Editors

4 Trends from Baselworld 2016

EditorsMar 30, 2016

4 Trends from Baselworld 2016

Small, thinner watches and jewelry that transitions easily from day to night were among the trends our editor-in-chief spotted in Switzerland.


To me, every trade show has a different feel.

In Basel this year, I would describe the mood as a bit subdued and that’s understandable. Baselworld is a global show and, right now, the world outside of Basel is facing a slew of economic and social problems.

As one well-known jewelry designer I interviewed at the show put it: “Politically, religiously, the economy--nothing makes so much sense, even for intelligent people. So we’re not quite sure--and the politicians are not doing a good job--how we can relax today. Because we truly don’t quite understand the problem.”  

That is why I observed what I did in Basel: watch and jewelry brands being more conservative with their new collections and working to create pieces that appeal to consumers in every possible way.

Women at work, and our more casual society
Do you know what my favorite Barbie was when I was younger? It was Day-to-Night Barbie. Her daytime skirt suit (that was pink, of course) concealed a sparkly top and turn-around bottom that she could wear to go out in the evenings after work because, like so many women today, Day-to-Night Barbie did not have time to go home and change.

As a young child I found her adaptability appealing and, looking back on it now, I guess I always liked the idea of being a working woman, hence the way I’ve chosen to live my life as an adult. My younger self also was a big fan of her little briefcase that held various office necessities, including a newspaper, business magazines (Day-to-Night Barbie obviously was an advocate for solid journalism) and calculator.

At Baselworld, Sutra introduced new pieces that are, for it, more subtle, less expensive and designed for everyday wear. This two-tone feather pendant is 18-karat rose and yellow gold with 5 carats of diamonds ($8,750, chain not included).

Today, the day-to-night lifestyle played out by this doll is a reality for many women. According to a study published in 2014 by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the percentage of women in the paid labor force in the U.S. has risen from just above 50 percent in 1984 (the year Day-to-Night Barbie debuted) to nearly 60 percent today.

That is why we continue to see designers creating jewelry that works for both day and evening wear--something not too flashy to wear around the office during the day yet not
so subtle that it gets lost at night.  

I realize the idea of day-to-night wear is not brand new but it was, in my opinion, more prevalent at Baselworld this year.

Another factor contributing to this trend is our more casual society; people rarely, if ever, get dressed up anymore.

If you don’t believe me, take a walk around New York’s Theater District in the evenings when the plays and musicals are letting out; no one thinks twice about wearing jeans to the theater.

If Times Square isn’t enough punishment for you, accompany my mother to church one Sunday. When I attend mass with my parents, my mom often will remark on the way people just don’t dress up for church anymore, and she’s right. I don’t remember ever being allowed to wear jeans to mass, even in the summer when they were more casual and (thank God) shorter. Now, it seems like the norm. Oh, the horror.   

A more casual society demands more casual jewelry.

The unbearable lightness of Baselworld 2016
The world’s watchmakers are in constant pursuit of superlatives, and the “-ests” many were after this year seemed to be thinnest and lightest.

There was Breitling’s 50 mm Avenger Hurricane, made with a trademarked polymer composite the brand dubbed “Breitlight.”It definitely did not feel like a 50 mm watch on your wrist.

In addition, there was Bulgari’s super-slim minute repeater and the Eco-Drive One from Citizen, which the brand said is the world’s thinnest light-powered watch.

Swatch Group-owned brand Rado, meanwhile, called its 2016 collection “lightness inspired” and introduced three very slender watches--the True Open Heart, True Thinline and Hyperchrome Ultra Light.

The Rado True Thinline has a case that’s only 4.9 mm thick and is powered by a quartz movement that measures 1 mm--about the same thickness as a credit card. It the thinnest ceramic watch ever produced by Rado. The True Thinline comes in black, white and a gray shade Rado calls “lustruous plasma” (pictured here.) All three models retail for $2,180.

The thin trend falls in line with watchmakers’ overall desire to make watches that are smaller, less conspicuous and, perhaps most pointedly, more affordable.

Straps and colors
I saw a lot more NATO straps at Baselworld this year than I have in years’ past, and for good reason.

The usually colorful cloth straps, which, according to WatchTime, were created by Great Britain’s Ministry of Defence in the early 1970s, represent another way for brands to bring down the price of their timepieces, in addition to making them smaller.

NATO straps also give the wearer options. They can swap in a NATO strap for their bracelet to create a more casual watch to wear to work or on the weekends and then switch back to the bracelet for more formal occasions. (This also relates to the first trend I outlined above, creating pieces that transition from day to night.)

Oris showed me a number of new NATO strap options for its Divers Sixty-Five watch.

Italian fashion house Gucci rolled out a few as well, as did Rolex, Tudor and the Swatch Group’s highest-end brand, Blancpain, just to name a few.

Color-wise, I observed much of what our (newly minted) Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator did at the Tucson gem shows earlier this year: a lot of pink and blue.

Longines rolled out pink and blue versions of its ladies’ quart La Grande Classique model featuring mother-of-pearl dials decorated with a star. Retail prices range from $1,475 to $3,750 for the 24 mm and $1,525 to $4,050 for the 29 mm size.

Pink (Rose Quartz) and blue (Serenity) were christened the Colors of the Year for 2016 by Pantone, and I noticed both watch and jewelry brands incorporating them into their designs at this year’s show.

Have any thoughts the trends I outlined here? Feel free to send emails, kind, spiteful or otherwise, to michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com or comment below.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy