600 companies withdrew; that's quite something, isn't it?

TAKASHIYOKO-san, how many years has it been since your last Basel coverage trip?

YOKOActually, I've forgotten how many years it's been. It was definitely before the renovations.

TAKASHIThen you must have been surprised when you actually saw it? That huge void!



Perhaps that's reflected in the disappointment around here.

TAKASHI600 companies withdrew; that's quite something, isn't it? Although, the majority were small jewelry brands.

YOKO600 companies at once – that's almost a social crisis level. It's terrifying to think about the impact on surrounding accommodations and the decline in spending. But what could be the reason for the decrease?

TAKASHIEconomic stagnation? The precious metals business, including watches, relies on patrons, doesn't it? Japan was once the world's leading patron during the bubble era.

YOKOI did feel a decrease in visitors from Asia, including China, and from Arab countries.

TAKASHIBut even in such circumstances, I felt the brands' commitment. After all, they were all showcasing their bestsellers, weren't they?

YOKOIn my memory, everyone used to develop new mechanisms rapidly, especially the tourbillon development race. Each company felt immense energy in development, aiming to create unique tourbillons. They were all boasting about the movements they had created, focusing on the technology itself rather than sales.



YOKOPerhaps it's because I'm from the generation that experienced the bubble economy, but I thought, 'Hmm, maybe it's a bit understated?' When they introduced new products, they'd start with a gorgeous model, and the daily models would appear around the third presentation. However, it's true that the daily models shown this time impressed me with their high cost performance. The craftsmanship is solid, and the quality has undoubtedly improved. Moreover, the pricing isn't outrageous. That's where I felt, 'Times have changed.'

TAKASHIIf they priced them outrageously now, they'd be torn apart online, right? That's how much information circulates. By the way, YOKO-san, what was the model that stuck in your memory this year?



YA1264062_CMYK



YOKO

Previously, changing watch straps required special tools, which was a hurdle, especially for women. This year, several brands offered models with easily interchangeable straps, which I thought was great. I recall that mechanism being patented by someone, right?TAKASHI

You mean the ones that don't require a spring bar tool (laughs)? Camille Fournet was working on those early on. Apparently, the patent has expired.YOKO

As expected, everyone is so perceptive! The idea of interchangeable straps didn't catch on before partly because it was too much hassle. Also, tourbillons are now available for around a million yen, and complex watch mechanisms that were once expensive are now being incorporated into daily models.TAKASHI

Longines Annual Calendar. It's amazing that they're offering this mechanism for around 200,000 yen. What's more, they say they haven't received technical assistance from Omega within the group. The brand's uniqueness is truly impressive. Last year, they also releasedVHP, a high-precision quartz, showcasing the underlying strength of mass-market brands.YOKO

Speaking of high-precision quartz, there's CITIZEN. Towards their 100th anniversary, they've developeda new movement with an annual accuracy of ±1.0 second. It feels like a new era of precision.TAKASHI

After all, the fundamental role of a watch manufacturer is to keep accurate time independently, not relying on other sources.Grand Seiko is also challenging again to improve the accuracy of mechanical movements withVFA.

YOKOIn the 1960s, official certifications were important, but now they are refining 'accuracy' from their own unique standpoint. Considering that accuracy has always been a measure of a watch's value, the competition in movement development continues.

Page02.Reassured by Breitling's Unchanged Stance?

Reassured by Breitling's Unchanged Stance?

TAKASHIHey, YOKO-san, you've covered Breitling many times. What did you think about the company's management change this time?

YOKOLike many Breitling fans, I was certainly apprehensive about the new CEO. But I was afraid to know the answer, so I tried not to think about it too much.

TAKASHIHe seems to have climbed the ranks within the Richemont Group. They say he revived IWC and then became a leading figure for the entire group. To abandon that position and become Breitling's CEO must take courage. Wasn't he already secure in his previous role?

YOKOApparently, he quit a top position in a certain Richemont division just to come to Breitling. Furthermore, he reportedly acquired Breitling shares himself upon taking the role, so he must have had a very strong passion for it.



I think it's wonderful that it's now accessible. Personally, I was drawn to the gold case of theNavitimer three-hand model.

Speaking of new CEOs...

He was actively promoting at the booths of TAG Heuer, Zenith, and Hublot, which left a strong impression.



TAKASHIHe was being questioned by local reporters. They asked him about his company's withdrawal, given that 600 companies had pulled out. He responded emphatically, 'To protect the Swiss watch industry, withdrawing from Baselworld is out of the question.'

YOKOIf Mr. Hayek of the Swatch Group were still alive, he would have said the same thing. Basel remains a global icon for the watch industry, and there's a strong will to keep it that way.

TAKASHII wonder how many watches we touched during this period? It's a grueling task, rushing from one brand's booth to the next every 30 minutes, leaving us cold in body and spirit. Yet, I clearly remember the feel of the case lines confirmed by a gentle touch of my fingertips.

YOKONow that brands release information online simultaneously with Baselworld's opening, I believe the real value of attending Basel lies precisely there.

TAKASHIPhotos can be quite deceiving. And the feeling on the wrist. Real versus virtual. There's always a gap.

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