The Daytona Returns with a Black Bezel
ROLEX | Rolex

In 2013, the 50th anniversary of the Daytona's birth, a platinum case model with a chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel was released. Since then, there has been strong anticipation for the return of the black bezel specification for the stainless steel model as well.

The Cosmograph Daytona, announced at Baselworld 2016, features a modern chronograph face with a black Cerachrom bezel that evokes the look of the original Plexiglas bezel, giving it a particularly sharp and refined appearance.

The bezel, crafted using a meticulous process where a ceramic ring is engraved with a tachymeter scale and numerals, then coated entirely with platinum, and finally, the surface platinum is removed to leave it only in the grooves of the numerals and scale, boasts a beautiful luster and excellent legibility.

The dial comes in two variations: an active black lacquer dial and a chic white lacquer dial, both available with the Cerachrom bezel model. Both are expected to be well-received as designs that usher in a new era for the Daytona.

Page02.OMEGA | Master Chronometer with Strong Magnetic Resistance Further Enhanced

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Master Chronometer with Strong Magnetic Resistance Further Enhanced
OMEGA | Omega

Even before Baselworld, Omega had generated anticipation for new models conforming to the "Master Chronometer" standard, a new official watch certification established in 2015.

The Master Chronometer, certified by the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology, not only sets stringent standards for precision and durability but also incorporates exceptional magnetic resistance of over 15,000 gauss, a significant improvement over previous standards. Consequently, Omega has held a unique position, capable of producing watches that meet these standards using its proprietary non-magnetic Nivagauss material for the balance staff.

At Baselworld 2016, the focus was on how far this Master Chronometer standard would expand, and models conforming to it quickly appeared in the Speedmaster line. The "Speedmaster Moonphase Master Chronometer" is one such example.

It is equipped with the Cal. 9904, an in-house developed chronograph movement featuring the Co-Axial escapement for reduced friction and proven high precision (precious metal case models use Cal. 9905). Naturally, it also boasts magnetic resistance exceeding 15,000 gauss.

A total of eight models in the "Speedmaster Moonphase Master Chronometer" series were unveiled at this year's Baselworld. In addition to two variations in stainless steel, the lineup included combination models, Sedna gold models, and even a top-tier 950 platinum model.

This has established a new high-end line for the Speedmaster, featuring a beautiful moon phase complication, all at once.

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Grand Seiko Presents Lightweight Cases of Ceramic and Bright Titanium
SEIKO | Seiko

Grand Seiko, launched in 1960 with the ambition to surpass Swiss luxury watches, is Seiko's flagship collection. For many years, it has reigned as the king of Japanese watchmaking, blending the "Seiko Style" design language, born from a unique aesthetic sensibility and multi-faceted construction, with high-precision engineering that surpasses Swiss movements.



The 2016 new releases include a limited collection incorporating ceramic. A key feature is the hybrid case with a dual structure combining black materials. The outer case is made of zirconia ceramic, seven times harder than stainless steel, while the inner case uses Bright Titanium for enhanced robustness.

The meticulously polished ceramic case accentuates Grand Seiko's signature multi-faceted form and sharp lines. In addition to a refined black dial, a green dial inspired by the Momiji trees used in the Onbashira festival at Suwa Shrine in Nagano Prefecture, where the watches are manufactured, is also available. These limited models exude a special sense of exclusivity.

The movement is Spring Drive, which fuses the structure of a mechanical watch with the precision control technology of quartz. In addition to a high-quality chronograph function with carefully tuned button feel, it also features a GMT function useful for business executives active worldwide. This is a supreme chronograph that challenges new case materials, showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking.

Page03.TAG HEUER | "Caliber Heuer 01" Reaches Full Maturity

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"Caliber Heuer 01" Reaches Full Maturity
TAG HEUER | TAG Heuer

The "Caliber Heuer 01" (Cal. HEUER 01), an in-house chronograph movement that evolved from the spirit of the Cal. 1887, was introduced in 2015. It is a meticulously crafted movement with 320 parts, featuring a high-quality column wheel mechanism for its motion transmission. It was named in homage to the founder, Edouard Heuer.

TAG Heuer's 2016 offerings include a large number of new Carrera models equipped with the Caliber Heuer 01. A distinctive feature of the Heuer 01 series is the bold skeletonization of the mainplate on the dial side. This allows for an open-worked dial that reveals the gears and date mechanism. For chronograph enthusiasts, it's captivating to watch the sub-dials operate in conjunction with the chronograph hands. Furthermore, the modular case, composed of 12 parts, allows for various material combinations.

The "TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 01 Chronograph Black Ceramic," which garnered significant attention at Baselworld, is a standout. Alongside the sporty steel models, the grey-based and all-black versions also drew considerable interest.

The black version uses ceramic for the case and bezel. Paired with a perforated rubber strap, its jet-black, sharp appearance is reminiscent of a racing car's interior.

The grey version utilizes ultra-light Grade 2 titanium and features a grey dial. With satin and sandblasted finishes to eliminate glare, it presents a Spartan aesthetic. Aptly nicknamed "Grey Phantom," it projects a powerful, monochrome image.

Both models are designed to be actively and sportily worn, true to TAG Heuer's chronograph heritage, and their arrival in Japan is eagerly awaited.

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Expressing the World of Classic Car Racing with New El Primero Models
ZENITH | Zenith

Chronographs, with their focus on precise timekeeping, have a strong affinity with motorsports and aviation, and were originally developed as instruments for these fields. In recent years, Zenith has increasingly aligned its brand identity with these domains, centering on its chronographs with their exceptional high-beat movements.

The Pilot series evokes connections to early 20th-century aviation timepieces, such as those used by Louis Blériot, while Zenith's association with classic car races like the Tour Auto and the HERO Cup further enhances the appeal of its chronographs.



The new "El Primero 36,000 VpH Classic Cars" model features Zenith's iconic automatic chronograph movement, the El Primero (Cal. 400B), presented in a classic style.

Examining the details of the new model, the anthracite-colored dial features a striped engine-turned finish, reminiscent of classic car interiors. The sub-dials have a different color arrangement compared to the standard "El Primero 36,000 VpH," emphasizing its special nature, while the red hands amplify the instrument-like aesthetic.

The calfskin strap has a vintage finish and is perforated, evoking the leather used for steering wheels or gloves. This exquisite piece, skillfully blending the ambiance of vintage cars with the El Primero, is also appealing for its accessible price point.

Page04.HUBLOT | Celebrating 10 Years of All Black: The Big Bang Unico

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Celebrating 10 Years of All Black: The Big Bang Unico
HUBLOT | Hublot

Hublot introduced the "Big Bang" in 2005 under the concept of "Fusion." Beyond the fusion of materials, in 2006, they unveiled an "All Black" version, dyeing the case, strap, and even the indices on the dial into a uniform jet black. This established a unique dial style of "visible invisibility" and led the trend for all-black models in the watch industry.

In 2016, marking the 10th anniversary of the All Black's debut, a commemorative model was released. The "Big Bang Unico Sapphire All Black," powered by the in-house chronograph movement "Unico," graces this milestone year.

The material is black yet translucent. It's a black that seems to absorb light, yet it's astonishing to see the intricate workings of the Unico movement through it. The entire watch is enveloped in "visible invisibility."

The material is sapphire crystal. While familiar as the material for watch crystals and transparent case backs, it boasts exceptional hardness second only to diamond, making it an attractive choice for case construction. However, shaping such a hard material into a case presents significant challenges, making its rarity noteworthy.

This sapphire crystal has been smoke-treated to achieve a color that is both jet black and translucent. The strap is also made of black, translucent skeleton silicone, maintaining the theme throughout.

The completely transparent "Big Bang Unico Sapphire," the counterpart to this watch, was announced before Baselworld. As the model name suggests, its case is also made of sapphire crystal. Both are limited to 500 pieces.

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Introducing the All-Black DLC Specification: Octo Ultranero
BVLGARI | Bulgari

Since declaring themselves a "watchmaker" in 2010, Bulgari's timepieces have undergone continuous evolution. Today, they are an undeniable manufacture, boasting high-quality in-house movements and producing complicated watches. The Octo collection symbolizes Bulgari's current prowess.

The new Octo models for 2016 feature a sharp all-black specification. The full scope of the Octo Ultranero, meaning "ultimate black," which was revealed at the pre-Basel press conference in January, has now been unveiled. In addition to the previously introduced models,Pink gold bezel + DLC-coated casea model with an all-DLC coating, including the bezel, has also been announced, presenting a sharp, monochromatic appearance.



The Octo's complex and distinctive case, formed by the combination of circles and octagons with over 110 facets, is given a mechanical flair by the chronograph sub-dials and pushers, creating a sophisticated item for the discerning man.

The DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating applied to this watch provides exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, perfectly complementing its active image.

Inside this captivating case lies the Caliber Velocissimo, based on the El Primero. The model name "Velocissimo," meaning "very fast," derives from this high-beat movement. The watch embodies Bulgari's high-level craftsmanship.

Page05.SINN | Announces a Split-Seconds Chronograph to Celebrate 55th Anniversary

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Announces a Split-Seconds Chronograph to Celebrate 55th Anniversary
SINN | Sinn

Sinn's booth at Baselworld 2016 was filled with a celebratory atmosphere. The "TESTAF" standard for pilot watches, developed in collaboration with Aachen University of Applied Sciences and others, had finally been recognized by German industrial standards. The long-desired German-made watch was completed. And it marked the 55th anniversary of the company's founding. There were triple reasons for joy.

It is equipped with a thoroughly revised movement based on the highly reliable Valjoux 7750. It features two chronograph second hands and a split-seconds function for measuring lap times. Furthermore, the mechanism controlling the "start," "stop," and "reset" of the chronograph employs a column wheel, known for its smooth operation and high durability.

The finishing is also impeccable; the view through the exhibition case back reveals beautiful classical decorations and blued screws. The case back is also engraved with "1961-2016," marking the 55th anniversary.

While it exudes a strong vintage feel, it also possesses the high reliability that meets modern industrial standards. Sinn's proprietary technologies, such as the "D3 system" that ensures a seamless fit between the crown and pushers and the case, are also incorporated. It is a chronograph of exceptional quality, befitting its 55th-anniversary celebration.

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Returning to Classic Design with Current Space Watch Aesthetics
FORTIS | Fortis

Founded in 1912, Fortis is known for its pioneering watchmaking, including the world's first automatic wristwatch. Currently, its flagship line, the "B-42 Cosmonautis Chronograph," is the official equipment for missions on the International Space Station (ISS), making it the world's only wristwatch with a continuously extending spaceflight record.

As the name "Classic" suggests, the new "Classic Cosmonautis Chronograph" represents a return to past watch designs. The rotating bezel, previously featured on the B-42 Cosmonautis Chronograph, has been replaced with a non-rotating bezel, and the tachymeter scale is now printed on it.

This style of printing the tachymeter on the chronograph bezel, as seen in the new model, is inherited from the first model that flew into space in 1994. This design change has resulted in a new Cosmonautis Chronograph that evokes the authentic aviation chronograph style that Fortis has traditionally excelled at.

The case back is transparent, and the movement is the reliable Valjoux 7750 (Cal. Valjoux 7750). Two types are available, differing in bezel material. Overall, this is a more accessible classic design, offering enhanced user-friendliness through its reliability and sensible pricing.

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Remodeled Chronograph Immersed in the World of Yachting
EDOX | EDOX

EDOX has been the official timekeeper for demanding sports such as powerboat racing and rallies, and has consistently produced robust and functional timepieces suitable for these environments. The Grand Ocean is one such series.

This series debuted in 2008 and has served as the official watch for the "Extreme Sailing Series," an international yacht race for which EDOX has been the official timekeeper since 2013. While elegant at first glance, these watches are remarkably tough. The high-tech world of yacht racing is reflected in their design, offering a lineup that is both luxurious and capable of withstanding hard use.

In 2016, this series underwent a significant model change. The chronograph pushers have been made screw-down, and the case back is now also screw-down. The crown gasket features a double O-ring system, achieving a water resistance of 300 meters, comparable to dive watches.

The rotating bezel ring is made of ceramic, enhancing scratch resistance and legibility. The 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock is marked to measure a countdown of the first four minutes. This corresponds to the "flying start" method used in the Extreme Sailing Series, which includes a four-minute waiting period.

While significantly enhanced, the new Grand Ocean embodies EDOX's signature blend of luxury and sportiness.


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