BaselWorld 2011 Officially Opens!

In Its 39th year, BaselWorld has already given us a sneak preview of some of trends on offer…

Watchmakers possess the unique gift of stamping a distinctive identity on their products, an identity that will define and direct the brand.

This year, they have been inspired by the Art Deco style of the 1920's and 30's, as well as the marked classicism of the 1950's and 60's, whose simple, elegant lines have made a strong comeback.

Many models have been redesigned and reinterpreted, and each comes with its own story and a guaranteed legitimacy. Discretion is the watchword. Men's watches have returned to a more reasonable 40 to 43 mm in diameter, while ladies' mini timepieces are once again a more fashionable 25 to 30 mm, with the midi a more standard size of 34 to 38 mm.

Simplicity is also evident in the dials. These are stripped to the essentials, but still finely worked, with embossed, flat, pierced or even totally openworked versions, highlighting the movement beating at the heart of the watch.

While steel and gold remain the choice materials, some of the most appreciated finishes are PVD- or DLC-treated. Two-tone models, a favourite until now with Anglo-Saxon clients, have slowly gained in popularity.

This year's watches are bolder, with bracelets, straps and cases playing an integral part in this contrast of colours between traditional silvered tones and the lustre of pink or yellow gold. Timepieces are also more classical in appearance, with their round cases, though a few feature more artistic shapes in the Art Deco style. More and more companies have fitted their watches with in-house movements, while tourbillons, striking-mechanisms and perpetual calendars remain our watchmakers' most popular complications.

See Basel-11 for regular updates throughout the next 8 days. Or follow us at Facebook.com/Time2watches or Twitter.com/Time2watches