Editors

Another four thoughts from Basel

EditorsApr 02, 2015

Another four thoughts from Basel

Every year, I return from Baselworld with a pile of USBs and a long list of stories to be told, both now and in the weeks to come.

But, there are always those few appointments that stick out in your mind, because the product was particularly appealing, the people were interesting or a combination of both.

As I did following the show last year, I give you four of my highlights from Baselworld below.

1. TAG Heuer: One step forward, two steps back.
This is a popular watch brand that’s been struggling to find itself for the last couple of years. The Link Lady collection they launched a few years ago never really took off, and it seems like all the highly complicated, and more expensive, models they’ve been introducing over the past few years weren’t resonating with the brand’s core customers either.

In December, it was out with CEO Stéphane Linder and watch industry veteran Jean-Claude Biver took over the brand, proclaiming that TAG needs to get back to the business of selling watches in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.

So, what do they do at Baselworld? In what I would consider the smartwatch announcement of the show, TAG Heuer revealed that it’s teaming up with Google and Intel for a luxury smartwatch. At the same time, the brand introduced two beautiful men’s throwback models and ladies’ watches that were fresh, young and edgy instead of old, dainty and boring.

This year I would have to say my meeting with TAG Heuer was one of my favorite appointments in Baselworld in terms of the watches, not to mention the endless smorgasbord of food and drinks they circulate in the lounge downstairs while you wait.

Now, when I say one of my favorite appointments, it comes with a caveat: My favorites are not necessarily all about the complications, though I do love a good minute repeater.

I look for watches that I find aesthetically pleasing and that I could see doing well at retail. Behold, these three models from TAG Heuer.

On the left is the new 39 mm Carrera Calibre 6 COSC certified ($3,200) with a 44-hour power reserve while on the right is the new Carrera Calibre 18 automatic chronograph ($6,300).

Both are based on Carrera models from the 1960s and will be available for retailers in September.



Six new 41 mm ladies’ models, one of which is shown above, were made with brand ambassador Cara Delevingne in mind--they are young, edgy and made for a “tomboy,” the brand said.

They range in price
from $2,500 to $5,100 and also will be available in September.

2. Patek Philippe. Classic love.
If money were no object and I had my choice of watches, I would pick a Patek Philippe. There’s something so enticing about a company that focuses on doing one thing and just does it exceptionally well. It’s like eating at a restaurant with only a handful of items on the menu--you know any dish you pick is going to be delicious.

While the big news coming out of the brand’s booth this year was Patek’s first pilot watch in decades, which I did not love, my personal favorite was the black and 18-karat rose gold version of the Ref. 6102 Celestial. This astronomical wristwatch has a map of the stars on its face that actually moves, reproducing the movement of the stars in the sky as well as the positions and phases of the moon.


The new black and rose gold Ref. 6102 as shown in the brand’s booth at Baselworld.

The new Ref. 6102, which is one of the brand’s Grand Complication models, can be mine for only $283,200.

3. Edox. The ice man cometh. The brand returneth.
Two people I always look forward to seeing in Basel are Sarah Wasserman and her dad, Mark, the father-and-daughter team distributing Claude Bernard watches in the United States and now, bringing back Edox to the market.

Making my appointment even more interesting this year was getting introduced to Christian Redl, a world champion free-diver from Austria who soon will attempt the first free-dive under the Arctic ice cap.

Free-diving, I learned through talking to Christian at the Edox/Claude Bernard booth, is diving without any kind of scuba equipment, relying entirely on the diver’s ability to hold his or her breath. Christian can go many minutes at a time without needing to resurface and, he assured me, it’s a skill that can be taught. Like any other sport, it’s all about practicing and, in the case of holding one’s breath underwater, not panicking.


Redl in mid-dive (left) and the 50th anniversary limited-edition automatic Edox Hydro Sub diving watch, powered by the Edox 80 movement ($2,395)

Next week, Redl and another man, along with two huskies brought along to fend off polar bears, will make the trek to the North Pole where he’ll dive into the icy waters wearing the Edox Hydro-Sub Limited Edition. His mission, besides doing something that’s never been done before, is to draw attention to global warming and the plight of the Pole’s polar bears, whose habitat is shrinking.

I wish him the best of luck. You can learn more about Redl and his expedition on his Facebook page.

4. Tissot. Hot pink.
One of the trends I spotted in Basel, in both watches and jewelry, was changeability. There are a lot of pieces being made today that can be worn in multiple ways, i.e., earrings with detachable jackets that turn into studs, necklaces that can be worn as bracelets, etc.

In the watch world, one of my favorites from the show was Tissot’s new Quickster watches. Launched last year with a special model for the World Cup, the Quickster is a simple quartz watch. No bells and whistles, just a clean dial that makes it easy to tell the time and, which I was told, has been very popular.


The new Quickster models come with two or three straps and I particularly liked the pink model above, which retails for $425. As I mentioned above, nothing super-complicated: just a nice-looking watch that I could see doing well at retail.

I know attendance was down again at Baselworld this year but for any retailers who did attend, I’d love to hear about some of the watches you liked. In the meantime, have a great weekend everyone, and happy Easter and Passover to all who celebrate.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Astrid & Miyu 2025 12-Day, 24-Day, Solid Gold Advent Calendars
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent Calendars

The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.

Front of Marla Aaron porcelain Nymphenburg Lock
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Alisa Bunger Frederick Goldman
MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of Sales

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Feriel Zerouki, De Beers Chief Trade and Industry Officer
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Fabergé Imperial Winter Egg
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

Kessler watch battery recycling program
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Katkim Men’s Collection Shadow Pendant Necklace and Anerise Signet Band
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s Collection

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

Gemfields Rough Rubies
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11M

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

×

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