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast where it was built, is deliberately rusted and stabilised in its corroded form. Combined with the open-worked mechanical wonders whirring away within, Romain Jerome’s distinct ‘steampunk’ aesthetic has evolved spectacularly, whether you find the whole conceit tasteful or not.

H1 by HYT
There’s always at least one so-crazy-it-has-to-be-seen concept at BaselWorld. You can rely on TAG Heuer on a virtually annual basis, joined in recent years by Chanel and its dial-side crown and Concord’s outrageous liquid-power-reserve C1 QuantumGravity. So it’s no surprise that Concord’s former chief executive, Vincent Perriard, is behind new brand HYT, whose H1 indicates time with a capillary of two immiscible liquids, pumped back and forth by two hydraulic bellows. Horological think tank of the moment Chronode SA is behind the movement, fresh from similarly mind-boggling projects for watch brands MB&F, Urban Jürgensen & Sønner and Harry Winston.

Zürich by Nomos Glashütte
A brand finally enjoying the success it deserves in the UK at the hands of distributor The Alexander Collections, Nomos Glashütte’s Bauhaus beauties could well be the best-value ‘manufacture’ watches on the market. They start at well under £1,000 – something to do with the fact this quirky German company has chosen to reinvest in R&D during its 20-year lifespan, rather than marketing or advertising. Nomos’s top-end Zürich is the first of two Hannes Wettstein-designed watches featured on these pages. It has an iF Design Award already under its belt, and a new steel case back version launches this year for the more budget-conscious collector.

Picture 001

Galet Secret Tourbillon Double Spiral by Laurent Ferrier
It’s the Chinese Year of the Dragon, so given the watch world’s massive reliance on the Asian market as the western economy limps on, it’s no wonder that we’re seeing a flock of fire-breathing timepieces at BaselWorld. This piece from Laurent Ferrier is particularly clever – as you’d expect from a man who, up until a few years ago, served as head of product development at Patek Philippe for 37 years. Either on demand, or in passing, a 240º aperture is unfurled, revealing a beautiful, ivory-coloured grand feu enamel dial on gold with a hand-painted dragon. But if that doesn’t impress you, there’s a double-spiral tourbillon ticking away inside, not that Ferrier would ever be so crass as to show it through the dial. You can take the boy out of Patek…

ALT1-WT World Timer by Bremont
If you’re veering from the beaten path to see Fortis, a visit to the Swissotel by Hall 4 is also recommended. Here you’ll find BaselWorld’s other must-see satellite brand, Bremont, whose ebulliently English English brothers are sure to offer you a warm welcome and – at last – a decent cup of tea. Bremont has only been going for 10 years, but its rugged aviator chronographs are strapped to wrists in theatres of war the world over. The ALT1-WT is the first world timer from the British brand, a civilian version of a watch they designed specifically for C-17 Globemaster transporter crews, which debuted last year at SalonQP.

Mach 2000 Marquise By Lip
The 1970s revival continues apace this year, and it’s arguably thanks to the influence of Lip and its searingly original, but ultimately futile last-ditch launches of 1974 and 1975. Even nowadays, the watch world is relatively bereft of big-name designers (something to do with the closed nature of the Swiss industry) but France’s biggest manufacturer, faced with trades union turmoil and liquidation, took the unusual step of enlisting no less than six industrial designers to try to jump-start its fortunes. Famous for drafting the seminal lines of SNCF’s TGV train, Roger Tallon, who died in October last year, was the most out-there, and his D-shaped Mach 2000 watches have proven to be the most enduring for Lip’s modern revival at the hands of Manufacture Generale Horlogere.

Carbon Fibre Drass by Anonimo
Once unfairly known as the ‘poor man’s Panerai’, owing to its adoption of the Richemont brand’s Florentine case and strap-making facilities when Panerai moved to Switzerland, Anonimo has transcended the fashionability of its forebear with aplomb. It has earned countless professional endorsements thanks to its bulletproof casing and fantastic value. This new three-hander model features on-trend carbon fibre elements, but instead of the usual DLC or PVD coating, its steel case is sandblasted in a proprietary process called Drass. The alpha male’s choice.

Tread 1 Version F by Devon Works
Devon Works is a design lab dedicated to creating innovative luxury products that exemplify the American spirit, from supercars to superbikes and now superwatches. The Tread 1 is an audacious spider’s web of nylon conveyor belts driven by four tiny microstep motors. It was nominated for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2010 for Best Design and Concept Watch – the first time a US watch brand had ever been included. New for 2012 is Version F, picked out in orange. Plus, still veiled in secrecy at the time of press is its follow-up, Tread 2, another micro-mechanical wonder developed within the US aerospace industry’s network of suppliers and engineers. These watches have to be seen to be believed.

24 Hour by MeisterSinger
Another cult brand in the making, MeisterSinger’s USP is almost agonisingly simple: a single hour hand, with a fine enough point to read off the minutes between the hour indices. The use of the musical ‘fermata’, or ‘pause’ symbol, as its logo reflects MeisterSinger’s guiding philosophy of a more relaxed perception of time – no frantic sweep seconds dials here – and the new 24 Hour takes things one step slower. Now you can see the whole day at a glance, giving the wearer the chance to focus on the important things in life.

Alarm Chrono GMT by Fortis
Fortis is a BaselWorld satellite brand but it is well worth the two-minute stroll from Hall 2 to the Dorint Hotel. Fortis has irresistible action-man credentials that extend all the way into orbit, on the wrists of Mir’s cosmonauts. The brand’s 100th anniversary this year will be marked by a number of special, but always utilitarian, pieces – most notably this, the world’s first alarm automatic chronograph GMT, found in Fortis’s F-43 Flieger line.

Sparc MGS by Ventura
Often overlooked or simply unbeknown to visitors of BaselWorld is the Palace – a huge marquee behind the car park containing niche, independent brands that are too cool for school (or rather the stuffy Académie Horlogère Des Créateurs Indépendants in Hall 5). Make sure you see MB&F, Urwerk, Ressence and personal favourite Ventura – a luxury digital brand finally revived last year after a worrying hiatus. Fronted by Pierre Nobs, Ventura was the first to make an automatically wound digital watch in 2000, packaged in achingly hip Jetsons style by Hannes Wettstein.

Korona K0 by Sarpaneva
Son of Finnish jewellery designer Pentti Sarpaneva and nephew of iconic product designer Timo, Stepan Sarpaneva was destined for a life of creativity and craftsmanship. He graduated from The Finnish School of Watchmaking – a surprisingly prolific feeder for the Swiss industry – and cut his teeth at Piaget and Parmigiani, among many others. Stepan moved back home in 2003 to concentrate on his own Gothic-brutalist designs, inspired by the melancholy of the Finnish winter, working alone from a corner of Nokia’s abandoned cable factory. The Korona K0 is his first sporty piece, water resistant to 300m.

Giant Black by Mondaine
Like Mini, whose modern incarnation of a design classic has evolved into a full-blown brand in itself, Mondaine has, in its 20 short years, taken its wrist-born tribute to the Swiss Railways Clock down all manner of avenues, while always preserving the spirit of Hans Hilfiker’s classic 1944 design. This year’s sumptuous 42mm-diameter Giant, equipped with a Ronda quartz movement, tells us that black on black is still a hot trend for 2012.

Force 4 Shadow by Offshore Limited
Offshore Limited is a new French fashion brand that you’ll find over in Hall 2 at BaselWorld. It is currently enjoying huge success among the Euro jetset crowd
as a fun but high-end holiday or weekend watch. Designed with an eye for extreme sports, the watches are equally at home on the piste, the quaysides of St Tropez or the buzzy nightspots off the Champs-Élysées.
The chunky proportions and exuberant colours are all bang on trend, and given the pieces’ weighty build
quality, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better alternative to TechnoMarine, which seems to have dominated this niche for too long.

Source: http://www.retail-jeweller.com/products/watches/baselworld-watches-dare-to-be-different/5034235.article