A Glimpse Into BaselWorld 2011

From Breguet to Rolex, Swatch to Paris Hilton, BaselWorld is something of a world unto itself - a world in which you can never own too many watches and where some watch brands spend millions of pounds on their so-called booths - multi-storey stands reminiscent of 6 star hotel lobbies, which they take a week to rig up. One or two even line the entrances with clipboard-brandishing hostesses many have failed to defy without an appointment booked months in advance. So what will 2011 bring?

Here’s a glimpse:

- In line with the trend for slimline watches, Danish fashion brand Skagen does not disappoint with its new Ultra Slim designs.

- On the luxury front, Chopard’s LUC XP Tonneau is manly but sophisticated – also with a new penchant for slimness.

- Rado’s D-Star Basel Special is crafted with ceramic, a favourite for the brand, while Austrian crystal experts Swarovski has crafted its first ever ceramic watch.

- Longines will be showing a watch it once created for Swiss national airline Swissair. It was originally based on the brand’s aviator’s watches, distinct for their 24 hour dial – look out for an alluring black-dialled version with black strap.

- Hublot’s Tourbillon Vendome celebrates the brand’s new Paris store, with bronze replicas of the column in Place Vendome framing the tourbillon cage.

Happy shopping or window-shopping, as the case may be.

BaselWorld 2011 kicks off next Thursday March 24 and TIME² will be bringing you all the latest brand news and trend reports from the annual week-long event. So keep posted!

See BaselWorld-11 for the coverage so far.