TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2016
From Baselworld: New from Breitling, Tissot, Waltham Watches
Tissot’s NBA watches, Breitling’s ultra-light 50 mm Avenger and Waltham Watches celebrity style on social media were among the highlights our editor spotted during her first day on the show floor.
From left, the Breitling Avenger Hurricane, Waltham’s XA Purse S and Tissot’s Quickster for the Miami Heat
Basel--Here are a few highlights from our editor’s first day appointments at Baselworld 2016.
Breitling lightens up.
In addition to a smartwatch and a new timepiece with a 100-hour power reserve, Breitling debuted the Avenger Hurricane, a 50 mm watch made using Breitlight, a new trademarked polymer composite reinforced with an undisclosed fiber. (Breitling is so intent on keeping its new formula a secret, in fact, that it didn’t apply for a patent for Breitlight.)
The material is 3.3 times lighter than titanium and nearly six times lighter than steel and, by all accounts, does not feel like a 50 mm watch.
It is powered by the self-winding Breitling Caliber B12, which is officially chronometer certified by COSC. The watch has a power reserve of more than 70 hours.
The Avenger Hurricane retails for $8,390 on a rubber strap.
Tissot and the NBA.
The Swatch Group-owned brand announced earlier this year that it is now the official timekeeper for the NBA and has created a Quickster in the colors of 11 NBA teams so far as well as a special edition T-Touch Expert Solar to mark the partnership.
Tissot has five official NBA partner teams: the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Miami Heat and has watches in six other teams’ colors as well, including the Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors.
The brand also will be launching a smartwatch version of its T-Touch Solar that most likely won’t come out in the United States until early 2017. Called the Smart-Touch, the watch is still in development at this time so prototypes were not available at the show.
Tissot, however, does have a touch-screen display in its booth designed to look like a (much-scaled-down) version of the Swiss Alps that demonstrates some of the Smart-Touch’s functions, including its ability to provide a weather forecast and help the wearer find their way.
Waltham likes Instagram.
Waltham Watches is a brand with an interesting history. It originated in 1850 in Waltham, Mass. and was in operation in the United States until 1957, selling watches to notables including Abraham Lincoln and polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
One of the company’s clocks was in the cockpit of the Spirit of St. Louis when Charles Lindbergh guided the single-engine plane over the Atlantic and Waltham made controls for bombers during World War II.
In the late 1950s, the company disappeared from the U.S. retail landscape, changed hands a couple times overseas and now is back, getting its name out there again in a very modern way--via Instagram.
The brand has gotten, and shared socially, photos of rapper and actor Curtis Jackson (a/k/a 50 Cent), Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and comedians D.L. Hughley and George Lopez wearing Walthams.
The brand’s 47 mm timepieces retail for $5,500 to $9,400 though it is coming out with 43 mm models that will start at $2,900. Waltham also plans to incorporate more color in its designs.
Pictured here is one of the brand’s new XA Pure S models with blue accents ($5,500 retail). The watch is powered by automatic caliber W.DB-001 Dubois-Dépraz 14060 and has a power reserve of 40 to 44 hours.
The case is titanium with a ceramic bezel and the bracelet is Vulcanised VulCarboné genuine rubber.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect the fact that it is the New York Knicks that are one of Tissot's five NBA partner teams, not the New York Nets as previously stated.
The brand has gotten, and shared socially, photos of rapper and actor Curtis Jackson (a/k/a 50 Cent), Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and comedians D.L. Hughley and George Lopez wearing Walthams.
The brand’s 47 mm timepieces retail for $5,500 to $9,400 though it is coming out with 43 mm models that will start at $2,900. Waltham also plans to incorporate more color in its designs.
Pictured here is one of the brand’s new XA Pure S models with blue accents ($5,500 retail). The watch is powered by automatic caliber W.DB-001 Dubois-Dépraz 14060 and has a power reserve of 40 to 44 hours.
The case is titanium with a ceramic bezel and the bracelet is Vulcanised VulCarboné genuine rubber.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect the fact that it is the New York Knicks that are one of Tissot's five NBA partner teams, not the New York Nets as previously stated.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
