Baselworld 2014: 41 Must-See Watches Selected by Watch Journalists - World Time (GMT, Dual Time) Edition
Baselworld 2014
41 Must-See Watches of the Year, Curated by Watch Journalists
World Time (GMT, Dual Time) Edition
In response to our increasingly globalized society, world time watches have seen a rush of new releases in recent years. Here, we introduce seven new models announced this year, from venerable Swiss brands to domestic manufacturers.
Text by Ryuji Fukutome
ZENITH
Pilot Type 20 GMT 1903
A Classic Pilot's Watch with GMT Function
This is a classic pilot's watch, inheriting Zenith's traditional design with its large 48mm case, matte black dial, easily readable Arabic numerals, and large coin-edge crown. What truly catches the eye is the strap with its protective leather patch, a feature seen on wristwatches in the early 20th century, bearing the "ZENITH FLYING INSTRUMENTS" crest on the back. This model, equipped with a GMT function to display a second time zone, is a tribute to the Wright brothers.
Automatic, Stainless Steel Case, 48mm Case Diameter, 00m Water Resistance, ¥830,000 (excluding tax)
LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan Zenith
Tel. 03-5524-6420
Van Cleef & Arpels
PATEK PHILIPPE
Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph 5990/1A
Sporty Elegance Made More Practical
Since its debut in 1976, this wristwatch has seen various complications added throughout its history. This year, a practical model has been introduced, featuring a chronograph for timing and a dual-time function that simultaneously displays two different time zones. A distinctive feature is the two hour hands, arranged concentrically, which are identical in shape, with the lower hand being skeletonized. This allows for immediate reading of two times. When a single time display is sufficient, the hour hands can be aligned.
Automatic, Stainless Steel Case, 40.5mm Case Diameter, 120m Water Resistance, ¥5,390,000 (excluding tax)
Patek Philippe Japan Information Center
Tel. 03-3255-8109
LOUIS VUITTON
Tambour Escapement World Time
A Colorful and Unique World Timepiece
There are no hands on the dial. By aligning the city name at the 12 o'clock position with the corresponding time within, the times in various countries can be seen at a glance. The 24 cities are displayed on discs, each hand-painted by artisans with an image symbolizing that city. A total of 38 colors are used. After coloring, they are dried at 100 degrees Celsius to complete. Each disc takes about a week to produce. This is a highly unique world timer crafted through incredibly delicate work.
Automatic, 18K White Gold Case, 41mm Case Diameter, 30m Water Resistance, ¥6,910,000 (estimated price/excluding tax)
Louis Vuitton Customer Service
0120-00-1854
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT
Worldtimer Manufacture
The First Bracelet Model in the Series
The design is timeless, blending classical lines with modern elements. As the model name suggests, a key feature of Frederique Constant is its in-house production from design to assembly. The dial of this world timer model depicts a world map and can display the time in 24 cities. This first bracelet watch in the series is a welcome innovation, suitable for varying climates, including hot weather.
Automatic, Stainless Steel Case, 42mm Case Diameter, 00m Water Resistance, ¥507,600 (estimated price/excluding tax)
GM International
Tel. 03-5828-9080
HERMÈS
Dressage L'heure Masquée
A Watch That Reveals Time Only When You Want It To
The dial only shows the minute hand; the hour is not visible. The second time zone, which should be displayed in the subdial at 6 o'clock, is also only indicated by the letters "GMT," making it impossible to tell the time. This model is a groundbreaking timepiece created under the theme of transcending the concept of time through its "hidden time" – L'heure Masquée. Pressing the push-button integrated with the crown reveals the hour hand, hidden by the minute hand, displaying the current time and the second time zone. It is a wristwatch that tells time only when you wish to know it.
Automatic, 18K Pink Gold Case, 40.5mm Case Diameter, 50m Water Resistance, ¥2,140,000 (estimated price/excluding tax)
Hermès Japon
Tel. 03-3569-3300
RADO
HyperChrome Ceramic Touch Dual Timer
Dual Time Operated with a Unique Touch
This is a unique wristwatch where both the main display and the second time zone dial at 6 o'clock, which shows the hour and minute hands, are adjusted by touching the sides of the case. For example, touching the 10 o'clock position adjusts the main time. Sliding a finger along the left side of the case adjusts the hour, and the right side adjusts the minute. Switching between the main and sub-displays can also be done with a single touch. The ceramic material does not react to metal detectors, making it convenient as you do not need to remove it during airport security checks.
Quartz, High-Tech Ceramic Case, 42mm Case Diameter, 50m Water Resistance, ¥280,000 (excluding tax)
Swatch Group Japan Rado Division
Tel. 03-6254-7331
CITIZEN
Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave F100
The Most Accurate Travel Watch
This year sees an evolution of the "Eco-Drive Satellite Wave," which corrects time by receiving signals from artificial satellites. The signal reception speed has been shortened, enabling time correction in as little as 3 seconds. Furthermore, it supports all 40 time zones worldwide. This includes the 39 official time zones plus Australia's unofficial time zone of Japan minus 15 minutes. This functionality is achieved within a slim 12.4mm case that fits comfortably on the wrist. Design freedom has increased, resulting in a sharper aesthetic.
Quartz, Titanium Case, 45.4mm Case Diameter, 100m Water Resistance, Price Undetermined
Citizen Customer Watch Consultation Service0120-78-4807