Our managing editor, John Ng attended the biggest event in watch industry — Baselworld 2018 — and now he can’t wait to share with you the beauties he had his eyes on. Here are his top 10 picks:
Rolex GMT Master II in “Oystersteel”
This new GMT is equipped with a bi-directional Cerachrom “Pepsi” two-tone bezel with 24-hour, night/day indication as well as the same black dial with luminous dot indexes. The Oyster case has been reworked to add a gentle sheen, and the watch is fitted on a Jubilee bracelet.
Tudor Black Bay GMT
Baselworld 2018 seems to be the year of the GMT for Tudor and its bigger brother. Equipped with the in-house MT5652 COSC-certified calibre, the Sixties-inspired watch boasts a stainless steel case, a 24-hour bi-colour rotatable bezel, a black matte dial, and you get a choice of steel bracelet, brown leather strap and or fabric strap.
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738R-001
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this design, the watch with a 34.5mm x 39.5mm case and an ebony black sunburst dial houses a movement which measures 2.53mm from top to bottom, allowing it to come in with a total height of just under 6mm.
Omega Seamaster 1948 Limited Edition
This limited edition – yes, to 1948 pieces – is released to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Seamaster, honouring the brand’s post-war classic. The stainless steel case, polished bezel, opaline silvery domed dial and polished crown emit a retro charm. What’s more, the flat sapphire crystal caseback is laser engraved and lacquered by hand with a 70th Anniversary logo, a Chris-Craft boat and Gloster Meteor aircraft.
Bell & Ross Vintage BRV2-94 Racing Bird
Taking cue from the brand’s BR-Bird racing plane design, this watch is a contemporary and colourful take on a traditional pilot’s watch. On top of that, fans of Bell & Ross will know that white dials are rare and so are round cases, which make it an especially unique piece.
Longines Black PVD Longines Legend Diver
Why change something that has been working well? Nearly undistinguishable from the existing Heritage divers Longines has updated the watch using PVD plating to give it a deep black finish. The rubber strap which resembles a mesh bracelet will make you take a second look.
Rado True Thinline Leaf
The designers at Rado looked to nature for their new True Thinline models: Earth, Water – and this, Leaf. The name of this ultra-thin unisex watch derives from its dial, featuring a green mother-of-pearl and an intricate leaf pattern which comes to life when hit by light.
Hublot Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Have you heard that Hublot is the official timekeeper of FIFA World Cup this year? What we like about this watch is how you get notifications of match start times, live match stats, and even vibrate and show the word “GOAL” in big letters every time a goal is scored.
Chopard Quattro L.U.C
The pairing of rose gold with blued hands and saffiano strap is an eye-catching touch of aesthetic, not to mention the silver dial that provides a delicate effect resulting in a subtle interplay of light. But what’s more incredible is the 216-hour-power reserve – and that’s nearly 10 days!
Gucci G-Timeless Three Dimensional
The hologram effect which shows off the Gucci GG logo on both the dial and strap pop as you move your wrist. With its versatile combination of black and white tones, this unique and attention-grabbing watch guarantees to go well with any outfit.
Text by John Ng
